John Cameron Mitchell, the groundbreaking creator and original star of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, is returning to Broadway for a highly anticipated 2026 engagement. Mitchell will take on the role of Mary Todd Lincoln in Cole Escola’s critically acclaimed dark comedy Oh, Mary! beginning February 3, 2026. His 12-week run marks the beloved theater visionary’s first major Broadway appearance in years.
The production—already one of Broadway’s most talked-about comedies—welcomes Mitchell at the historic Lyceum Theatre, where the show has continued drawing capacity crowds since opening in July 2024.
A Celebrated Broadway Icon Takes on an Unexpected Role
Known for redefining queer theater and reinventing rock musicals with Hedwig, Mitchell’s return signals a major moment for Broadway. His blend of humor, pathos, and theatrical innovation makes him an ideal match for Escola’s offbeat reimagining of Mary Todd Lincoln.
Mitchell will appear from February 3 through April 26, 2026, replacing the latest rotating star in the title role. Previous portrayals have included Tituss Burgess and Betty Gilpin, each delivering their own comedic imprint. Mitchell’s casting brings added prestige and intensifies excitement for the comedy’s next chapter.
Why Oh, Mary! Became Broadway’s Breakout Comedy
Cole Escola—who wrote and originally starred in the production—crafted Oh, Mary! as a surreal, darkly comic portrait of Mary Todd Lincoln in the final weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Escola’s version of Mary is chaotic, trapped, and hilariously unhinged, offering audiences a wildly unconventional approach to historical satire.
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Playwright | Cole Escola |
| Broadway Opening | July 11, 2024 |
| Theatre | Lyceum Theatre |
| Genre | Dark comedy, historical satire |
| Engagement | Feb 3 – Apr 26, 2026 |
The production earned rave reviews, extension announcements, and multiple award nominations, becoming the first limited-run comedy in Broadway history to extend due to overwhelming demand.
Mitchell’s Career of Transformative Performances
Mitchell, born April 21, 1963, has built one of the most daring resumes in American theater. Beyond Hedwig, he has directed acclaimed films, acted on Broadway and the West End, and cultivated a reputation for challenging theatrical norms.
His upcoming portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln requires both comedic precision and emotional range—qualities Mitchell has demonstrated across his decades-long career. Industry insiders suggest his run may become one of the defining theatrical events of early 2026.
A Historic Theatre Hosts a Bold New Chapter
Performing inside Manhattan’s Lyceum Theatre—the oldest operating Broadway playhouse—adds an additional layer of irony and grandeur. Here, Mitchell will reenvision one of America’s most scrutinized First Ladies in a space steeped in U.S. theatrical history.
Meanwhile, Oh, Mary! continues expanding its reach with a planned West End production starring Mason Alexander Park, demonstrating the play’s rising international profile.
What Audiences Can Expect This February
Mitchell’s limited engagement is expected to draw significant demand from Broadway fans and longtime Hedwig followers. His portrayal is poised to bring new emotional textures and comedic rhythms to Escola’s absurdist script.
Tickets are available via official Broadway channels, with producers encouraging early booking due to limited seating and high interest.
Mitchell’s return not only marks a major theatrical moment but solidifies Oh, Mary! as one of Broadway’s most inventive and enduring comedic triumphs.
