What Did Cole Escola Say About the Fierce Rivalry in Broadway's 'Oh, Mary!'?

At the 79th Tony Awards, Cole Escola humorously addressed the fierce competition among cast members of the Broadway show 'Oh, Mary!'. He specifically mentioned Maya Rudolph's Broadway debut and the playful rivalries that have emerged among the actors portraying Mary Todd Lincoln. Escola's witty remarks shed light on the show's dynamic atmosphere and the unique character interpretations. With a comedic twist on history, 'Oh, Mary!' has captivated audiences and is set to continue its success with a rotating cast. Discover more about this vibrant production and its journey from Off-Broadway to Broadway.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 8, 2026, 18:39 IST

Cole Escola's Humorous Take on Broadway Rivalries

At the 79th Tony Awards, Cole Escola showcased his trademark wit while discussing the competitive dynamics among the cast of the popular Broadway show "Oh, Mary!" During a red carpet chat, he humorously remarked that the actors portraying Mary Todd Lincoln in the production have a strong dislike for one another. His comments particularly spotlighted Maya Rudolph, who is making her Broadway debut in this Sam Pinkleton-directed show at the Lyceum Theatre.

Escola elaborated on the competitive atmosphere, quipping, "You should hear some of the things Maya has said about Meg Stalter, and even about me." He playfully pointed out that Rudolph, at 53, is the most competitive member of the ensemble, suggesting that the fierce rivalry mirrors the dramatic essence of the character they portray. "That's what I want," Escola added, emphasizing that such competition keeps the energy alive, stating, "Show business thrives on spite, as I always say."

"Oh, Mary!" presents a comedic twist on Mary Todd Lincoln, depicting her as a hard-drinking woman with dreams of becoming a cabaret star. The show initially premiered Off-Broadway in January 2024 before transitioning to Broadway in June. Currently, Rudolph leads the cast, while "Hacks" star Megan Stalter is scheduled to take over the role for a 10-week stint starting in July.

Stalter has previously expressed her laid-back approach to joining the cast, saying, "I feel like I'm just going to wing it. I don't think I'm going to even learn the lines because I feel like you just get up there and kind of like, do it." Throughout its run, "Oh, Mary!" has featured a diverse array of performers in the lead role, including well-known talents like Betty Gilpin, Tituss Burgess, Jinkx Monsoon, Jane Krakowski, John Cameron Mitchell, and longtime understudy Hannah Solow.

The production is also achieving acclaim overseas, having enjoyed an Olivier Award-winning run in London's West End. The 2026 Tony Awards, during which Escola made his comments, were broadcast on CBS and available for streaming on Paramount+, highlighting the vibrant creativity and talent within the Broadway community.