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Bowen Yang Is Finally Taking Over Broadway in Oh, Mary!
Bowen Yang Makes His Broadway Debut in "Oh, Mary!" This Fall
Who Is Bowen Yang?
Imagine someone who makes millions of people laugh every Saturday night on live TV. That’s Bowen Yang! Here’s what you need to know about him:
- Saturday Night Live Star: He spent 8 seasons on SNL (that’s the famous late-night comedy show)
- History Maker: He was the first Chinese American cast member in the show’s entire history
- Award Nominee: He’s been nominated for Emmy Awards multiple times (those are like the Oscars but for TV)
- Movie Actor: You might have seen him in Wicked, Fire Island, Bros, or The Afterparty
Important Point: Bowen isn’t just a funny guy on TV — he’s a trailblazer who broke barriers in comedy!
What Is "Oh, Mary!"?
Think of it like a hilarious, twisted history lesson. Here’s the scoop:
| Detail | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Writer & Original Star | Cole Escola (a comedy genius who won a Tony Award for this role!) |
| Director | Sam Pinkleton |
| The Premise | The final weeks before Abraham Lincoln’s assassination — but told through Mary Todd Lincoln’s eyes |
| The Twist | Mary isn’t the serious First Lady from history books. She’s a bitter, blackout-drunk aspiring cabaret star who hates her marriage and her life |
| Genre | Comedy — but a smart, weird, award-winning kind |
Fun Fact: The show won the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play (that’s Broadway’s highest honor!).
The Journey to Broadway: Why Now?
1. First Ask: "No Thanks"
Last summer, the show’s team asked Bowen to play Mary. He said no. Why?
"I was too yoked to that timeframe to give myself the proper runway. I was not going to take a Broadway debut without the utmost seriousness and gravitas and respect."
— Bowen Yang (via Vulture)
Translation: He was still committed to SNL and didn’t have enough time to prepare properly. He takes theater very seriously.
2. The Turning Point
- December: Bowen filmed his final SNL episode
- After that: He went back to see "Oh, Mary!" for the fifth time — but this time, an understudy named Hannah Solow was playing Mary
- The Result: Something clicked. The show hit different.
3. Why He Changed His Mind
Bowen realized the show is about regrets — just like his regret for turning it down the first time. He connected with Mary’s journey:
"Mary feels trapped by her own decisions and then she understands that it is, in fact, other people’s decisions that have sort of kept her in this place."
— Bowen Yang
Meet the Cast at the Lyceum Theatre
Bowen won’t be alone on stage! He’s joining these talented actors at the historic Lyceum Theatre (one of Broadway’s oldest theaters, opened in 1903!):
| Actor | Character | Fun Note |
|---|---|---|
| Phillip James Brannon | Mary’s Husband | Continuing cast member |
| Barrett Foa | Mary’s Teacher | Continuing cast member |
| Bianca Leigh | Mary’s Chaperone | Continuing cast member |
| Tony Macht | Mary’s Teacher’s Assistant | Original cast member returning! |
A Star-Studded History: Who Played Mary Before Bowen?
"Oh, Mary!" has had an incredible lineup of stars since it opened on Broadway. Check out this comedy hall of fame:
- Cole Escola (Creator & Original Star) — Tony Winner!
- Betty Gilpin (GLOW, The Hunt)
- John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch)
- Jinkx Monsoon (RuPaul’s Drag Race Winner)
- Tituss Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt)
- Jane Krakowski (30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt)
- Maya Rudolph (SNL, Bridesmaids)
- Megan Stalter (Hacks, Mega)
- → NEXT: Bowen Yang
Wow Factor: That’s basically a "Who’s Who" of modern comedy all playing the same role!
Show Details & Tickets: Everything You Need to Know
When Does Bowen Start?
Tuesday, September 15 — mark your calendars!
Tickets On Sale Now Through:
Saturday, July 10, 2027
(That’s nearly 3 years after opening night!)
Beyond Broadway:
- London’s West End: Olivier Award-winning run (that’s the UK’s Tony Awards!)
- North American Tour: Launching September in Hartford, CT
Ticket Prices:
Starting at $89 (via Ticketmaster)
Why This Is a Big Deal
1. Broadway Debut for a Comedy Powerhouse
Bowen has conquered TV and film. Now he’s tackling live theater — no retakes, no editing, just pure performance every night.
2. Representation Matters
As an Asian American queer man playing a historical white woman, Bowen continues to break boundaries about who gets to play what on Broadway.
3. The Show Is a Cultural Phenomenon
"Oh, Mary!" isn’t just a hit — it’s a movement. It started small at the Lucille Lortel Theatre (Off-Broadway), sold out, moved to Broadway, and became one of the biggest comedy hits in recent memory.
Summary: The TL;DR Version
- Bowen Yang (SNL star, Emmy nominee, history-maker) is making his Broadway debut
- Role: Mary Todd Lincoln in the Tony-winning comedy "Oh, Mary!"
- Where: Lyceum Theatre (historic Broadway venue)
- When: Starting September 15
- Tickets: On sale now through July 2027 (from $89)
- Context: He joins a legendary line of comedy stars who’ve played the role
- Why It Matters: Representation, artistic growth, and a genuinely hilarious show
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Q: Do I need to know history to enjoy "Oh, Mary!"?
A: Not at all! The show uses history as a jumping-off point for absurd comedy. Think Drunk History meets SNL sketch — but smarter and weirder.
Q: Is Bowen Yang leaving SNL for good?
A: Yes! He filmed his final episode in December 2024. This Broadway role is his first major project post-SNL.
Q: How long is Bowen staying with the show?
A: The article doesn’t specify an end date, but tickets are sold through July 2027. Broadway stars typically stay for several months to a year.
Q: What if I can’t get to New York?
A: Good news! The North American tour starts in September (Hartford, CT), and there’s a London production too. Check local theaters!
Q: Is this show appropriate for kids?
A: Probably not. The show features a "blackout-drunk" protagonist and adult humor. Think TV-MA rating — best for teens and adults.
Final Thought: Bowen Yang taking on Mary Todd Lincoln in "Oh, Mary!" is like watching a comedy superhero put on a cape (and a 1860s bonnet). Whether you’re a theater nerd, an SNL fan, or just someone who loves smart humor — this is one to watch!
