Every gay’s Broadway dreams are coming true: drag superstar Jinkx Monsoon is taking over the lead role in Cole Escola’s Oh, Mary!
The satirical play, which offers a twisted take on the story of first lady Mary Todd Lincoln, is one of the funniest shows to come to Broadway in years. It recently won two Tony Awards for Best Actor and Best Director, and this summer, Jinkx will become part of Oh, Mary!’s legacy.
Jinkx announced her casting on TODAY with Jenna & Friends, telling host Jenna Bush Hager and guest co-host Michelle Buteau why the opportunity means so much to her.
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“I feel very honored and privileged to be in this position right now because as a trans feminine actress, I was convinced this wasn’t possible,” Jinkx said. “I thought I had to choose to be an actor or choose to be a trans person, but I didn’t think the world was going to let me be both.”
“I want the door to stay open behind me, and it’s only because of trans actresses and drag performers on Broadway before me,” she added, pointing to fellow trans actors like Angelica Ross, Laverne Cox, and Peppermint. “These people paved the way for me to be here. And I want to do the same for others.”
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Jinkx will take over as Mary Todd Lincoln on August 4, just a week after closing her current Broadway run of Pirates! The Penzance Musical.
“To be invited to live in this playground for a time is not only an honor and a privilege, but a lovely chance to showcase the writing talents of one friend, the directorial talents of another, and everything else that comes with this singular production,” Monsoon added in a statement.
Jinkx will be in Oh, Mary! For an eight-week limited engagement through September 27. Tickets are available here.
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