Life is a constant rollercoaster, full of ups and downs, but there are those rare moments when everything aligns and pure joy seems to flood our lives. For Tituss Burgess, a six-time Emmy nominee and celebrated actor, such a moment seems to be unfolding right now. This week, Burgess took over the lead role of Mary Todd Lincoln in the hit Broadway comedy Oh, Mary, marking a significant personal and professional achievement in his illustrious career.
Oh, Mary, written by and originally starring Cole Escola, first debuted at the Lyceum Theatre in New York last July. The production quickly became a smash hit, not just because of its unique portrayal of a historical figure, but because it shattered the theater’s longstanding record for weekly gross sales. In a remarkable feat, the show broke the venue’s 121-year-old record by earning over $1 million in a single week. Since then, the production has continued to break that record, doing so 11 times to date.
After taking a brief hiatus at the start of 2025, Escola was replaced by Betty Gilpin for an eight-week run in January. Gilpin’s tenure was followed by the arrival of Burgess, who began his limited three-week engagement as the eccentric Mary Todd Lincoln on Tuesday. This run will last until April 8, when Escola is set to return to the role.
From the moment Burgess stepped into the role, it was clear to many critics and fans that the actor, best known for his work on Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, was a perfect fit. His performance has drawn praise, with many observers expressing admiration for how seamlessly he embodies the zany, over-the-top nature of Mary Todd Lincoln, an often misunderstood historical figure. Fans who are unable to visit New York City for the show are already hoping for a filmed version of Burgess’ performance, eager to enjoy it from afar.
A Career Milestone
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Burgess reflected on his career journey and the personal significance of stepping into this role. The actor, who has spent 25 years working in the entertainment industry, shared how his new role feels like the culmination of a long pursuit. He described it as a transformative moment in his life.
“I’ve been in this business for 25 years professionally,” Burgess wrote in the post. “I’ve seen many ups and downs and twists and turns. Tonight marks a very new thing for me. I’ve met a me I have been longing to see. It’s like I caught me off guard. I knew I was coming, I saw me just around the bend. And just when I was about to roll my eyes at the appearance of my delay… suddenly I showed up to get me. Fantasy duped reality and got her on the dance floor. Now I can’t tell them apart!”
For Burgess, Oh, Mary is not just a play—it’s a deeply personal experience that resonates far beyond the stage. He expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity, stating that the production means much more to him than simply being a Broadway show. His words captured a profound sense of fulfillment, as though the culmination of years of hard work and personal growth had finally arrived.
A Day of Reflection
On the heels of his debut performance, Burgess shared a video with his followers, offering a glimpse into a reflective moment after completing two shows in one day. The video, posted to Instagram, shows Burgess playing the piano, his face illuminated by the soft glow of a dimly lit room. “Came home. 2 show day. Energized. Grateful. It’s raining. It’s my favorite,” he said in the video caption. “I dropped my bags and just ran to the piano. My heart is full. Not for the reasons you may think. Full JUST BECAUSE. That in and of itself is enough to thank the creator. Whoever they are, wherever they reside—in us, outside of us, all around. I crave more of these days… of feeling overjoyed JUST BECAUSE!”
Burgess’ candid post struck a chord with his fans and fellow artists alike. One of the most notable responses came from Tony Award-winning actor Billy Porter, who shared the video on the social media platform Threads. Porter wrote, “Good morning, loves… So grateful this morning for my chosen and spiritual family. I woke up feeling some kind of way this morning and the universe has stepped in to lift me up. Thank you, Titus.”
The Show Itself: Oh, Mary
Oh, Mary is not your average historical drama. The play focuses on the weeks leading up to the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, specifically exploring the character of his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln. However, in the hands of Escola, who also wrote the show, Mary becomes a larger-than-life figure—an eccentric, heavy-drinking, cabaret-obsessed woman navigating her grief and personal struggles.
The show has been described as a delightful mix of comedy and absurdity, blending historical elements with modern sensibilities. Mary Todd Lincoln, a complex historical figure often overshadowed by her husband’s legacy, is given a humorous and chaotic makeover. Under Escola’s direction, the character is both tragic and hilarious, providing a fresh perspective on her life in the turbulent days leading up to Lincoln’s death.
Escola, who originally conceived the show and played the role of Mary Todd Lincoln, personally selected Burgess to take over the role for this limited engagement. Appearing on the Las Culturistas podcast last year, Escola expressed how Burgess was their dream choice for a replacement. “In a way that almost would make [them say] ‘Wait… maybe you’re too good,’” Escola said, adding that Burgess’ charisma and talent would be perfect for the role.
Burgess’ portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln, as both a deeply human and wildly exaggerated character, has resonated with audiences and critics alike. His performance brings a unique blend of humor and vulnerability to the role, showcasing his impeccable comedic timing and dramatic range.
A Bright Future for Oh, Mary
As Oh, Mary continues to captivate audiences at the Lyceum Theatre, Burgess’ temporary run marks a significant moment in both his career and the show’s legacy. The production’s success not only highlights the talent of its cast but also signals a growing appetite for bold, original theater that challenges traditional narratives. With Burgess in the role, Oh, Mary has only strengthened its reputation as a must-see show on Broadway.
While Burgess’ engagement will end in early April, the buzz surrounding the production is likely to continue. As the curtain falls on this chapter of Oh, Mary, the show will undoubtedly continue to make waves, proving that in the world of theater, sometimes the most unexpected collaborations yield the most remarkable results.
