Maya Rudolph, known for her work on “Saturday Night Live” and in comedy, is making her Broadway debut in the play “Oh, Mary!” portraying an unconventional version of Mary Todd Lincoln. The production, currently running through July 5, reimagines the former first lady as a hard-drinking, self-absorbed aspiring cabaret singer who feels constrained by her husband Abraham Lincoln’s rigid demeanor.

Rudolph joined the cast in late April after a brief rehearsal period of just 10 days. Despite the limited preparation, she has embraced the role’s mix of slapstick physical comedy and absurd humor, which she describes as “so dumb” that it borders on brilliance. The play’s comedic style, marked by exaggerated antics and outlandish scenarios, aligns well with Rudolph’s improvisational background and expressive performance style.

“Oh, Mary!” has seen a succession of actors take on the title role, including its creator Cole Escola, Tony winner Betty Gilpin, Tituss Burgess, Jinkx Monsoon, Hannah Solow, Jane Krakowski, and John Cameron Mitchell. Rudolph, the eighth to play Mary, has been praised by director Sam Pinkleton for her dynamic stage presence, noting that performing for her “lives in her bones.” Escola, who won a Tony Award in 2025 for the role, described Rudolph’s energy as a “naughty sparkle” reminiscent of a “rambunctious child.”

The transition to the New York theater scene posed challenges for Rudolph, who likened the experience to suddenly being in the NBA—overwhelming but manageable with time. Although she experiences pre-show nerves, she finds comfort in the theatrical environment, appreciating the immediacy and unpredictability of live performance.

Backstage, Rudolph’s dressing room reflects a vintage, feminine aesthetic—decorated originally by actor Amy Sedaris for Escola and retained through subsequent casts. Rudolph personally handles her own makeup for performances, underscoring the hands-on nature of her approach to the production.

The show has elicited lively audience reactions, with Rudolph noting particularly vocal matinee crowds and some evening spectators who have tested patience, including a disruptive attendee who called out lines during the performance.

Rudolph’s affinity for music and performing traces back to her childhood in Los Angeles, where she was raised by singer Minnie Riperton and songwriter-producer Richard Rudolph. Although she pursued a career in comedy and television, appearing on Broadway has fulfilled a longstanding aspiration.

“Oh, Mary!” continues to engage audiences with its irreverent and chaotic take on a historical figure, anchored by Rudolph’s energetic and unorthodox portrayal.