Chicago theater lovers have a new reason to celebrate. The Tony‑award‑winning musical Oh, Mary!—a darkly comic, queer‑focused look at First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln—will open at the CIBC Theatre (18 W. Monroe St.) for a limited run from Jan. 19 through Feb. 7. Tickets are on sale now, with prices beginning at $75.
Show details and creative team
Written by Cole Escola and directed by Sam Pinkleton, the one‑act production blends absurd humor with a fresh perspective on the “forgotten life and dreams” of Mrs. Lincoln in the months leading up to President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. The show features a tight five‑actor cast, with the role of the First Lady traditionally rotating among high‑profile performers such as Escola, Jinkx Monsoon, Betty Gilpin, Tituss Burgess, Jane Krakowski, John Cameron Mitchell and Meg Stalter.
J. Harrison Ghee, the first openly non‑binary performer to win a Tony Award, was originally slated to portray Mrs. Lincoln in Chicago. Ghee is currently on a leave of absence to focus on treatment for kidney disease, and the tour has not yet announced a replacement for the Chicago dates.
Ticket information
Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster. The pricing starts at $75, with a range of seating options to suit different budgets. Because the run is limited, interested patrons are encouraged to buy early.
Tour background and accolades
The production kicked off a nationwide tour last month, hitting cities such as San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, Boston and St. Paul before arriving in Chicago. Since its Broadway debut in July 2024, Oh, Mary! has broken its own box‑office record twelve times and became the first show of the 2024‑25 Broadway season to recoup its investment, according to Deadline. At New York’s Lyceum Theatre, it also became the venue’s first production in its 121‑year history to gross more than $1 million in a single week.
In addition to the main musical, the touring bill includes the comedy act Alaska Thunderf*ck through Jan. 17, offering audiences a varied evening of entertainment.
Why Chicago audiences will love it
Chicago’s vibrant theater scene has long embraced bold, innovative works, and Oh, Mary! fits that tradition perfectly. Its blend of historical subject matter, contemporary humor, and a queer lens provides a fresh cultural experience that resonates with the city’s diverse audiences. The production’s success on Broadway and across the country suggests it will be a highlight of the winter theater calendar.
For more information on the full tour schedule and to secure tickets, visit the official Ticketmaster page linked below.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
