Cole Escola built the strangest hit on Broadway out of a historical premise nobody asked for, and the title role has since become a relay baton passed between comedy's biggest names. Meg Stalter is holding it now, in her last weeks before Bowen Yang steps in, making this a finite version of the show. If you have been meaning to see one Broadway comedy that people will still be quoting at you in a year, book this one before the handover.
What to expect
Ninety-odd minutes of escalating farce in a small, gilded 1903 house where the audience laughter never really settles. Expect period costume played for maximum absurdity, a tight ensemble around the lead, and a script that treats American history as a setup rather than a subject.
Good to know
- The Lyceum is on West 45th Street just east of Times Square; the B, D, F and M to 42nd Street put you a block away.
- It is a small house, so almost every seat is close to the stage and rear mezzanine is a real bargain.
- The humour is broad, queer and adult; leave the kids at home.
- There is no intermission, so plan your drinks and bathroom stops beforehand.
- The title role changes hands in mid-September, so check who is announced for the performance you book.
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Common questions
Who is playing Mary Todd Lincoln this weekend?
Meg Stalter is in the role through her final performance in mid-September. Bowen Yang takes over from September 15 for a run through early December, so this weekend is Stalter's.
Do I need to know anything about the Lincolns?
Not really. Cole Escola's script uses the Civil War White House as a comic frame and invents almost everything else, so no history homework is required.
How long is it?
It runs roughly ninety minutes straight through with no intermission, which leaves the evening wide open afterwards.
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