Jane Krakowski, an American actress and singer, is in the spotlight for taking over the role of Mary Todd Lincoln in the historical farce Oh, Mary!
She is renowned for her exceptional versatility, having won awards for both her comedic and musical talents.
Her career began early, with her first significant film role as Cousin Vicki in the 1983 comedy National Lampoon’s Vacation. She soon transitioned to daytime television, earning Daytime Emmy nominations for her role on the soap opera Search for Tomorrow.
However, her first love has always been the stage. She is an acclaimed Broadway performer, winning a Tony Award for her role in the musical Nine and an Olivier Award for Guys and Dolls in London’s West End.
Krakowski is perhaps popular for her work on television. She stole scenes as the vain and hilarious Jenna Maroney on the hit NBC comedy 30 Rock for seven seasons and earned four Emmy nominations.
She later reunited with creator Tina Fey for another praised comedic performance on Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
The American actress has proven herself to be a dynamic and enduring talent in the entertainment industry, from Broadway to award-winning sitcoms. She currently hosts the rebooted game show Name That Tune.
Jane Krakowski to Star in Hit Comedy “Oh, Mary!” on Broadway
Award-winning actress and comedian Jane Krakowski is set to take on the role of a lifetime, a completely unhinged version of Mary Todd Lincoln.
She will star in Cole Escola’s “Oh, Mary!” for an eight-week engagement from October 14 through December 7. The Tony-winning play has been a massive hit since it first opened off-Broadway, and this marks its latest extension.
The show is a wildly irreverent and historically inaccurate comedy that reimagines Abraham Lincoln’s wife as a horny, drunk, and belligerent woman whose absolute dream is to be a cabaret star.
Krakowski expressed her excitement.
Thank you, Cole, for giving us this madcap work of genius. I am so honored to slip into the bratty curls previously worn by Cole Escola, Betty Gilpin, Tituss Burgess, and Jinkx Monsoon.
Escola, who won a Tony for their leading performance, created the show as a kind of “Mad Libs” using the vague historical figure of Mary Todd Lincoln.
The play became an instant sensation, transferring to Broadway and winning the Tony for Best Director for Sam Pinkleton.
Krakowski, a Tony winner herself, last appeared on Broadway in 2016.
From the first time I watched Oh, Mary! downtown I thought, ‘how do I get myself on that stage in this role?’ After watching Cole take the NYC taxi ride uptown and now worshipping it four times more, I made it! Oh, Mary! is a comedic work of genius that ends up in my dream version of 7 minutes in heaven.
Jane Krakowski Withdraws from ‘Annie Live!’ Due to the Breakthrough Covid
Actress Jane Krakowski was forced to step down from her role in NBC’s Annie Live! after testing positive for a breakthrough case of COVID-19.
Despite being fully vaccinated and following safety protocols, she was diagnosed while working on another project in Ireland. She was set to play the role of Lily St. Regis.
Stepping into the role at the last minute was Broadway star Megan Hilty. She is renowned to audiences for her portrayal of Ivy Lynn in NBC’s musical drama Smash.
Later, he appeared in Lifetime’s Patsy & Loretta. Her other TV credits include Difficult People, The Good Fight, Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce, and The Good Wife.
Hilty made her Broadway debut as Glinda in Wicked and was Tony-nominated for her role in the 2016 revival of Noises Off.
I am beyond thrilled to join this all-star cast, crew and creative team. My family and I have been super fans of Annie for as long as I can remember, so to be a part of this particular production is an honor and a dream come true. I wish Jane the speediest of recoveries and hope to do her proud.
Hilty joined a star-studded cast including Taraji P. Henson as Miss Hannigan, Harry Connick Jr. as Daddy Warbucks, and Nicole Scherzinger as Grace.
The live television musical special, which aired on December 2, 2021, received generally positive reviews from critics.
