Bowen Yang will make his Broadway acting debut playing Mary Todd Lincoln in the play “Oh, Mary!”
The casting brings a high-profile former Saturday Night Live cast member to the New York stage, signaling a significant career transition for the comedian. This move follows a period where Yang reconsidered a previous decision to decline the role.
The production is scheduled to open on Sept. 15, 2026 [1]. The play will have a 12-week run [2] and is slated to close on Dec. 6, 2026 [2]. Performances will take place at the historic Lyceum Theatre on Broadway in New York City [3].
Yang's transition to the stage comes after a period of professional deliberation. In an interview regarding the casting, Yang discussed his previous hesitation about the project. "I was too yoked to that timeframe to ..." Yang said [4].
Producers announced the casting as part of an effort to bring a recognized comedic talent to the lead role. The play, which centers on the life of Mary Todd Lincoln, will leverage Yang's background in character work, and satire to bring the historical figure to life for Broadway audiences.
Tickets for the limited engagement are expected to be in high demand given the profile of the lead actor and the prestige of the venue. The Lyceum Theatre is one of the oldest operating theaters in the city—a setting that provides a stark contrast to the modern comedic timing Yang is known for.
“Bowen Yang will make his Broadway acting debut playing Mary Todd Lincoln”
Yang's move into Broadway theater represents a strategic expansion of his brand beyond sketch comedy and television. By taking on a demanding lead role in a historical satire, he is positioning himself as a versatile stage actor capable of carrying a production, which may influence future casting opportunities in both theater and film.
