ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Meg Stalter Takes Over Mary Todd Lincoln in Broadway Hit 'Oh, Mary!'

artist · 2026-08-26

Meg Stalter, the comedian known for her role as Kayla in HBO Max's 'Hacks,' has been starring as Mary Todd Lincoln in the Broadway play 'Oh, Mary!' for the past two months. The play, written by and originally starring Cole Escola, has been a runaway success since opening in summer 2024 at the Lyceum Theatre, selling out two years later. Stalter's performance has been praised for its physical comedy and youthful interpretation. She recently discussed her career, including her upcoming pop album 'Crave,' her film project 'Church Girls,' and her experiences in Chicago's comedy scene. Stalter, who grew up Pentecostal in Ohio, aims to tell a story about queer Christians in 'Church Girls.' She also reflected on her time making Cameo videos during the pandemic, her friendship with Cole Escola, and her work with Lena Dunham on 'Too Much.' Stalter's run in 'Oh, Mary!' follows other notable actors in the role, including Jane Krakowski, Maya Rudolph, and Jinkx Monsoon, with Bowen Yang set to take over in September.

Key facts

  • Meg Stalter has been starring as Mary Todd Lincoln in 'Oh, Mary!' for the past two months.
  • 'Oh, Mary!' opened on Broadway in summer 2024 and is still selling out the Lyceum Theatre.
  • Stalter is known for her role as Kayla in 'Hacks,' which concluded its fifth and final season this spring.
  • Stalter is developing a film called 'Church Girls' about a queer Christian.
  • Her pop album 'Crave' has released its first single 'The Prettiest Girl in America' in May.
  • Stalter started in Chicago's comedy scene, performing at Second City and ImprovOlympic.
  • She made hundreds of Cameo videos during the pandemic to earn money.
  • Bowen Yang will take over the role of Mary in September.
  • Stalter's performance has been noted for its physical comedy and youthful take on the character.
  • She has been praised for her red-carpet stunts with Paul W. Downs, including wearing orange leather outfits.

Entities

Artists

  • Meg Stalter
  • Cole Escola
  • Jane Krakowski
  • Maya Rudolph
  • Betty Gilpin
  • Jinkx Monsoon
  • Hannah Solow
  • John Cameron Mitchell
  • Titus Burgess
  • Bowen Yang
  • Sam Pinkleton
  • Paul W. Downs
  • Lucia Aniello
  • Jen Statsky
  • Lena Dunham
  • Caleb Hearon
  • Eva Victor
  • Sarah Sherman
  • John Early
  • Kate Berlant
  • Cailin Russo
  • Jesse Thomas
  • Kat Typaldos
  • Jean Smart
  • Andy Kaufman
  • Kim Cattrall
  • Avril Lavigne
  • Sarah Jessica Parker

Institutions

  • HBO Max
  • Netflix
  • Second City
  • ImprovOlympic
  • The Annoyance
  • The Hideout
  • Lucille Lortel Theatre
  • Lyceum Theatre
  • Joe Allen
  • Voodoo Monkey Tattoo
  • E.L.F. Cosmetics

Locations

  • New York City
  • United States
  • Chicago
  • Ohio
  • Cleveland
  • Dayton
  • Los Angeles
  • Peru
  • Amazon River

Sources