A Star Takes the Stage: Tituss Burgess as Mary Todd Lincoln
Tituss Burgess, the beloved actor known for his dynamic performances in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Broadway shows, is stepping into the spotlight once again, this time as Mary Todd Lincoln in the hit comedy Oh, Mary! on Broadway. Burgess, donning a curly Mary Todd Lincoln wig and a black bell-shaped dress, is no stranger to physical comedy and high-energy performances. However, this role is proving to be particularly demanding, both physically and vocally. As he prepares to take the stage at the Lyceum Theater, Burgess revealed that he even needed kneepads for the rehearsals—testament to the show’s relentless energy and chaotic hilarity. The production, which runs through April 6, will then see Cole Escola, the original creator and star of the show, return to the role.
From podcasts to Broadway: A Dream Casting Realized
The idea of Burgess playing Mary Todd Lincoln was first floated during an episode of the podcast Las Culturistas, hosted by Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, back in May. Escola, who was a guest on the show, jokingly expressed their desire for Burgess to take on the role, calling it their "dream casting." The hosts reacted with excitement, with Rogers declaring it "fab." Burgess, however, was initially hesitant when the offer came his way in December. Having seen the show, he found it impossible to separate the character from Escola’s performance. Despite his reservations, he eventually agreed, diving headfirst into the role with characteristic dedication. Burgess shared that he threw himself into learning the script and blocking before rehearsals even began, determined to master the herculean task ahead.
The Physicality of the Role: A Marathon on Stage
Burgess quickly realized that the role of Mary Todd Lincoln is no small feat. The 90-minute show is a non-stop, physically demanding performance that left him questioning whether he had spent enough time at the gym. He estimates that he burns around 600 to 700 calories per show, comparing it to running a marathon. The role requires meticulous attention to detail, as every movement and line delivery must fit seamlessly into the production’s finely tuned puzzle. Burgess also revealed the challenges of staying hydrated during the performance while managing the single bathroom break he has during the show. Despite the chaos, he has found a way to bring his own unique energy to the role, balancing the physicality with a depth of character that feels both new and rooted in the original creation.
A New Dimension: Tituss Burgess Brings Fresh Energy
The addition of Burgess to the cast has brought a fresh dynamic to the production, according to director Sam Pinkleton. Pinkleton praised Burgess for his ability to interpret the role in a way that feels both surprising and familiar, calling his performance a "joyous new dimension" in the show. Burgess, who has a long history of delivering memorable performances, has brought his signature expressiveness and powerful vocal abilities to the role. His take on Mary Todd Lincoln is equally as physical as Escola’s, but with a unique flair that only Burgess can deliver. The show’s script, which Pinkleton describes as "elastic," has proven to be adaptable to different interpretations, with Burgess joining a legacy of actors like Betty Gilpin who have also played the role.
A Labor of Love: Burgess’s Thoughts on the Show’s Genius
Burgess has nothing but admiration for the show’s creator, Cole Escola, and the world they have created. He remarked on the script’s wit and cleverness, calling it one of the funniest plays of his generation. Burgess, who has been in the industry long enough to recognize excellence, went so far as to say that Escola deserves a Tony Award for both the play and their performance. He also highlighted the show’s versatility, noting that while the lines remain the same, the delivery and tone can change dramatically depending on who is playing Mary Todd. This elasticity is a testament to the strength of the script and the creativity of the actors involved.
The Voice Behind the Wig: Balancing Performance and Preservation
One of the most challenging aspects of the role for Burgess has been the vocal demands. Mary Todd Lincoln’s character requires both rapid-fire dialogue and powerful singing, with Burgess comparing the vocal strain to that of playing Elphaba in Wicked. To prepare, he has been working closely with his vocal coach, particularly as his voice has a different quality from Escola’s lighter tone. Burgess admitted that the role has taken a toll on his stamina, and while he is excited to bring his own brand of performance to the show, he is also relieved that his run is only three weeks long. For Burgess, the opportunity to play Mary Todd Lincoln is not just about delivering a stellar performance but also about honoring the brilliance of Escola’s creation while leaving his own mark on the role.
