Cole Escola, star of “Oh, Mary!”, connects with destiny as they claim their first Tony Award
In a rare moment when everything seems to fall perfectly into place, Cole Escola celebrated a significant milestone at the Tony Awards — winning the best actor in a play for their role in “Oh, Mary!” As they gracefully accepted the award on Sunday, Escola gave a nod to theater legend Julie Harris, who also received a Tony for her portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln in “The Last of Mrs. Lincoln.” “Julie Harris has a Tony for playing Mary Todd Lincoln,” they remarked at the start of their acceptance speech.
“Oh, Mary!” marks Escola’s Broadway debut after a series of successful off-Broadway productions and independent cabaret performances. The unique play, which portrays Mary Todd Lincoln as a spirited, hard-drinking cabaret enthusiast frustrated with her marriage to a president she imagines to be gay, quickly gained acclaim, receiving rave reviews following its first preview in January 2024. During its earlier run in March at Manhattan’s Lucille Lortel Theater, audience applause echoed for an impressive duration as cast members bowed.
Escola’s journey from the fringes of theater to Broadway stardom feels almost serendipitous. Their recent victory underscores the incredible blend of labor, creativity, and vision. “Oh, Mary!” has made an instant impression, transcending niche audiences to become a sensational hit among an eclectic array of theatergoers. Many of Escola’s longtime fans, including this writer, found themselves teary-eyed yet unsurprised by the show’s success—it embodies the essence of Escola’s quirky charm and captivating storytelling.
The play itself stems from an idea Escola penned in an email back in 2009. They vividly recounted in a recent interview with “CBS Sunday Morning,” “What if Abraham Lincoln’s assassination wasn’t such a bad thing for Mary Todd?” Although this concept seemed too cherished to risk sharing too soon, Escola ultimately embraced it. They expressed their initial hesitation, stating, “To disappoint me, not just the audience, but me. There are certain ideas that you’re just like, ‘Oh, I don’t want to plant this seed, because what if it’s an ugly flower?’”
The fear surrounding the potential pitfalls of transforming a singular thought into a fully realized Broadway production is valid, yet Escola has never shied away from uncomfortable themes. Their artistic ability to highlight life’s absurdities has always resonated with audiences. A perfect example is their short film “Pee Pee Manor,” a quirky reflection of a woman settling into a cursed home, showcasing Escola’s distinctive knack for character development.
“Oh, Mary!” presents a fully fleshed-out Mary Todd Lincoln, who is brought to life as a whiskey-loving, outspoken cabaret aspirant, both frustrated and fascinated by her life in the White House. As her husband Abraham Lincoln, portrayed by Conrad Ricamora, grapples with the demands of the Civil War, Mary wrestles with her own unfulfilled dreams, making for a theatrical experience that is both comedic and poignant. In a world rife with political absurdity, the show finds its place as the unorthodox counter to more traditional narratives.
Escola’s ascent to acclaim echoes the classic American dream—where individuals rise from humble beginnings to achieve success as defined by their own aspirations. Transitioning from webcam creations to winning accolades is no small feat, especially considering the challenges faced by artistic visionaries in uncertain times.
Reflecting on Escola’s earlier work with partner Jeffery Self, the pair made a name for themselves online in the late 2000s with their operation, VGL Gay Boys. Their creative endeavors led to a brief turn on the Logo network with “Jeffery and Cole Casserole,” which parallels the trajectories of other successful millennial web series, even if their tenure was short-lived.
In those earlier days, political and cultural shifts seemed more promising. With the election of Barack Obama and the burgeoning LGBTQ rights movement, it was an optimistic time for individuals like the young, emerging creator Escola, whose humor resonated with a new generation.
One enduring favorite from Escola and Self’s collection features Escola impersonating Broadway star Bernadette Peters in a playful review of the film “Get Smart.” The quirkiness of Escola’s performance has become iconic among fans, further enhancing their multifaceted persona.
Fast forward to recent events, and the image of Escola attending the Tony Awards in an outfit inspired by Peters was truly poignant. Donning a curly updo reminiscent of Peters’ 1999 Tony attire, Escola accepted their first award with a heartfelt tribute to their friends and supporters, particularly referencing Self, who watched from the audience, visibly moved.
Escola’s triumph at the Tony Awards seems like a destined success story, achieving not only personal dreams but also embodying the spirit of determination that characterizes the American dream. However, it’s crucial to recognize that this journey is unique to Escola and not a mere reflection of conventional paths to success. Ultimately, “Oh, Mary!” serves as a vibrant testament to Escola’s individual vision and the culmination of years of hard work.
In a fitting nod to their roots, Escola humorously connected their win to that earlier moment in life, stating, “I haven’t seen any movie since 1999,” before closing with an acknowledgment of the cherished individuals alongside them as they achieved what many can only dream of.