Oh, Mary!

Get ready for a gloriously unconventional night of theater when Oh, Mary! takes over San Francisco’s Curran Theatre from Tuesday, October 13 through Sunday, November 1, 2026. This wildly inventive comedy reimagines one of America’s most recognizable historical figures—Mary Todd Lincoln—in a way that is anything but traditional. Combining sharp satire, outrageous humor, theatrical spectacle, and plenty of unexpected twists, Oh, Mary! offers audiences a fresh and thoroughly irreverent perspective on life in the Lincoln White House.

Written by Cole Escola and directed by Sam Pinkleton, the play is set in the weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. At its center is Mary Todd Lincoln, who is portrayed not simply as a historical figure but as a woman desperate for excitement, recognition, and an opportunity to pursue her own ambitions. Her frustrations with her circumstances and her determination to reclaim a sense of purpose become the foundation for a comedy that gleefully bends history to create something entirely its own.

Rather than following the conventions of a serious period drama, Oh, Mary! embraces absurdity and camp. The production combines larger-than-life characters with contemporary comedic sensibilities, creating an energetic theatrical experience designed to surprise audiences at every turn. The show has earned major critical and industry recognition, including two Tony Awards, and was named a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, establishing it as one of the most talked-about recent comedies on the American stage.

The San Francisco engagement brings international drag superstar Alaska Thunderf*ck to the role of Mary Todd Lincoln, adding an exciting performance dimension to this already unconventional production. The limited engagement gives local audiences and visitors several opportunities to catch the show, with performances scheduled across evenings and weekend matinees during its three-week run.

The Curran Theatre, located at 445 Geary Street near San Francisco’s Union Square, provides a historic and atmospheric setting for the production. The performance runs for approximately 80 minutes without an intermission, making it an easy choice for an evening in downtown San Francisco or a memorable daytime theater outing.

Oh, Mary! is recommended for ages 14 and older and includes explicit language, adult themes, loud noises, and water-based haze. An ASL-interpreted performance is scheduled for Saturday, October 17 at 1:00 p.m.

Whether you’re a devoted theater fan, a comedy enthusiast, or simply looking for a theatrical experience that refuses to play by the rules, Oh, Mary! promises an unforgettable take on history. With its acclaimed creative team, distinctive comic style, and limited San Francisco run, the engagement at the Curran Theatre is an opportunity to see a boundary-pushing stage comedy live before its November 1 finale.