The Unbreakable Empress: Why Tituss Burgess's Return To Broadway's 'Oh, Mary!' In 2025 Is Unmissable

As of December 13, 2025, one of Broadway’s most anticipated encore performances is confirmed: the incomparable Tituss Burgess will once again step into the outrageously reimagined petticoats of Mary Todd Lincoln in the smash-hit comedy, Oh, Mary! The six-time Emmy nominee’s return for a limited engagement is the freshest update on a show that has redefined "camp" on the Great White Way, promising a summer 2025 run that fans are already scrambling to secure tickets for. This article provides the definitive look at the star, the show's unique genius, and all the essential details for this unmissable return.

This Broadway phenomenon, originally written by and starring Cole Escola, has captivated audiences with its absurdist, anachronistic take on the life of the miserable First Lady, set in the tumultuous weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Burgess, known globally for his iconic role as Titus Andromedon on Netflix’s Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, brings his signature blend of operatic talent, comedic timing, and dramatic flair to the role, transforming a historical figure into an aspiring cabaret performer with a secret ambition to defy her husband and escape the White House. His encore performance is a testament to the critical acclaim and audience adoration he received during his initial run.

The Unbreakable Star: Tituss Burgess’s Full Biography & Career Highlights

Tituss Burgess has cemented his status as a modern theatrical and television icon, effortlessly blending high-caliber vocal performance with sharp comedic sensibilities. His career trajectory from the hallowed halls of Broadway to the global reach of streaming television is a masterclass in versatility.

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• Full Name: Tituss Burgess
• Born: February 21, 1979
• Birthplace: Athens, Georgia, USA
• Education: Graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in Music.
• Breakout TV Role: Titus Andromedon in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015–2019).
• Major Nominations: Six-time Emmy Award nominee (Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt).
• Broadway Debut: The Witch’s Servant in Good Vibrations (2005).
• Notable Broadway Roles:
  • Sebastian the Crab in The Little Mermaid (2007).
  • Nicely-Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls (2009).
  • Mister in the 2005 revival of The Color Purple.
• Other Notable Projects: Starred in the Apple TV+ musical comedy series Schmigadoon!; voiced the role of Cole in Central Park; adapted and starred in The Preacher's Wife in Atlanta.

Burgess’s unique ability to oscillate between the melodrama of a Broadway diva and the vulnerability of a complex character has made him a favorite of critics and audiences alike. His turn as Mary Todd Lincoln is often described as "PEAK Tituss Burgess," showcasing his true craft in a role that demands both high comedy and a touch of pathos.

Why Tituss Burgess’s Return to 'Oh, Mary!' in 2025 is a Must-See Broadway Event

The announcement of Tituss Burgess’s six-week encore engagement has injected a fresh wave of excitement into the already booming run of Oh, Mary! The show, which premiered to rave reviews and has enjoyed a successful extension, will welcome Burgess back to the Lyceum Theatre stage from Monday, June 23, through Saturday, August 2, 2025.

This limited run is a significant moment for several reasons. First, it follows the initial, highly-praised three-week engagement that saw the actor seamlessly take over the role from the show’s creator, Cole Escola. Burgess’s performance was hailed for making Mary Todd Lincoln "his own," bringing a different, yet equally brilliant, interpretation to the character. The production’s extension through September 2025, managed by The Shubert Organization, ensures that the buzz around this "campy comedy" continues to dominate the Broadway landscape.

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The play’s setting—the weeks before Abraham Lincoln's assassination—is fertile ground for dark comedy, but the true brilliance lies in the character’s outlandish personality. Mary finds herself overcome with desire, alcoholism, and a burning ambition to defy her circumstances. Burgess’s theatrical background allows him to fully commit to the absurdity and the underlying sadness of a woman stifled by the expectations of the White House and her husband, Mary’s Husband (a role originally played by Conrad Ricamora).

The critical and audience consensus is clear: Burgess’s interpretation is a high point of the production. His portrayal is a masterclass in physical comedy and vocal delivery, elevating the material written by Escola. For those who missed his initial run, this 2025 return offers a golden, albeit brief, window to witness the six-time Emmy nominee in a role that perfectly leverages his unique star power.

Decoding the Camp: What Makes 'Oh, Mary!' the Ultimate Cult Hit

Oh, Mary! is not a traditional historical drama; it is a farce that proudly embraces its "stupid" masterpiece status, as described by its own creator, Cole Escola. The play operates on a level of Gen Z absurdist humor, loots American history for punchlines, and hilariously rewrites the First Lady’s narrative.

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The Genius of Playwright Cole Escola

The play's foundation is the singular vision of playwright Cole Escola, who also originated the role of Mary Todd Lincoln. Escola, a cult-comedian known for their unique style, created a show that is deeply rooted in camp—a style that celebrates artifice, exaggeration, and theatricality. The play is directed by Sam Pinkleton, whose staging perfectly complements the script's over-the-top nature, ensuring every moment lands with maximum comedic effect.

Escola's script portrays Mary Todd Lincoln as an aspiring cabaret performer who harbors a secret life and is constantly battling her Chaperone (a role played by Jenn Harris) and her husband’s Assistant (Tony Macht). The entire premise is a delightful subversion of historical expectations, offering a fresh, queer-coded take on a figure often relegated to tragedy.

Topical Authority: The All-Star Creative Team

The show's success is also a result of its powerhouse creative and production team. The production is helmed by a team of notable producers, including Kevin McCollum, Lucas McMahon, Mike LaVoie, and Carlee Briglia. This established theatrical backing, combined with the Lyceum Theatre's historic setting, gives the show a mainstream platform for its delightfully subversive content.

The cast is also a revolving door of talent. While Tituss Burgess is the main attraction for this summer engagement, the role of Mary Todd Lincoln has also been played by Tony winner Jane Krakowski in other runs, showcasing the high-caliber actors drawn to Escola's material. The show's ability to attract such diverse, high-profile talent underscores its status as a major cultural event.

The play’s themes of hidden desire, rebellion, and the suffocating nature of high society resonate with contemporary audiences. It's a show that doesn't just entertain; it provides a cathartic, unhinged escape. For fans of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, seeing Burgess bring that same energy—the dramatic pronouncements, the impeccable comic timing, and the soaring voice—to the Broadway stage as a bratty, wig-donning First Lady is the ultimate theatrical treat.

Tituss Burgess’s return for his limited engagement is more than just a casting replacement; it’s a cultural event that celebrates the best of modern, boundary-pushing Broadway comedy. The energy he brings to the role of Mary Todd Lincoln is electric, making the six-week run from June 23 to August 2, 2025, the hottest ticket in New York City.