Tag: Cole Escola

Cynthia Erivo, Cole Escola and Rainbow-Studded Chorus Boys: The Queerest Moments from The 2025 Tony Awards
At this point, asking whether the Tony Awards are queer is like asking if Broadway has ever met a jazz square. The answer is a resounding yes, darling. But even by its own rhinestone-encrusted standards, the 78th Annual Tony Awards delivered a sparkling showcase of LGBTQ+ excellence, drama, and cheeky acceptance speeches that had us cheering louder than a stage mom on opening night.

From historic wins and glittering gowns to impromptu dating app shoutouts and numbers choreographed “for the gaze” (not the gaze, the gays), this year’s Tonys offered a masterclass in fabulousness. Let’s pull back the curtain on the most iconic queer moments that had us tossing roses at our screens.

Cynthia Erivo Hosted, and Her Wardrobe Deserved Its Own Tony

Let’s get one thing straight, Cynthia Erivo is not. But also, she’s not just a host. She’s a moment. Fresh off a WorldPride concert, an album drop, and promoting Wicked: For Good, Erivo moonwalked into Radio City Music Hall and somehow made ten outfit changes look easy.

No opening monologue, no faux comedy routine, just pure star power, powerhouse vocals, and couture worthy of a museum. One look in particular, a glimmering red gown with white satin trim, gave heavy Annie-meets-Elphaba energy. It was co-designed by Zac Posen and Jason Bolden, but the real magic was Erivo’s calm, commanding presence.

Someone give her dresser a Lifetime Achievement Award. Stat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP8YtvXHxAw

Jonathan Groff Straddles Keanu, Remains Dry

Groff may not have taken home a trophy this year (Darren Criss beat him for Maybe Happy Ending), but he still delivered a high-octane tribute to Bobby Darin in Just in Time. Known for sweat-soaked performances that require a splash zone warning, Groff miraculously stayed dry while serenading, then straddling, Keanu Reeves.

Waterproof Groff is still gay rights.

Jonathan Groff climbing over Keanu Reeves in the audience and then straddling him while performing at the Tonys omg lol pic.twitter.com/Yg5BcEtLgc

— Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) June 9, 2025

Keanu Reeves under Jonathan Groff #TonyAwards pic.twitter.com/dJF7QmiFQv

— S (@dogemanx) June 9, 2025

Cole Escola Makes Tony History, Thanks Grindr

Cole Escola, comedian, playwright, wig enthusiast, stole the show and the Tony for Best Leading Actor in a Play for Oh, Mary!, becoming the first non-binary actor to do so. Dressed in a custom silver Wiederhoeft gown with enough sparkle to blind George Clooney (who was also nominated), Escola offered the queerest acceptance speech of the night.

“Hi Mom. I love you. I’ll call when I can. Oh, and thank you to T-Bone from Grindr,” Escola quipped, casually cementing their legacy and their contact list in Tony history.

Oh, Mary! also snagged Best Direction for Sam Pinkleton and delivered a delightfully deranged take on Mary Todd Lincoln’s inner turmoil. It’s queer. It’s weird. It’s wonderful.

Cole Escola is a #TonyAwards winner for ‘Oh, Mary!’ And can we get a second trophy for that dress? 🤩 pic.twitter.com/VWHhOaSnCa

— TVLine.com (@TVLine) June 9, 2025

Grindr getting a shoutout on the Tony stage by Cole Escola! HAPPY PRIDE INDEED pic.twitter.com/8FTQw9KAUq

— 💫 (@heyjaeee) June 9, 2025

Hue Park Winsand Announces He’s Single

Maybe Happy Ending swept the Tonys with six wins, including Best Musical and Best Score, thanks to the writing duo of Will Aronson and Hue Park. During one of many acceptance speeches, Park charmingly let the world know he’s single. That tidbit echoed through the evening, with presenters and winners giving it playful shoutouts.

Cue the DM flood.

Jinkx Monsoon Pirates the Stage

Drag legend and two-time Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon took to the stage as a pirate wench in Pirates! A Penzance Musical alongside David Hyde Pierce. Was the show snubbed? Sadly, yes. Was Jinkx playing a washboard in full swashbuckler drag a peak moment of the night? Absolutely.

Death Becomes Her Gives a Dazzling Queer-Encapsulated Performance and Paul Tazewell is on a Roll!

While we didn’t get BOOP! The Musical (justice for Betty!), we were gifted the gloriously camp spectacle of Death Becomes Her’s number “For the Gaze.” Picture Liza Minnelli doing a costume-change challenge with backup dancers in rainbow sequins and you’re still only halfway there.

Madeline Ashton, multiple wigs, and a final tableau that probably left several straight viewers emotionally unprepared, Broadway’s never been more in on the joke. Choreographer Christopher Gattelli really said, “Subtlety? Never met her.”

Costume designer Paul Tazewell earned a Tony for his breathtaking work on the show, adding to a trophy shelf that already includes a BAFTA and an Oscar for Wicked. Tazewell made history as the first Black man to win an Academy Award for Costume Design and remains a trailblazer in every sense.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_S_JjZh76s

Harvey Fierstein Finally Gets His Flowers

Harvey Fierstein already had four Tonys, but the Special Lifetime Achievement Award was long overdue. Though his award wasn’t televised (rude!), the moment was still monumental. Fierstein’s decades of blazing trails, be it with Torch Song Trilogy, La Cage aux Folles, or simply existing unapologetically, paved the yellow brick road for this new queer wave of thespians and theater connoisseurs.

Tears were shed were definitely shed in this poignant moment.

Beloved trailblazer – Mr Harvey Fierstein #TonyAwards #TonyAwards2025 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/Buz07Cbgoh

— Bryan John (@mrbryanjohn) June 9, 2025

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and Francis Jue Round Out the Rainbow

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Purpose won Best Play, adding to his Pulitzer Prize haul. Meanwhile, veteran actor Francis Jue won hearts (and critical acclaim) for his role in Yellow Face, reminding us all that queer Asian excellence has always been part of Broadway’s DNA.

Curtain Call

From Cynthia’s 10 looks to Cole’s historic win and Jinkx’s pirate couture, the 2025 Tony Awards proved once again that queerness isn’t just part of Broadway, it is Broadway. And as long as we have chorus boys in sequins and monologues that end with “I’d like to thank Grindr,” the theater will be in fabulous hands.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBtzq3C-Wlc

Full List of Winner Below

Best Musical
- Maybe Happy Ending
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
- Nicole Scherzinger, Sunset Blvd.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
- Darren Criss, Maybe Happy Ending
Best Revival of a Musical
- Sunset Blvd.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play
- Cole Escola, Oh, Mary!
Best Direction of a Musical
- Michael Arden, Maybe Happy Ending
Best Direction of a Play
- Sam Pinkleton, Oh, Mary!
Best Revival of a Play
- Eureka Day, Jonathan Spector
Best Play
- Purpose
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
- Natalie Venetia Belcon, Buena Vista Social Club
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
- Kara Young, Purpose
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
- Jak Malone, Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play
- Francis Jue, Yellow Face
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
- Sarah Snook, The Picture of Dorian Gray
Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
- Maybe Happy Ending, Will Aronson (music and lyrics) and Hue Park (lyrics)
Best Costume Design of a Musical
- Paul Tazewell, Death Becomes Her
Best Costume Design of a Play
- Marg Horwell, The Picture of Dorian Gray
Best Scenic Design of a Musical
- Dane Laffrey and George Reeve, Maybe Happy Ending
Best Scenic Design of a Play
- Miriam Buether and 59, Stranger Things: The First Shadow
Best Lighting Design of a Musical
- Jack Knowles, Sunset Blvd.
Best Lighting Design of a Play
- Jon Clark, Stranger Things: The First Shadow
Best Choreography
- Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck, Buena Vista Social Club
Best Orchestrations
- Marco Paguia, Buena Vista Social Club
Best Sound Design of a Musical
- Jonathan Deans, Buena Vista Social Club
Best Book of a Musical
- Maybe Happy Ending, Will Aronson and Hue Park
Best Sound Design of a Play
- Paul Arditti, Stranger Things: The First Shadow
June 9, 2025
Queer Fashion Takes Center Stage at 2025 Met Gala with Daring Tailored Looks

The 2025 Met Gala, held Monday, May 5, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, ushered in a striking new era of red carpet style with the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” For the first time in more than two decades, menswear and tailoring took center stage at fashion’s most-watched event — and queer artists and celebrities did not disappoint.

Celebrating Black sartorial heritage and gender-fluid fashion, the evening’s dress code, “Tailored for You,” encouraged guests to bring their full selves to the red carpet — and many queer stars responded with show-stopping, subversive, and unapologetically personal statements through clothing.

Here are some of the standout queer looks from the evening:

Doechii Blends Black Dandyism with Punk Edge

Rising rap and fashion icon Doechii made a bold statement in a custom Louis Vuitton ensemble. The outfit featured oversized suiting adorned with the iconic LV monogram, even extending to her cheek, where the logo was stamped in silver. With a sculptural updo and a prop cigar, the look served as a nod to Black Dandyism while embracing a raw punk energy — a perfect balance of rebellion and reverence.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 05: Doechii attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 05: Doechii attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by John Shearer/WireImage)

Colman Domingo Honors André Leon Talley with a Grand Entrance

Colman Domingo, co-chair of this year’s Met Gala, paid homage to the late fashion editor André Leon Talley in dramatic fashion. Domingo arrived in a royal blue Valentino cape covered in shimmering sequins, directly referencing Talley’s legendary 2011 Met Gala look. Moments later, he removed the cape to reveal a sleek, tailored ensemble underneath — a powerful tribute and a transformation in motion.

(L-R) Raúl Domingo and Colman Domingo attend the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by John Shearer/WireImage)

Colman Domingo, Met Gala Co-Chair, attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Savion Washington/Getty Images)

Lorde Merges Masculine Tailoring and Gender Fluidity

Lorde, who recently opened up about gender identity and expression, arrived in a bandeau top and matching skirt paired with a large, oversized blazer. The look played with masculine and feminine elements, reflecting Lorde’s personal journey. “I feel like a man and a woman,” the artist told Vogue on the red carpet, explaining how her outfit symbolized her gender evolution. The outfit aligned seamlessly with the night’s theme and spoke volumes in its simplicity.

Lorde attends the 2025 Met Gala celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/GC Images)

Andrew Scott Blends Classic and Camp

Irish actor Andrew Scott, best known as the “Hot Priest” from Fleabag, delivered a timeless look with a twist. He wore an impeccably tailored cream velvet suit over a pale blush shirt, striking a balance between traditional elegance and playful camp. The understated palette let the cut and texture of the garments speak for themselves.

Andrew Scott attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

Ayo Edebiri Turns Heads in Stripes and Leather

Ayo Edebiri kept things sharp and unexpected in a red and white plunging striped gown, layered under a black leather blazer with dramatic drop sleeves. The mix of structure and spontaneity captured the spirit of tailored fashion with a youthful, tongue-in-cheek flair.

Ayo Edebiri attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/MG25/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

Omar Apollo Delivers Animal Print with a Twist

Singer-songwriter Omar Apollo brought sensuality to the red carpet in a shimmering, cheetah-inspired suit. The look featured a sheer shirt underneath and statement jewelry, emphasizing texture and movement while redefining what tailored menswear can be.

Omar Apollo attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/MG25/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

Sam Smith and Christian Cowan Arrive as a Matching Duo

Musician Sam Smith and designer Christian Cowan appeared together in coordinating looks. Smith wore a pleated, high-collared coat-dress adorned with silver hardware, while Cowan sported a sharply cut tuxedo with extended floor-length tails. The synchronized aesthetic highlighted queerness in both fashion and partnership.

Sam Smith attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/MG25/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

Cynthia Erivo Channels Fantasy Couture

Tony Award-winner Cynthia Erivo stunned in a Givenchy look that mixed structured fantasy and high fashion. With a crystallized corset, exaggerated puff sleeves, platform boots, and a flowing train, Erivo embodied a theatrical and unapologetically queer vision of elegance.

Cynthia Erivo attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/MG25/Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

Cynthia Erivo attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/FilmMagic)

Hunter Schafer Reimagines the Tuxedo

Hunter Schafer took tailoring to another level in a deconstructed tuxedo-gown hybrid. The piece combined sheer mesh, satin panels, and architectural construction, reworking masculine formality into a futuristic silhouette.

Hunter Schafer attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Savion Washington/Getty Images)

Chappell Roan Keeps It Bold in Color and Form

Breakout pop artist Chappell Roan arrived in a sharply tailored suit featuring mismatched pink and red fabrics. Her signature fiery red hair and confident posture only amplified the visual impact of a look that was both whimsical and empowering.

Chappell Roan attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

Chappell Roan leaves The Carlyle Hotel before the 2025 Met Gala: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by John Nacion/Getty Images)

More Photos of Queer Favorites Below

Cole Escola attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

Alex Newell attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

Lupita Nyong’o attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/MG25/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

Janelle Monáe attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

Gayle King attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

Miley Cyrus attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

May 6, 2025
LGBTQ+ Artists Shine in 2025 Tony Award Nominations, with Cole Escola and Queer Playwrights Leading the Pack

The 2025 Tony Award nominations were announced this week, and LGBTQ+ talent is taking center stage in one of the most diverse and queer-inclusive lineups in Broadway history.

Among the biggest standouts is Oh, Mary!, the offbeat historical comedy written by and starring Cole Escola. The play, which imagines Mary Todd Lincoln as a chaotic figure on the edge of emotional collapse, earned five Tony nominations. Escola received dual nods as both the playwright and lead actor, while director Sam Pinkleton and featured actor Conrad Ricamora picked one up as well.

Escola, who is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, is nominated in the category of Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play. According to a November 2024 decision by the Tony Awards Administration Committee, Escola was deemed eligible in a male-designated category despite portraying a female character. The decision echoes recent developments around gendered award categories and the growing calls to make room for nonbinary and trans performers.

If Escola wins, they would become the third nonbinary performer to take home a Tony in a male-designated category, following Shucked‘s Alex Newell and Some Like It Hot‘s J. Harrison Ghee, who made history in 2023. That same year, nonbinary performer Justin David Sullivan withdrew from Tony consideration over the gendered structure of the categories, calling for meaningful change in how the American Theatre Wing recognizes gender-diverse talent.

Queer Voices Dominate Best Play Category

This year’s Best Play category is a triumph for queer representation. Alongside Escola, playwrights Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (Purpose) and Kimberly Belflower (John Proctor Is the Villain) received nominations for their groundbreaking works.

Jacobs-Jenkins’ Purpose explores themes of legacy, identity, and generational tension within a prominent Black family in Chicago. The play earned a total of six nominations, including Best Play and acting nods for Jon Michael Hill and LaTanya Richardson Jackson in the lead roles. Supporting actors Glenn Davis, and Tony Award-winner Kara Young also received nominations.

Belflower’s John Proctor Is the Villain reimagines Arthur Miller’s The Crucible through the lens of a modern-day high school English class, tackling issues of consent, power, and patriarchy. The production tied for the most nominations of any play this year, earning seven in total. Sadie Sink, known for her role in Netflix’s Stranger Things, was nominated for Best Leading Actress in a Play for her performance in John Proctor. Gabriel Ebert, who previously starred alongside Harvey Fierstein in Gently Down the Stream, also picked up a nomination for his work in the show.

More Queer and Trans Talent Recognized

Jonathan Groff, a recent Tony winner and longtime Broadway favorite, is nominated again for his portrayal of singer Bobby Darin in the new jukebox musical Just In Time. Out actor Grey Henson also joins the leading actor category for his performance as Buddy in the revival of Elf the Musical.

In the featured acting categories, Brooks Ashmanskas was recognized for his comedic work in Smash!, the Broadway adaptation of the NBC series. Francis Jue was nominated for his role in Yellow Face, which revisits the debate around racial representation in casting through a semi-autobiographical lens.

Audra McDonald Breaks Records

While not part of the LGBTQ+ community herself, Broadway icon and queer favorite Audra McDonald made history this year by becoming the most Tony-nominated performer of all time. She picked up her 11th nomination for her portrayal of Mama Rose in a bold new production of Gypsy. McDonald will compete in the Lead Actress in a Musical category against other queer fan favorites, including Megan Hilty (Death Becomes Her) and Nicole Scherzinger (Sunset Boulevard).

Calls for Inclusivity in Awards

The continued use of gendered acting categories has sparked ongoing debate within the theater industry. Advocates are calling on the American Theatre Wing and Tony Awards producers to reimagine the awards structure in a way that recognizes nonbinary and trans performers without forcing them into binary categories.

While some progress has been made in allowing nonbinary performers to choose which category they wish to compete in, critics argue this solution still reinforces outdated binaries. For Escola and others, their nominations signal both a celebration and a call to action for a more inclusive future.

“I’m honored and also very aware of how much further we still need to go,” Escola said in a recent interview. “I want everyone—no matter how they identify—to feel seen, valued, and represented on stage and in recognition.”

What’s Next

The 2025 Tony Awards will be broadcast live on Sunday, June 8, on CBS. For a complete list of nominees and ticketing information, visit TonyAwards.com.

The stage is set, the curtains are drawn, and one thing is clear: the future of Broadway is queer, bold, and unapologetically creative.

Correction: A previous version of this article did not include Harry Lennix’s nomination, and stated that Michael Urie, Jim Parsons, and Grey Henson received nominations.

May 1, 2025
Tituss Burgess Begins Run as Mary Todd Lincoln in Cole Escola’s Hit Broadway Comedy ‘Oh, Mary!’

Life is a constant rollercoaster, full of ups and downs, but there are those rare moments when everything aligns and pure joy seems to flood our lives. For Tituss Burgess, a six-time Emmy nominee and celebrated actor, such a moment seems to be unfolding right now. This week, Burgess took over the lead role of Mary Todd Lincoln in the hit Broadway comedy Oh, Mary, marking a significant personal and professional achievement in his illustrious career.

Oh, Mary, written by and originally starring Cole Escola, first debuted at the Lyceum Theatre in New York last July. The production quickly became a smash hit, not just because of its unique portrayal of a historical figure, but because it shattered the theater’s longstanding record for weekly gross sales. In a remarkable feat, the show broke the venue’s 121-year-old record by earning over $1 million in a single week. Since then, the production has continued to break that record, doing so 11 times to date.

After taking a brief hiatus at the start of 2025, Escola was replaced by Betty Gilpin for an eight-week run in January. Gilpin’s tenure was followed by the arrival of Burgess, who began his limited three-week engagement as the eccentric Mary Todd Lincoln on Tuesday. This run will last until April 8, when Escola is set to return to the role.

From the moment Burgess stepped into the role, it was clear to many critics and fans that the actor, best known for his work on Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, was a perfect fit. His performance has drawn praise, with many observers expressing admiration for how seamlessly he embodies the zany, over-the-top nature of Mary Todd Lincoln, an often misunderstood historical figure. Fans who are unable to visit New York City for the show are already hoping for a filmed version of Burgess’ performance, eager to enjoy it from afar.

A Career Milestone

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Burgess reflected on his career journey and the personal significance of stepping into this role. The actor, who has spent 25 years working in the entertainment industry, shared how his new role feels like the culmination of a long pursuit. He described it as a transformative moment in his life.

“I’ve been in this business for 25 years professionally,” Burgess wrote in the post. “I’ve seen many ups and downs and twists and turns. Tonight marks a very new thing for me. I’ve met a me I have been longing to see. It’s like I caught me off guard. I knew I was coming, I saw me just around the bend. And just when I was about to roll my eyes at the appearance of my delay… suddenly I showed up to get me. Fantasy duped reality and got her on the dance floor. Now I can’t tell them apart!”

For Burgess, Oh, Mary is not just a play—it’s a deeply personal experience that resonates far beyond the stage. He expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity, stating that the production means much more to him than simply being a Broadway show. His words captured a profound sense of fulfillment, as though the culmination of years of hard work and personal growth had finally arrived.

A Day of Reflection

On the heels of his debut performance, Burgess shared a video with his followers, offering a glimpse into a reflective moment after completing two shows in one day. The video, posted to Instagram, shows Burgess playing the piano, his face illuminated by the soft glow of a dimly lit room. “Came home. 2 show day. Energized. Grateful. It’s raining. It’s my favorite,” he said in the video caption. “I dropped my bags and just ran to the piano. My heart is full. Not for the reasons you may think. Full JUST BECAUSE. That in and of itself is enough to thank the creator. Whoever they are, wherever they reside—in us, outside of us, all around. I crave more of these days… of feeling overjoyed JUST BECAUSE!”

Burgess’ candid post struck a chord with his fans and fellow artists alike. One of the most notable responses came from Tony Award-winning actor Billy Porter, who shared the video on the social media platform Threads. Porter wrote, “Good morning, loves… So grateful this morning for my chosen and spiritual family. I woke up feeling some kind of way this morning and the universe has stepped in to lift me up. Thank you, Titus.”

The Show Itself: Oh, Mary

Oh, Mary is not your average historical drama. The play focuses on the weeks leading up to the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, specifically exploring the character of his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln. However, in the hands of Escola, who also wrote the show, Mary becomes a larger-than-life figure—an eccentric, heavy-drinking, cabaret-obsessed woman navigating her grief and personal struggles.

The show has been described as a delightful mix of comedy and absurdity, blending historical elements with modern sensibilities. Mary Todd Lincoln, a complex historical figure often overshadowed by her husband’s legacy, is given a humorous and chaotic makeover. Under Escola’s direction, the character is both tragic and hilarious, providing a fresh perspective on her life in the turbulent days leading up to Lincoln’s death.

Escola, who originally conceived the show and played the role of Mary Todd Lincoln, personally selected Burgess to take over the role for this limited engagement. Appearing on the Las Culturistas podcast last year, Escola expressed how Burgess was their dream choice for a replacement. “In a way that almost would make [them say] ‘Wait… maybe you’re too good,’” Escola said, adding that Burgess’ charisma and talent would be perfect for the role.

Burgess’ portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln, as both a deeply human and wildly exaggerated character, has resonated with audiences and critics alike. His performance brings a unique blend of humor and vulnerability to the role, showcasing his impeccable comedic timing and dramatic range.

A Bright Future for Oh, Mary

As Oh, Mary continues to captivate audiences at the Lyceum Theatre, Burgess’ temporary run marks a significant moment in both his career and the show’s legacy. The production’s success not only highlights the talent of its cast but also signals a growing appetite for bold, original theater that challenges traditional narratives. With Burgess in the role, Oh, Mary has only strengthened its reputation as a must-see show on Broadway.

While Burgess’ engagement will end in early April, the buzz surrounding the production is likely to continue. As the curtain falls on this chapter of Oh, Mary, the show will undoubtedly continue to make waves, proving that in the world of theater, sometimes the most unexpected collaborations yield the most remarkable results.

March 21, 2025