Fresh Air: Cole Escola's 'Stupid' Dream Came True With 'Oh, Mary!'

Release Date: May 19, 2025

In this compelling episode of NPR's award-winning program Fresh Air, host Terry Gross and co-host Tonya Mosley engage in an intimate conversation with Cole Escola, the visionary writer and performer behind the Tony-nominated Broadway comedy O Mary. The episode delves deep into the creation, themes, and personal significance of the play, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of Escola's artistic journey and the emotional resonance of their work.

Introduction to O Mary

Terry Gross opens the discussion by highlighting the success of O Mary, which has garnered five Tony Award nominations, including Best Play and Best Leading Actor in a Play. The play presents a highly fictionalized and intentionally improbable portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln during the tumultuous period leading up to President Abraham Lincoln's assassination. Cole Escola, who uses they/them pronouns, not only wrote the play but also stars as Mary, bringing a unique and personal touch to the character.

Terry Gross:
"The Broadway comedy O Mary is nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Play and Best Leading Actor in a Play. The comedy follows a very fictionalized, intentionally improbable version of First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln in the time leading to her husband's assassination."
[00:17]

O Mary: A Reimagined Narrative

Co-host Enrique notes that The New York Times describes the play as "unhinged, so campy and so unexpected," yet lauds it as one of the best comedies. The play diverges sharply from historical accuracy, instead painting Mary as a depressed, cabaret-obsessed First Lady whose husband attempts to suppress her vibrant aspirations.

Cole Escola as Mary:
"Just another ploy to keep me from drinking and tucked away in the drawing room where no one can see me. Contrary to what your paranoia tells you, I'm not some evil mastermind conspiring to keep you miserable. When you keep me off the stage, you make the whole world miserable."
[01:27]

Origins and Creative Process

Escola recounts the inception of O Mary during a walk around Lincoln Center in 2009. What began as a whimsical "what if" scenario about Mary Todd Lincoln's life post-abdication evolved over twelve years, incorporating various creative sparks that eventually culminated in the play.

Cole Escola:
"I just remember walking around Lincoln Center and I had the thought, what if Abraham Lincoln's assassination wasn't such a bad thing for Mary Todd? And it was just an idea that tickled me so much."
[03:47]

Balancing Fact and Fiction

When questioned about the historical liberties taken in the play, Escola candidly discusses their decision to prioritize comedic storytelling over factual accuracy. This approach was intended to resonate with audiences familiar with general knowledge about Mary Todd Lincoln, allowing for a humorous subversion of expectations.

Cole Escola:
"Well, because it's a comedy. And I had to make something with the same understanding that my audience has..."
[05:00]

Personal Reflections and Identification

Escola draws a profound personal connection to Mary Todd Lincoln, portraying her not just as a historical figure but as a reflection of their own struggles with societal expectations and personal desires. This empathetic portrayal is central to the play's emotional depth and comedic edge.

Cole Escola:
"This play is about a woman with a dream that no one around her understands. A dream that the whole world is telling her is stupid and doesn't make any sense. And I feel that way."
[07:21]

Influences from Cabaret and Early Performances

The episode explores Escola's deep-rooted love for cabaret, which significantly influences both their performance style and the narrative of O Mary. Recalling their early days in New York's cabaret and alternative comedy scenes, Escola emphasizes the importance of storytelling and personal expression in their work.

Cole Escola:
"It's about the story of the song rather than the singing, mostly."
[09:57]

Upbringing and Family Influences

Escola shares poignant memories from their childhood in Klatsky, Oregon, particularly the impact of their grandmother's storytelling. These early experiences fostered a love for narrative and performance, laying the groundwork for Escola's future in theater and comedy.

Cole Escola:
"And mom made $3 a month. Six kids and $3 a month. And just the seriousness. I mean, I'm laughing because I'm just now realizing it was a cabaret act. I never put that together."
[16:52]

Navigating Mental Health Through Art

A candid discussion unfolds as Escola reveals their personal battles with mental health, including suicidal thoughts and bulimia. These struggles were channeled into creating characters like Joyce Connor, a cheerful middle-aged woman repeatedly postponing her suicide—a mechanism that provided both relief and a means to process their emotions.

Cole Escola:
"I started having those thoughts in a character's voice, a voice not unlike my grandma and her friends. And I came up with this character, Joyce Connor..."
[26:54]

Career Milestones and Challenges

Escola reflects on their early acting roles, often playing stereotypically straight characters, which felt limiting. This realization propelled them towards creating more authentic and personally meaningful work, ultimately leading to the groundbreaking success of O Mary.

Cole Escola:
"I didn't even picture myself as a performer. I just, I didn't know what I wanted to do yet."
[25:44]

Emotional Farewell to O Mary

As the play concludes its Broadway run, Escola shares the emotional weight of leaving a project that has been both professionally and personally transformative. Passing the role to talented actors Betty Gilpin and Titus Burgess signifies a heartfelt farewell, underscoring the deep connection Escola feels to O Mary.

Cole Escola:
"I can't believe that my big break came from doing what I wanted to do, like, not compromising. I always assumed that if I ever had any sort of real career success, I would be the gay best friend on a sitcom..."
[37:49]

Looking Forward: Future Endeavors

Despite the bittersweet departure from O Mary, Escola expresses optimism and excitement for future projects. The play's success is a testament to their commitment to authenticity and creative integrity, setting the stage for continued innovation in their artistic career.

Cole Escola:
"I am excited to write what's next."
[37:49]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Cole Escola as Mary:
  "Just another ploy to keep me from drinking and tucked away in the drawing room where no one can see me..."
  [01:27]

• Creative Inspiration:
  "What if Abraham Lincoln's assassination wasn't such a bad thing for Mary Todd?"
  [03:47]

• Personal Connection:
  "This play is about a woman with a dream that no one around her understands. A dream that the whole world is telling her is stupid and doesn't make any sense. And I feel that way."
  [07:21]

• Mental Health and Art:
  "I came up with this character, Joyce Connor, who was a really sort of cheery, innocuous middle-aged woman who was just kept having to put off her suicide..."
  [26:54]

• Emotional Farewell:
  "I can't believe that my big break came from doing what I wanted to do, like, not compromising."
  [37:49]

Conclusion

Cole Escola's conversation on Fresh Air offers a profound glimpse into the making of O Mary and the personal narratives that fuel their artistic endeavors. From reimagining historical figures with a comedic twist to grappling with personal demons through character creation, Escola exemplifies the power of theater as a medium for both humor and healing. As O Mary concludes its Broadway journey, Escola's heartfelt reflections and unwavering passion promise continued contributions to the world of contemporary arts.