Jane Krakowski Returns to ‘Oh, Mary!’ at London’s Trafalgar Theatre

By Daniel Okafor

Variety reports that Jane Krakowski will play Mary Todd Lincoln at London’s Trafalgar Theatre from Dec. 7 to Jan. 16, a six-week West End (London’s commercial theatre district) engagement in Cole Escola’s Tony-winning play.

Krakowski previously played the role on Broadway (New York’s commercial theatre district) for 12 weeks, according to Variety. The original eight-week run was extended. She is now returning to Mary’s petticoats as the Tony and Olivier winner.

What does the announcement reveal?

In the announcement video published with Variety’s report, the “30 Rock” star practices a British accent and drops the c-word. Krakowski asks: “Wait, is she still American?”

Her directness has the useful effect of making the video funny without answering the question, leaving audiences to judge the transatlantic polish when the Trafalgar run begins. Audiences must wait for the show to settle the matter, as Variety puts it.

Who is playing Mary in London?

Variety reports that “Ghosts” star Lolly Adefope currently plays Mary in London. Her company pairs her with Lucy Frederick as Mary’s Chaperone, J.R. Ballantyne as Mary’s Husband’s Assistant, Vinnie Heaven as Mary’s Teacher and Syrus Lowe as Mary’s Husband.

The same report names Cole Escola, Catherine Tate and Mason Alexander Park among the other London Marys. Escola reprised the role for a filmed version that HBO will air next year. On Broadway, “SNL” alum Bowen Yang currently plays Mary, according to Variety.

Krakowski is joining, not inaugurating, the role. The casting history gives the announcement context. Six weeks and one video cannot settle the larger question of her Mary.

Who directs and produces “Oh, Mary!”?

Sam Pinkleton directs “Oh, Mary!” on the West End, according to Variety. The producers named in the report are:

• Kevin McCollum and Lucas McMahon
• Mike Lavoie and Carlee Briglia with Bob Boyett
• The Council
• Jean Doumanian Productions
• Nicole Eisenberg
• Jay Marcus and George Strus
• Irony Point
• Richard Batchelder/Bradley Reynolds
• Tyler Mount/Tommy Doyle
• Nelson & Tao
• Palomares Miller & Rosenberg
• ShowTown Productions
• Jamie Wilson Productions and Wessex Grove

Variety’s report does not explain how those producing credits divide responsibility. The extension through June 5, 2027 is the more useful measure of the production’s scale.

How long will the London run continue?

Cole Escola’s Tony-winning play has now extended its London run through June 5, 2027, according to Variety. Krakowski’s engagement begins Dec. 7 and ends Jan. 16.

By simple arithmetic, the six-week return occupies only a small part of the extended schedule, leaving the production’s casting after Jan. 16 to carry the show through June 5, 2027. Variety names no successor in the announcement. That casting reset, rather than the accent rehearsal, is the more consequential test.