Cole Escola and Sam Pinkleton Won Tonys for 'Oh, Mary!' Now They Have a Message for Doubters Reluctant to Produce Queer Theatre

"Oh, Mary!" actor-playwright Cole Escola and director Sam Pinkleton triumphed at the Tony Awards for their work on a comedic take on history (and a queer President Lincoln). The wins were only the latest honors for the play, which was also a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and has taken a handful of other accolades, including a Drama Desk Award, two Outer Critics Circle Awards, and an Off-Broadway Alliance Award.

Pinkleton and Escola shared some thoughts about producers wary of LGTBQ+ themed stage works in the wake of their win.

"When asked to respond to such naysayers, Escola was charmingly brief, saying, 'Fuck off!'," Playbill reports of the response offered by the author of the one-act play, who won the award for Best Actor in a Play for portraying Mary Todd Lincoln.

Director Pinkleton's commentary was more detailed. "This is your worst nightmare?" Pinkleton, who was previously nominated for a Tony for directing "Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812," asked. "Look at how fun it is! Queer art is just so much more fun.

"We only get one life," Pinkleton added. "Have fun!"

Pinkleon is slated to direct another queer play next year – "a revival of 'The Rocky Horror Show' for Roundabout Theatre Company, set to play Studio 54," Playbill noted.

"Oh, Mary!" was nominated for several other Tonys as well: Best Costume Design in a Play, Best Featured Actor in a Play, and Best Play.

Escola is scheduled to remain in the role of Mary Todd Lincoln through June 21, after which Tituss Burgess will don the character's skirts.

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