Funny Abe: Kumail Nanjiani Wins Over Critics for His Portrayal of Abraham Lincoln in His Broadway Debut With ‘Oh, Mary!’

When Kumail Nanjiani stepped onto the Lyceum Theatre stage in August 2024 as Abraham Lincoln in Cole Escola’s irreverent comedy “Oh, Mary!,” he wasn’t just making his Broadway debut—he was diving headfirst into one of the most demanding and unconventional roles in recent theater memory. Now, a month into his run, critics and audiences are taking note of how the accomplished screen actor has adapted to the unique challenges of live performance.

Nanjiani, known for his work in “The Big Sick,” “Silicon Valley,” and Marvel’s “Eternals,” has been candid about the differences between screen and stage work, noting that “on screen acting, you could get it right on the third take, and they’re like, ‘You are such a genius.’ In a play, you have to get it right the first time every single time eight times a week.”

The Pakistani-American comedian and actor joined the Tony Award-winning production alongside drag superstar Jinkx Monsoon, who took over the titular role of Mary Todd Lincoln, and Emmy winner Michael Urie as Mary’s Teacher. This casting represented a significant shift for “Oh, Mary!,” which had been running with its original cast since transferring from Off-Broadway earlier in 2024.

While initial reviews of “Oh, Mary!” focused on creator and original star Cole Escola’s performance, the arrival of this new cast has generated fresh critical attention. Joshua Barone of The New York Times described the production as “silly, nasty, tasteless and, in the end, good theater,” praising how the play stretches a “stupid joke” to its limits while still leaving audiences “gagging” with laughter.

The production’s irreverent take on American history—reimagining Mary Todd Lincoln as a cabaret-obsessed, hard-drinking socialite in the weeks before her husband’s assassination—has provided Nanjiani with a role that allows him to showcase both his dramatic training and comedic instincts. Playing Abraham Lincoln as the long-suffering spouse to Escola’s unhinged Mary requires a delicate balance of straight-man reactions and physical comedy.

Nanjiani has been refreshingly honest about his adjustment to live theater, recently sharing on “Late Night With Seth Meyers” that he had completely forgotten two lines mid-scene during one performance.

Nanjiani has been refreshingly honest about his adjustment to live theater, recently sharing on “Late Night With Seth Meyers” that he had completely forgotten two lines mid-scene during one performance and missed an entrance entirely during another. “What I’m learning is I can really fuck up—and it’s fine,” he said, crediting his co-stars for having his back during these moments.

This transparency about the learning process has endeared him to theater critics who appreciate actors willing to embrace the vulnerability inherent in live performance. Unlike film, where multiple takes allow for perfection, theater demands consistent excellence eight shows a week, a challenge Nanjiani has approached with both humility and determination.

Box Office Success Continues

The production has maintained its commercial momentum with the new cast. “Oh, Mary!” became the first show in the Lyceum Theatre’s 121-year history to gross more than $1,000,000 in a single week, and the addition of high-profile stars like Nanjiani and Monsoon has sustained audience interest throughout the summer season.

The show earned two 2025 Tony Awards: Lead Actor in a Play for Escola and Director of a Play for Sam Pinkleton, establishing it as a critical success before the cast changes. Nanjiani’s entrance into this award-winning production has been seen by industry observers as both a smart career move and a testament to his commitment to expanding his artistic range.

The production’s success has also highlighted the growing trend of established screen actors transitioning to Broadway, following in the footsteps of performers like Hugh Jackman, Neil Patrick Harris, and more recently, Sarah Paulson and Sterling K. Brown.

Nanjiani is set to perform through September 28, with Tony winner Jane Krakowski scheduled to take over the Mary Todd Lincoln role beginning October 14. This limited engagement approach has become increasingly common for celebrity-driven Broadway productions, allowing stars to test the theater waters while maintaining their screen careers.

For Nanjiani, the Broadway experience represents more than just a career milestone—it’s a return to the live performance roots that shaped his early career in comedy clubs and improv theaters. His willingness to embrace the unpredictability of live theater, even when it means publicly acknowledging mistakes, suggests an actor committed to growth and artistic challenge.

“Oh, Mary!” continues its run at the Lyceum Theatre through January 4, 2026, with various cast rotations scheduled throughout the extended engagement.

This story was aggregated by AI from several news reports and edited by American Kahani’s News Desk.