The sensational ‘Oh, Mary!’ proves you can’t predict a Broadway hit

Something I would have never predicted five years ago: One of Broadway’s hottest shows is a rip-roaring comedy about Mary Todd Lincoln, the wife of assassinated President Abraham Lincoln.

And yet, last week “Oh, Mary!,” the brilliant new play written by and starring Cole Escola, grossed a massive $1,054,998 — setting a record for the century-old Lyceum Theatre and besting 10 musicals, including “Six” and “& Juliet.” 

After reading the news, an industry pro texted me one word: “Woah.”

Warped and wacky, “Oh, Mary!” has nothing that, we’re told over and over again like gospel, is needed for success on the Great White Way today: A-List stars, popular songs and a familiar title. None of that.

Instead of kowtowing to that cynical rubric, the show ticks the boxes of hilarity, edge and unrestrained creativity.

In my review, I gave it four stars.