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Cole Escola

BIO

COLE ESCOLA is a comedian, actor, and writer. They’ve received a Drama Desk Award, a Theatre World Award, and two Outer Critics Circle Awards for Oh, Mary! and they’re thrilled to be making their Broadway debut with the show. Notable TV includes: “Search Party,” “At Home with Amy Sedaris,” “Difficult People” (on which they also wrote), “Man Seeking Woman,” “Mozart in the Jungle,” and “Ziwe” (for which they were also a writer). Cole consulted on “Hacks” for HBO and also wrote for “The Other Two” for Comedy Central. They were the co-creator, writer, and star of the lo-fi cult-hit TV show “Jeffrey and Cole Casserole,” and were named one of Vanity Fair's “25 Best Performances of 2023" for their special "Our Home Out West,” and “Best Sketch Comic of 2020” by the New York Times for their special “Help! I’m Stuck!,” which they filmed alone in their apartment during quarantine. Both self-produced specials are available on YouTube. Follow Cole on Instagram at @coleescola.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2024
Mary Todd Lincoln


[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Premiere Production, 2024


Productions

 
[West End, 2025]
Writer
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Playwright

Writing

Playwright

Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2025 - DISTINGUISHED PERFORMANCE

Cole Escola, Oh, Mary!


winner
Tony Awards - 2025 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Cole Escola, Oh, Mary!


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2024 - Sam Norkin Off-Broadway Award

Cole Escola

Drama League Awards - 2024 - Disinguished Performance

Cole Escola, Oh, Mary!


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Lead Performer in an Off-Broadway Play

Cole Escola, Oh, Mary!


winner
Theatre World Awards - 2024 - Theatre World Award

Cole Escola, Oh, Mary!

Videos

News


Video: There's a New Mary in Town- John Cameron Mitchell Is Back on Broadway in OH, MARY!
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 12, 2026

John Cameron Mitchell and Simu Liu have joined the company of Tony Award-winning comedy Oh, Mary! on Broadway. Watch in this video as the duo discusses their new gig and why they are so happy to join Broadway's finniest play. 
OH, MARY!, KINKY BOOTS and More Set For Theatre Under The Stars 2026/27 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 11, 2026

Theatre Under The Stars has unveiled a lineup of Broadway hits for its 2026/27 season. The upcoming season features everything from beloved classics to the acclaimed comedy, Oh, Mary!
Video: Watch the Official Trailer for ONE PIECE Season 2
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 10, 2026

The return of One Piece is fast approaching, and Netflix has released the official trailer for the second season of the hit series, featuring the eclectic ensemble of new and returning characters. Check it out now.
THE OUTSIDERS, BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB, and More Set For the Smith Center's 2026-27 Broadway Season
by Stephi Wild - Feb 10, 2026

Las Vegas' Heart of the Arts, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, has announced its latest lineup of Broadway productions – the 2026-2027 season of its popular and acclaimed Toyota Broadway Las Vegas Series.
Jane Comfort and Company to Debut New Work at La MaMa in March 2026
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 6, 2026

La MaMa will present Jane Comfort and Company with a new world premiere and two landmark works, marking their first return in over eight years. The event, set for March 19-22, 2026, will feature a blend of dance and theater addressing America's cultural and political issues.
Video: John Cameron Mitchell & Simu Liu Take First Bows in OH, MARY!
by Michael Major - Feb 4, 2026

John Cameron Mitchell made a grand return to Broadway on February 3, taking over the role of 'Mary Todd Lincoln' in Oh, Mary!, along with Simu Liu, who makes his Broadway debut in the role of ‘Mary’s Teacher.’ Watch the video of their bows!
Photos: OH, MARY! Stars John Cameron Mitchell & Simu Liu Meet the Press
by Bruce Glikas - Feb 4, 2026

Tonight, John Cameron Mitchell and Simu Liu will join the company of Tony Award-winning comedy Oh, Mary! on Broadway! The new stars met the press today. Check out our photos from the meet and greet!
Photos: John Cameron Mitchell and Simu Liu in OH, MARY! on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 3, 2026

John Cameron Mitchell and Simu Liu will join the company of Tony Award-winning comedy Oh, Mary! on Broadway. You can now get a first look at production photos.
La MaMa to Debut Theodora Skipitares' FOOTNOTES with Music by Sxip Shirey
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 2026

La MaMa will present the world premiere of FOOTNOTES, a multi-media puppetry show exploring the profound aspects of walking, from February 27 to March 15, 2026.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 2, 2026- THE GREAT GATSBY Behind the Scenes and More
by - Feb 2, 2026

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is February 2, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
Video: John Cameron Mitchell Dons OH, MARY's Bratty Curls in HEDWIG-Inspired Teaser
by Michael Major - Feb 2, 2026

John Cameron Mitchell is pulling the bratty curls down from the shelf! The writer and original star of the groundbreaking musical (turned film) Hedwig and the Angry Inch is preparing to take over as ‘Mary Todd Lincoln.' Watch a new video teaser!
Broadway Streaming Guide: February 2026 - Where to Watch KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN & More
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 30, 2026

This February, Broadway fans will be treated to many new things to stream, including a new episode of The Muppet Show with Sabrina Carpenter, an animated movie featuring Cole Escola, Ryan Murphy's Love Story, and Kiss of the Spider Woman with Jennifer Lopez.
Seth Meyers Wants Stephen Colbert to Star in OH, MARY!
by Michael Major - Jan 28, 2026

Seth Meyers has found Stephen Colbert's next project – but it's not playing the role you might think. Colbert discussed life after his show ends this May. Meyers suggested that he joins Oh, Mary! on Broadway as Mary Todd Lincoln.
See Which Stars Have Played Mary Todd Lincoln in OH, MARY!
by Sidney Paterra - Jan 28, 2026

In light of the news that Oh, Mary! will be launching a U.S. Tour in 2026, BroadwayWorld is looking back at all of the stars who have played the title role of Mary Todd Lincoln! 
Video: Test Your Knowledge of Broadway Opening Numbers with These JEOPARDY! Questions
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 26, 2026

During a recent episode of Jeopardy!, the fan-favorite game show dedicated a category to opening numbers featured in Broadway musicals. Watch the clip here to see if you answer each clue correctly!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld January 22, 2026- DOG DAY AFTERNOON Sets Full Broadway Cast and More
by - Jan 22, 2026

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is  January 22, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
OH, MARY! to Launch U.S. Tour in Fall 2026
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 21, 2026

Oh, Mary! will play select cities across the U.S. beginning in the fall of 2026. Written by Tony Award winner Cole Escola and directed by Tony Award winner Sam Pinkleton, Oh, Mary! is currently playing on Broadway.
Video/Photos: Sophia Anne Caruso Stars as Baroque Works Villain in ONE PIECE Season 2 Teaser
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 12, 2026

Netflix has revealed the official “Rise of the Baroques” teaser for One Piece: Into the Grand Line, highlighting an ensemble cast of villains appearing in the new season. Check out the trailer and new photos for Season 2, which arrives on March 10, 2026. 
Video: Simu Liu Shares Audition Experience for Broadway Debut in OH, MARY!
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 8, 2026

Simu Liu recently spoke about making his Broadway debut in Oh, Mary! on Late Night with Seth Meyers, revealing that he had been looking to do a Broadway show and sharing his audition experience.
LIBERATION, OEDIPUS, REDWOOD and More Nominated for 2026 GLAAD Media Awards
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 7, 2026

GLAAD, the world's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, has revealed the nominees of the 37th GLAAD Media Awards. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Cole Escola written?

Cole Escola has written 1 shows including Oh, Mary! (Playwright).

How many Broadway shows has Cole Escola been in?

Cole Escola has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has Cole Escola been in?

Cole Escola has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Cole Escola been nominated for?

DISTINGUISHED PERFORMANCE (Drama League Awards) for Oh, Mary!, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Oh, Mary!, Sam Norkin Off-Broadway Award (Drama Desk Awards) for , Disinguished Performance (Drama League Awards) for Oh, Mary!, Outstanding Lead Performer in an Off-Broadway Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Oh, Mary! and Theatre World Award (Theatre World Awards) for Oh, Mary!.

What awards has Cole Escola won?

Cole Escola has won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play for Oh, Mary!. Additionally, they received the Sam Norkin Off-Broadway Award from the Drama Desk Awards, the Outstanding Lead Performer in an Off-Broadway Play award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards, and the Theatre World Award from the Theatre World Awards, all for their performance in Oh, Mary!.

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Videos