Alaska Thunderf*ck Joined Oh, Mary! National Tour
The national tour for the acclaimed production launched in Connecticut with a new lead performer.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Children’s Theater
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Alaska Thunderf*ck has stepped into the role of Mary Todd Lincoln for the national tour of the hit play Oh, Mary!. The production launched its tour in Connecticut on September 19, 2026.
Why it matters
The casting change comes as J. Harrison Ghee takes a medical leave of absence until November 1, 2026. This national tour follows the play's immense success on Broadway and in London's West End.
The production previously grossed more than $1,000,000 in a single week at the Lyceum Theatre. It also secured the 2026 Olivier Award for Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play.
The players
Alaska Thunderf*ck
A well-known drag performer and musician who has taken over the lead role of Mary Todd Lincoln for the national tour.
J. Harrison Ghee
An actor who previously held the lead role and is currently on a medical leave of absence from the production.
Sam Pinkleton
The director responsible for overseeing the staging and artistic vision of the national tour.
The details
Directed by Sam Pinkleton and produced by Kevin McCollum, Lucas McMahon, Mike Lavoie, and Carlee Briglia, the show continues its run with cast members John-Andrew Morrison, Wesley Taylor, Pooya Mohseni, and Michael Lepore. J. Harrison Ghee is scheduled to return to the tour in a different role before taking over the lead in January 2027.
Timeline
July 11, 2024: Oh, Mary! opened on Broadway.
December 18, 2025: Oh, Mary! opened in London's West End.
September 19, 2026: The national tour launched in Connecticut.
November 1, 2026: J. Harrison Ghee concludes leave of absence.
January 19, 2027: J. Harrison Ghee assumes role of Mary Todd Lincoln.
Industry Dynamics
The expansion of this production into a national tour follows the momentum established by winning the 2026 Olivier Award for Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play. This move signals a broader strategy to capitalize on the success of award-winning Broadway content in regional markets.
Theatergoers across the country can now see the production in regional venues as the tour begins its run. Fans planning to see the show should verify cast schedules, as lead performer roles are subject to change during the transition period.
The takeaway
The successful transition of this production from Broadway to a national tour highlights the sustained demand for high-profile comedy across diverse markets. Audiences should monitor regional listings for scheduling updates as cast members rotate throughout the tour.
What happens next
J. Harrison Ghee is set to rejoin the cast on November 1, 2026, and will officially assume the lead role of Mary Todd Lincoln again on January 19, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on touring productions, visit the Children’s Theater section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Broadway World.
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