Alaska brings drag experience to Mary Todd Lincoln role on US tour
Alaska, the drag performer and RuPaul’s Drag Race alum, is taking on the role of Mary Todd Lincoln in the touring production of Cole Escola’s hit comedy Oh, Mary!. The casting marks a major step from nightlife and drag performance into a prominent theatre role, while bringing a queer performer’s experience to a character who longs to reclaim her life as a cabaret star.
Alaska, whose stage name is Alaska Thunderfuck 5000, rose to prominence on Drag Race in 2013 and has since released five electro-pop albums and co-written and performed in Drag: The Musical. She was cast after working with director Sam Pinkleton, who praised her skill and commitment. The US tour follows a London production that opened in 2025; a recorded special is due to air on HBO next year.
In short
- Alaska will play Mary Todd Lincoln in Oh, Mary!
- The role is a major theatre milestone for the Drag Race alum.
- The comedy centres on Mary’s wish to return to cabaret.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “‘A dog would get treated better than a drag queen in Hollywood’: Alaska on prejudice and leading Oh, Mary!”.