Jane Krakowski Reveals ‘Bruises Everywhere’ from ‘Massive’ Broadway Costume in Hit Comedy ‘Oh, Mary!’
Broadway’s Bruising Glamour: Jane Krakowski Pays a Physical Price for ‘Oh, Mary!’
In a candid moment that has quickly become the talk of the theater world, beloved actress and Tony Award-winner Jane Krakowski revealed the surprising physical toll of her latest, highly-lauded Broadway role. Appearing on Late Night with Seth Meyers on Monday, November 17, 2025, Krakowski—currently starring as the titular character in the outrageous, Tony-winning hit Oh, Mary!—opened up about a consequence of her performance that few might expect from a comedic farce: the severe, full-body bruising caused by her historical costume.
The 57-year-old star, known for her iconic turns as Jenna Maroney in 30 Rock and Jacqueline White in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, has returned to the Broadway stage in Cole Escola’s critically acclaimed dark comedy, a wildly irreverent take on Mary Todd Lincoln in the final weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination.
The Surprising Weight of a First Lady
During her late-night conversation with host Seth Meyers, Krakowski, who has a storied history of performing gravity-defying, physically demanding stage roles, zeroed in on the unexpected challenge of the seemingly glamorous attire she dons nightly. The costume, a massive hoop-skirted gown befitting a 19th-century First Lady, is proving to be a surprising source of pain.
“The thing that surprised me the most is how heavy the dress actually is,” Krakowski confessed to Meyers. She noted that the play’s creator, Cole Escola, and the other actors who have inhabited the role of Mary Todd Lincoln made it appear as though they were “just flitting and flying around the stage like it was light.”
However, Krakowski’s reality, after a month of performances, is starkly different. “I have bruises everywhere on my body,” she stated, before quickly offering a signature comedic save. “But I felt no pain doing the show.” She then quipped, “It must be the applause,” explaining that she returns home and finds fresh bruises, wondering, “But I didn’t feel I hurt myself at all.”
This revelation not only underscores the often-unseen physical demands of live theater but also highlights the commitment Krakowski brings to her roles, even one as anarchic and camp as the one she currently occupies.
A New Icon Takes the Lyceum Stage
Krakowski’s limited eight-week engagement at the Lyceum Theatre, which began on October 14, 2025, and is scheduled to run through early December (with the run extended until early January 2026 for the production itself), marks her return to the Great White Way after her Tony-nominated turn in the 2016 revival of She Loves Me.
Her casting in Oh, Mary! was immediately recognized by fans and critics as a comedic masterstroke. The play has become a certified Broadway phenomenon, earning two Tony Awards in 2025 and setting box-office records.
Krakowski is the latest in a lineage of acclaimed performers to embody the role of the cabaret-obsessed, hard-drinking socialite version of Mary Todd Lincoln. She follows in the footsteps of the play’s creator Cole Escola, as well as stars like Tony winner Jinkx Monsoon and her 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt co-star, Tituss Burgess. The show is a fever dream of camp and melodrama, requiring a performer with Krakowski’s unique blend of high-energy stage presence, impeccable comic timing, and deep musical theater roots. She has been joined by Broadway alums Cheyenne Jackson and John Andrew Morrison, who play Mary’s Husband and Mary’s Tutor, respectively, bringing their own fresh dynamics to the show.
Krakowski herself called the play “a comedic work of genius” upon joining the cast, a sentiment that aligns perfectly with her penchant for playing eccentrics and lovable ‘monsters’ throughout her career.
From Jenna Maroney to Mary Todd Lincoln: Krakowski’s Enduring Legacy
Jane Krakowski’s career trajectory is a testament to her versatility across television and stage. While she continues to shine on Broadway, she remains a prominent figure in the television landscape. Since 2021, she has been the witty, energetic host of the FOX reboot of the classic game show Name That Tune, with former American Idol judge Randy Jackson serving as the bandleader.
Her breakout roles on television cemented her status as a comedy icon. Her portrayal of the self-obsessed, yet ultimately endearing, Jenna Maroney on 30 Rock (2006–2013, 2020) earned her four Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Following the conclusion of 30 Rock, she seamlessly transitioned to another critical and commercial hit created by Tina Fey: the Netflix series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015–2020), where she received another Emmy nomination for her role as the condescending socialite Jacqueline White.
However, Krakowski’s heart has always been deeply rooted in theater. A trained singer and dancer, her Broadway debut came at just 18 in Starlight Express in 1987. She won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for the 2003 revival of Nine, a performance famous for her gravity-defying aerial silks routine, and later won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for the West End revival of Guys and Dolls in 2005.
Her current physical commitment to Oh, Mary!—braving the “massive” costume and the subsequent bruises—demonstrates that even decades into a celebrated career, Krakowski is willing to fully inhabit a role, even if it comes at a personal cost. The enthusiastic response from critics and audiences alike proves the sacrifice is worth it, as her unique star power continues to drive the show’s runaway success.
For fans, Krakowski’s limited run in Oh, Mary! is a must-see event, a chance to witness a theatrical legend at the top of her game, quite literally throwing her whole body into the art of comedy. While the bruises may fade, the memory of her unforgettable turn as Mary Todd Lincoln will surely live on as one of the most exciting performances of the current Broadway season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Jane Krakowski breaking news about?
The latest news about Jane Krakowski is her candid revelation on Late Night with Seth Meyers that she has developed “bruises everywhere” from the heavy, restrictive costume she wears while starring in the hit Broadway play, Oh, Mary!
What is the Broadway play Oh, Mary! about?
Oh, Mary! is a Tony Award-winning dark comedy and historical farce by Cole Escola. The play offers a highly irreverent and campy look at Mary Todd Lincoln, reimagined as a hard-drinking, cabaret-obsessed socialite, in the weeks leading up to her husband’s assassination.
Who else has played the role of Mary Todd Lincoln in Oh, Mary!?
Jane Krakowski is the fifth actor to take on the role. Previous performers include the play’s creator Cole Escola, Betty Gilpin, Tituss Burgess, and Jinkx Monsoon.
How long is Jane Krakowski performing in Oh, Mary!?
Jane Krakowski’s run is a limited engagement that began on October 14, 2025. Her scheduled performance dates run through early December 2025, though the production itself has been extended.
What are Jane Krakowski’s most famous television roles?
Krakowski is most famous for her Emmy-nominated roles as the narcissistic actress Jenna Maroney on the NBC comedy series 30 Rock and the socialite Jacqueline White on the Netflix comedy series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. She is also the current host of the Fox game show Name That Tune.
Has Jane Krakowski won a Tony Award?
Yes, Jane Krakowski won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical in 2003 for her performance as Carla in the Broadway revival of Nine.
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