Last night, all eyes were drawn to an astounding display of creativity and homage at the 2025 Tony Awards in New York City, where actor Cole Escola dazzled in a striking silvery-blue gown. The “Oh, Mary!” star’s fashion choice was not just a garment but a clarion call to the elegance of Broadway’s past. Escola’s attire—a breathtaking creation by designer Jackson Wiederhoeft—paid homage to none other than the legendary Bernadette Peters. This nod to Peters’ iconic look from the 1999 Tony Awards encapsulated an era of sheer theatrical brilliance while weaving in contemporary non-binary identity and creative expression.
Escola, who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, embodied the essence of a modern-day Cinderella, elegantly declaring, “It’s my favorite blue; I call it Cinderella blue.” This playful yet poignant statement highlighted not only their affinity for color but also a deliberate design choice lush with personal significance. The off-the-shoulder neckline and corset-style bodice exuded grace, while the elaborate taffeta train brought a whisper of grandeur that is often sorely missed in contemporary awards fashion.
Redefining Traditional Norms with Style
The elements of Escola’s outfit went beyond mere aesthetics. Adorned with hand-stitched metallic blue glass beads, the ensemble served as a metaphor for the complexities of gender and identity in an industry notoriously bound by tradition. In collaboration with Wiederhoeft, the design team incorporated inspirations that were both whimsical and cryptic, drawing attention to the historical weight of femininity and the evolving nature of gender representation in theater.
Escola’s striking appearance was accentuated by a carefully styled aburun curly wig that alluded to Peters’ celebrated hairstyle, linking past and present in a cohesive narrative. The inclusion of a pendant necklace featuring British actress Laura Keene also accented a rich tapestry of Broadway history, an emblem of homage to a lineage of talent that shaped today’s performing arts landscape.
A Historic Achievement
Beyond the realm of fashion, Escola’s achievements on stage were equally groundbreaking. Nominated for five awards for their poignant performance in “Oh, Mary!”—a dark comedy that explores the life of Mary Todd Lincoln in the days leading up to her husband’s assassination—they captured the coveted title of Best Leading Actor in a Play. Their win marked a significant moment in Tony Award history, making Escola the first openly non-binary actor to take home the award in this category.
In their acceptance speech, they acknowledged fellow nominees with warmth while exuding humility, humorously mentioning “warm salads” shared during rehearsals. They also addressed their mother, a touching testament to the personal connections that ground artists amidst the glitz. This moment encapsulated not only their triumph but the revitalization of representation in the performing arts.
Breaking Barriers
When Escola made history as the first playwright to win for a play they authored since Harvey Fierstein’s victory in 1983, the significance of the moment transcended the individual. This was a landmark achievement for the LGBTQ+ community, a move that opens doors for future performers and writers whose stories have long been marginalized.
Cole Escola’s night at the Tony Awards shone brightly not just for the accolades but for what it represents: the dismantling of traditional barriers and a celebration of diverse identities. The evening served as a reminder that, while the past informs the present, it is the future that awaits, ready for those bold enough to reshape it.