Cole Escola Wins Tony, Honors Bernadette Peters' 1999 Gown

At the 2025 Tony Awards, Cole Escola made history as the first openly non-binary performer to win the award for Best Leading Actor in a Play for their role in Oh, Mary!. Escola's stunning icy blue corseted gown, designed by Jackson Wiederhoeft, was a deliberate homage to Bernadette Peters' iconic 1999 Tony Awards look, which Peters herself praised with a playful comment on chest hair patterns. The gown featured intricate glass bead embellishments and a pendant with a portrait of Laura Keene, tying the outfit to the play's historical context surrounding the assassination of Abraham Lincoln during a performance of Our American Cousin. Peters, a Broadway legend and inspiration to Escola, warmly congratulated the actor and highlighted the thoughtful tribute, which was widely noted by fans and media. Escola's performance and style have been celebrated for their creativity and significance, with Oh, Mary! continuing its run through June 21. The event also honored Oh, Mary! director Sam Pinkleton for Best Director of a Play, further recognizing the production's impact.