Bernadette Peters Reacts to Cole Escola’s 2025 Tony Awards Gown Tribute
Cole Escola turned heads at the 2025 Tony Awards. The Oh, Mary! star showed up in a stunning silvery-blue gown inspired by none other than Bernadette Peters. And now, the Broadway legend herself is sharing her reaction.
Escola’s look paid tribute to Peters’ 1999 Tony Awards gown. That night, Peters won Best Leading Actress in a Musical for Annie Get Your Gun. Escola’s version was a detailed and dramatic homage, and it clearly didn’t go unnoticed.
“I thought they looked absolutely lovely,” Peters said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. “But when I wore it, I wore my chest hairs in a different pattern.”
She also added a warm congratulations. “More importantly, congratulations to Cole on the Tony!!”
A gown rich with references
Escola, 37, worked with designer Jackson Wiederhoeft to bring their vision to life. The custom gown featured a lace-up corset in pale blue taffeta, with dramatic draping around the chest and hips. Metallic blue glass beads were hand-embroidered throughout.
The skirt had even more sparkle. It included an ornate door motif made from silver beads, faceted crystals, and tarnished metal sequins. According to the designer’s team, it was “a nod to Bernadette’s medals and the significance of the passage of time.”
“It’s my favorite blue,” Escola said during a red carpet interview. “I call it Cinderella blue.”
Even their accessories told a story. Escola’s pendant necklace featured British actress Laura Keene, known for her role in Our American Cousin. That’s the play President Abraham Lincoln was watching when he was assassinated at Ford’s Theatre.
Designing with meaning
Designer Jackson Wiederhoeft explained how the look came together. He said the team was captivated by Peters’ original dress and its details. “We were all obsessed with the color and the medals on the front,” he said. They were drawn to the contrast of glamor and innocence.
Wiederhoeft also mentioned deeper themes behind the gown. Ideas like faded elegance, femininity through history, and “ancient doors” played into the final design. It was more than just a red carpet moment. It was a story woven into fabric.
Cole’s big night on Broadway
Escola had more than fashion to celebrate. They won Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play for Oh, Mary!, which they also wrote.
In their acceptance speech, Escola thanked a long list of people. They began sweetly with, “Hi Mom. I love you. I’ll call you when I can.”
Escola also shouted out their fellow nominees, including George Clooney and Daniel Dae Kim. “It’s been a sincere pleasure spending time with you over these warm salads at all these lunches,” they joked.
And in true Cole fashion, the speech included a mix of heartfelt and hilarious. They even threw in a thank-you to “T Bone from Grindr” and gave a nod to comedian Amy Sedaris.
Bernadette Peters may have worn it first, but Cole Escola made it their own—and made Broadway proud while doing it.
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