The 78th Annual Tony Awards brought a wave of excitement, nostalgia, and heartfelt moments, but the standout tribute came from Cole Escola, who paid homage to Broadway legend Bernadette Peters. The gesture was both playful and poignant, reflecting Escola’s admiration for Peters’ enduring influence. Dressed in a custom “Cinderella blue” gown designed by Wiederhoeft and styled with a brassy up-do evocative of Peters’ signature curls, Escola turned heads while simultaneously invoking Broadway history.
Escola Channels Iconic 1999 Tony Look with Wit, Style, and Theatrical Devotion
Escola’s outfit was instantly recognizable to fans of Bernadette Peters as a loving recreation of the costume she wore at the 1999 Tony Awards. At the time, Peters had performed in her William Ivey Long-designed ensemble from Annie Get Your Gun and, with no time to change, accepted her Best Actress in a Musical award in the same outfit. The homage from Escola brilliantly echoed that memorable moment, blending reverence with clever theatrical flair.
Cole Escola Honors Bernadette Peters at the Tonys with Iconic Look and Broadway-Worthy FlairWhen asked about the idea behind their ensemble, Escola told reporters in the Tonys press room, “The first idea is the best idea. Why fix it if it ain’t broke?” This offhand yet confident comment highlighted their creative process and underscored their comfort with instinct-driven artistry. The choice to model their appearance after such a specific moment in Tony Awards history speaks to Escola’s deep appreciation for theatrical legacy and its icons.
A Heartfelt Response and Broadway Milestones Mark a Night to Remember
Bernadette Peters herself responded to the tribute with her characteristic humor and grace. In a message to Playbill, she praised Escola’s look, joking, “I thought they looked absolutely lovely, but when I wore it, I wore my chest hairs in a different pattern.” Her congratulatory tone and light-hearted humor affirmed the tribute as a touching success, received warmly by its muse.
Beyond the tribute, Cole Escola had a landmark evening with their play Oh, Mary!, which also saw director Sam Pinkleton win Best Director of a Play. The show continues its run at the Lyceum Theatre, with Escola stepping down from the role of Mary Todd Lincoln on June 21. Tituss Burgess is set to take over beginning June 23. Meanwhile, Bernadette Peters continues to charm Broadway audiences in Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends, now extended at the Friedman Theatre through June 29.