Broadway’s New Star: How Cole Escola Dazzled in Silver and Made Tony History
On June 8, 2025, at Radio City Music Hall, Cole Escola stepped into the spotlight wearing a shimmering silver gown and a heart full of hope. As their name echoed through the hall, they became the first openly non-binary performer to win the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play.
In that moment, cheers filled the room—not just for a thrilling performance, but for a milestone in Broadway history. This story illustrates how talent, courage, and a tribute to an idol combined to transform the stage forever.
This article invites readers on a journey from a small town in Oregon to the bright lights of Broadway. We explore Cole Escola’s early life and bold steps into comedy and theatre. We share the emotion behind their red-carpet choice—a silver dress honoring Bernadette Peters—and recount the electric moment they won the Tony Award.
Finally, we look at the ripple effect of this victory on the theatre world and the bright path that lies ahead for Escola. Through clear storytelling and simple language, this piece highlights why their achievement matters to artists and audiences everywhere.
From Clatskanie to Casserole: Cole Escola’s Early Journey
Cole Escola was born on November 25, 1986, in Clatskanie, Oregon. In grade school, they played piano at community concerts and joined every musical the theater club offered. By high school, they wrote and performed short comedy sketches for friends. With a spark in their eye, they moved to New York City and enrolled at Marymount Manhattan College.
Soon, they realized they learned more onstage than in class. Dropping out to chase performance full time, they teamed up with friend Jeffery Self. Their offbeat YouTube videos garnered a cult following due to their sharp humor and quirky characters.
Those sketches led to the Logo TV series Jeffrey & Cole Casserole, where Escola honed improvisation skills and built a reputation as a fearless comedian. Over the next decade, Escola landed guest roles on hit shows like Difficult People and At Home with Amy Sedaris.
They lent their voice to animated series and appeared in small films. All the while, they wrote and workshopped a one-person show called Oh, Mary!, exploring history through a modern, satirical lens. With each performance, audiences felt both shock and delight—and saw a performer unafraid to blend laughter with truth.
Red Carpet Tribute: The Silver Dress
When the 2025 Tony Awards red carpet rolled out, all eyes turned to Escola’s bold ensemble. They chose a silver off-the-shoulder gown inspired by Bernadette Peters’s iconic 1999 look. The dress shimmered under the lights, and a cascade of red curls paid homage to Peters’s signature style.
“I wanted to honor someone who changed musical theatre,” Escola explained in interviews later. “Bernadette Peters taught me how to balance heart and humor. She showed me the power of presence.”
Reporters snapped photos as Escola shared laughs with fellow nominees. The tribute did more than look stunning—it set the tone for an evening that celebrated past legends and future pioneers. Fans on social media hailed it as a moment of theatrical unity, where admiration for one star became fuel for another’s rise.
View this post on Instagram
Tony Triumph and Historic Win
Inside Radio City, the excitement buzzed like live electricity. When the category for Best Actor in a Play appeared on screen, Escola watched with calm focus. Then the envelope opened. “And the Tony goes to… Cole Escola!”
The hall erupted. Escola stood, stunned, as friends and fans rose to their feet. Onstage, they delivered one of the night’s most memorable speeches:
“This award is not just mine. It belongs to everyone who feels they don’t fit a box. Thank you for believing in me when I first took the stage in Oregon. Tonight, we prove that being yourself is the greatest gift you can offer the world.”
Escola’s performance as Mary Todd Lincoln in Oh, Mary! Showcased a blend of raw emotion and sharp wit. Critics praised their ability to find humor in heartbreak and vulnerability in satire. Many called it a career-defining turn. But beyond reviews, it was Escola’s identity—openly non-binary and proud—that made the victory historic. Their win signaled a significant step forward for representation on Broadway’s biggest night.
Impact on Theatre and Community
Escola’s Tony win rippled far beyond the awards ceremony. In the days that followed, theatre schools reported a record number of applications from non-binary and LGBTQ+ students. Social media buzzed with hopeful messages: “If Cole can do it, so can I.” Casting directors began considering diverse actors for roles traditionally written for one gender.
The win also sparked conversations about inclusivity in unions and award voting bodies. Producers pledged to host workshops on gender and performance. Theatre companies announced upcoming seasons featuring plays by underrepresented voices.
For Escola, the celebration came with new opportunities. They were invited to join panels on diversity, begin a mentorship program, and develop a second one-person play. Yet they remained grounded: continuing virtual cabaret shows, supporting small theatres in Oregon, and collaborating with former co-star Jeffery Self on a podcast about comedy and identity.
Current Status and Future Projects
Today, Cole Escola balances life as a stage star and an advocate. Their show, Oh, Mary!Embarks on a national tour this fall, bringing their trademark humor and insight to audiences across the nation.
At the same time, they began writing a memoir about growing up queer in rural America, a project they call “my chance to speak for the shy kid who hides behind pencil sketches in class.”
On screen, Escola will guest star in a new streaming series about a theatre troupe navigating fame. They also voice a lead character in an upcoming animated feature celebrating global myths. Through each role, they aim to blend entertainment with empathy, showing that every story—no matter how small—deserves a spotlight.
Final Words
Cole Escola’s journey from small-town stages to Tony glory reminds us that art can transform lives. Their silver-gown tribute honored the past, while their win shattered expectations about who belongs on center stage.
As Escola looks toward new projects, its impact endures: inspiring a new generation to embrace their identity, pursue their dreams, and believe that theatre is truly for everyone. Their story stands as proof that courage and creativity can rewrite the script for one performer and an entire community.
Table of Contents