In the spirit of Halloween, stars dressed up as “Angels and Demons” for the American Ballet Theatre’s fall gala, this year honoring Cynthia Erivo.
The “Wicked” star was recognized for her contributions to the performing arts, with proceeds going toward the company’s productions, dancer training, education and programming.
Stars in attendance included Katie Holmes and Jason Bard Yarmosky, Lake Bell and Rashid Johnson, Constance Wu, Gucci Westman, Matt Rogers, Nicky Hilton Rothschild, Misty Copeland, Sanford Biggers and Anh Duong.
Performances for the evening were curated by Susan Jaffe with ballet excerpts from “Coppélia,” “Swan Lake,” “La Sylphide,” “Sylvia,” “The Dream” and “Whipped Cream” alongside performances of Frederick Ashton’s “Dance of the Blessed Spirits,” Michel Fokine’s “Le Spectre de la Rose,” and Agnes de Mille’s “Three Virgins and a Devil.”
Actress, choreographer, director and producer Debbie Allen graced the red carpet in a red Carolina Herrera gown. The director of the 1988 version of “A Different World” and the new Netflix reboot was celebrating the recently announced green light for Season Two.
“I’m telling you, our head writer, Felicia Pride, and the team, have come together with such great stories, and we’re going to have such dynamic appearances, and Easter eggs for the audience,” Allen teased. “The young people that are involved are so committed, and so excited. They’re not used to not being able to walk down the street.”
“I just love that we are now a cinematic, single-camera show,” she continued. “And we’re shooting in Atlanta on HBCU campuses of Morehouse, Spelman and Clark. So you’re really feeling the authenticity of what we’re doing in a whole other way. And I’m just so joyful about that and so excited for everybody involved.”
Former principal dancer Copeland was also in attendance, wearing a black lace Sergio Hudson suit.
“It’s incredible to be back and supporting the company as a board trustee and to support my friend Cynthia Erivo, who’s being honored tonight, and be a part of a fun program with a Halloween theme,” she said.
“Girlfriends” star Persia White embraced the holiday theme with a Cruella de Vil-inspired look.
“I’m giving a little bit of Cruella, but like a little bit of an urban vibe to her,” she said. “She’s got old school, new school. These gloves are actually from England. They’re the same gloves the queen wears. And then I mix it with a little vintage style and a little bit of Goth. So, yeah, it’s just sort of me meshed in there.”
Attendees enjoyed cocktails on the terrace during golden hour before heading into the theater for the one-night-only performance followed by dinner and dancing.
