OpeningNight.Online Theater Logo

Theater Forward’s 2022 Gala Red Carpet

Search by review category
Rating
4.5/5
On April 4, the red carpet at The Edison Ballroom was sizzling hot with excitement as Theatre Forward’s 2022 Gala honoring Tony and Obie Award-winning director, producer, and actor Kenny Leon, and Prudential Financial for their leadership and support in the arts and the theater community. Leon recently directed Lifetime’s Emmy-nominated Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia. Last year, he directed the Tony Award-winning Broadway premiere of Charles Fuller’s Pulitzer Prize-winning story A Soldier’s Play, which he received a nomination for Best Director. In 2021, Prudential Financial teamed with Playbill, The Broadway League and Time Square Alliance to sponsor Curtain Up, which celebrates the return of Broadway in NYC. Prudential also donated to Black Theatre Coalition and The Actors Fund. Gala chairs for the evening were Audra McDonald and Richard K. Greene, CITI.

Shereen Pimental. Photo by Victoria Dammer

Emcee Shereen Pimentel, who is currently starring in the Broadway revival of West Side Story, was bedazzling in a form-fitting long white gown, her long silky tresses free flowing on her shoulders. When asked what she was looking forward to for the evening, she said, “I am looking forward to all the performances tonight.” She also stressed how important it was to come out and support Theatre Forward and the institutions they support. Honoree Kenny Leon posed with Pimental, decked out in a deep navy blue velvet jacket with a black satin lapel. He was jovial and talkative with the crowd. When Leon was asked what he felt was his greatest accomplishment so far, he replied, “I’m still a story teller who impacts lives and it’s great to be in the room with this army, these soldiers who are still taking our stories to the communities.” He also gave words of advice for people who were breaking into the industry. “Just do it. Don’t wait on anybody. Write your story.”

Claybourne Elder. Photo by Victoria Dammer

Claybourne Elder, currently starring in the Broadway revival of Company, was handsomely dressed in a black tux and bowtie, looking as gorgeous in person as he does on stage. He was appearing at the Gala as a special guest, and when asked what he was looking forward to, he replied, “ This is my first in-person gala for a long time so I’m just excited to be here.” He was also asked for advice for up-and-coming performers and he said, “ There are going to be ups and downs. Just live somewhere in the middle.” James Haskins, Colette Laisure, Tim Shields and Meghan Pressman, members of the Regional Theatre Board also appeared, thrilled to be on the red carpet.

Brittney Johnson and Susan Somersille Johnson. Photo by Victoria Dammer

Stunning can describe Broadway performer Brittney Johnson, currently starring in Wicked, who posed with PRU honoree Susan Somersille Johnson, both wearing incredible blue gowns and smiles to light up any room.

Phylicia Rashad. Photo by Victoria Dammer

Not to miss was actor Alexander Bello,  actor, singer and dancer Dewitt Flemming Jr., and the ever-popular and charming actor Phylicia Rashad. Although Kristin Chenoweth was not on the red carpet, we heard a buzz from the crowd attendees could expect an extraordinary performance from the well-known star. Just like any red carpet event, the time spent speaking with the stars was short, but what an enjoyable night visiting with theater’s bright stars was had by all. Readers may also enjoy our reviews of CompanyJoan Ellison sings Judy GarlandThe Matrix Resurrections, and 54 Sings Broadway’s Greatest Hits.

More to explore...

The Company of the 2021-2022 national tour of CATS. Photo by Matt Matthew, Murphymade.

CATS at the Mayo Performing Arts Center

There are so many beautiful songs in the first and second acts, too many to list. Still, song after song and with mindboggling dance presentations, the theatergoers waited in anticipation to hear Grizabella’s full performance of Memory, and it didn’t disappoint. It was so powerful that everyone in the theater held their breath momentarily.

In a scene of The Conductor at The Theater for the New City. Above: Brian Simmons as Warren Chipp. Below: Imran Javaid as Shashi Parmar. Photo by Jonathan Slaff.

The Conductor at the Theater for the New City

The Conductor celebrated emotionally charged discourse governed by mutual respect, intellectual rigor, and passionate argument without the hostility, recriminations, and violence sometimes seen in today’s national debate. As with any well-crafted, intellectually fueled discourse, Reed’s work evoked exciting questions and ideas for viewers desiring continued debate.

Tyce Green in Turn the Beat Around at 54 Below. Photo by Gloria Alvarado

Turn the Beat Around at 54 Below

The thrill of the disco era returned to 54 Below on March 1 for an exciting night as the famous and glamorous nightclub opened the dance floor to all who came to participate in two sold-out shows of Turn the Beat Around.

COMMENTS

Theater Forward’s 2022 Gala Red Carpet

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x