As one of the last Broadway opening night red carpets of the year, How to Dance in Ohio did not disappoint. Apt for the musical's thesis, each star's outfit perfectly suited them and their character's individual style.
Though the evening provided an infinite rainbow of sparkling sequin textures and sophisticated smooth silk, the predominant colors of the night were rich shades of ruby, burgundy, and cranberry—perhaps a nod to #RedInstead, an important autistic-led initiative to change the symbols of autism advocacy movements.
Intentional or not, the poinsettia-like colors are perfect way to head into the holidays! See some of the stand-out looks at the opening night of How to Dance in Ohio below.
Imani Russell
Cast member Imani Russell's three-piece ensemble epitomized coolness. The print of the flare pants, vest, and mask all featured illustrations of different insects and reptiles. It suited Russell's character in the show, who works in a pet shop and often takes care of reptiles. The cut and configuration, and how all the pieces come together, perfectly fits Russell's personal style. They elevated the look with golden Western boots, making them dance-ready from head to toe!
Desmond Luis Edwards
Like Desmond Luis Edwards' character Remy in How to Dance in Ohio, this star was absolutely ready to steal the show (or, rather, red carpet) with an absolutely dazzling rainbow sequin jumpsuit by Eloquii. They accessorized it with a neon pink telephone shaped purse (and matching earrings!), bedazzled flats, and a string of fairy lights to add some extra sparkle to their mobility device.
Rainbow is not only Remy's favorite color in the show; the rainbow infinity sign is an important symbol for the autism community. Translating that into fashion is something that would surely make Remy proud.
Conor Tague
Cast member Conor Tague looks incredible in his red silk blazer and vest, which is tastefully balanced with black pants—making sure the color and texture of the top is able to shine without having it be a head-to-toe velvet look. The black lining of the jacket, the jacked pocket, and vest visually tie in the pants so they don't look out of place. Also, the bow tie lets the buttons on the undershirt peek through. Tague would certainly win best-dressed at any dance!
Amelia Fei
Cast member Amelia Fei stunned in her burgundy silk dress by Martín Lara Avila—which she called her "vampire dress," according to her Instagram story. It's certainly the type of ensemble any alluring vampire would wear to command your attention, with the sheer lace top and a slit revealing bedazzled tights. Fei's hot pink heels with a bow on the straps added a touch of sweetness to the look, and her rosette choker is in fashion right now.
Madison Kopec
Styled by Jake Sokoloff, cast member Madison Kopec's ruby red silk suit by L'agence is accentuated perfectly by her black lace camisole underneath. The rich color complements her silvery-taupe eyeshadow look and her brunette hair, which is styled down with a loose curl, adding just the right amount of elegance to the sleek-suited look. Her black-and-white Oxford Doc Martens complete it all with a touch of edge.
Paula Abdul
It should come as no surprise that this Grammy Award-winning pop star would dress to impress—especially now that Paula Abdul has made her Broadway producer debut with How to Dance in Ohio. She also joined the lineup of ruby-toned regality on the red carpet, with her gorgeous red bustier dress. The structure of the corseted top and the richness of the velvet paired well with the airy elegance of the tulle mermaid skirt. Her velvet gloves kept her both cozy and comfortable in the winter night air. The long tassel on her gold clutch paired wonderfully with her elongated gold necklace.
Ashley Wool
Cast member Ashley Wool's onstage character, Jessica, loves all things magical and regal, and she would certainly be proud of Wool's perfectly princess-y look. The silhouette of her silk tea-length Ivy City & Co dress and her flawlessly styled bun is reminiscent of Cinderella. The pearl necklace makes the look even more timeless. The salmon-peach tone of the dress added a softer shade to the mix amongst her co-stars' jewel-toned looks. But she was able to compliment the group while also creating her own classic style.
Marina Pires
Swing actor Marina Pires' bright ensemble absolutely lit up the red carpet. Her bright pink A-line skirt was by Free People, paired with a sheer rhinestone top (also Free People). Her cobalt Min & Mon purse added vibrant pop of colorblocking, and her nude Schutz heels allowed the rest of the outfit to stand out while still tying in the tone of her top.
Liam Pearce
Styled by Jake Sokoloff, cast member Liam Pearce's forest green Phix suit is expertly tailored. The angular cut of it against the more relaxed, half-unbuttoned black lace shirt by Phix underneath creates the perfect juxtaposition of effortlessness and elegance. The silver-lined pockets on his blazer, with their paper airplane design, added a touch of playfulness.
Abby Romeo
Tik Tok star Abby Romeo looked so refined in her all-velvet ensemble. Her long green velvet dress, black velvet coat, and black velvet pouch clutch are the embodiment of old Broadway glamor—the exact kind of outfit you could picture a mid-century Broadway star wearing as she steps out of cab to enter the theatre. Her sensory-friendly shoes from Fit Flops pair wonderfully with the fabrics and textures of her ensemble, while still providing comfort. (Her starfish hair clip is also a lovely tribute to one of her most beloved films, The Little Mermaid.)
Ashley Amigo and Cristina Sastre
The real-life Ashley Amigo and Cristina Sastre (who plays Amigo in the show) were beautifully coordinated in their all-black looks. But their personal styles still shine through. Amigo's edgy sheer lace Abercrombie & Fitch crop top layered with a trendy bralette and her black Bar III leather shorts had her looking like a total rockstar. Sastre's vintage black dress is anything but basic: the beautiful detailing of the rosettes on the skirt gives it a whimsical flair.
Darlesia Cearcy
Everything's coming up roses with the bottom of cast member Darlesia Cearcy's dress. But the top is full-on metal! This incredible mermaid-style dress has all the romantic flair a red carpet commands in the skirt, while the draped chrome collar on top added an exciting edge.
