To welcome the U.S. premiere of Christopher Wheeldon‘s Cinderella, some 500 San Francisco Ballet benefactors, patrons and their guests dined in an elaborate tent turned French castle for a Cinderella Opening Night Ball on May 3, 2013. Suzy Kellems Dominik and Stephanie Ejabat, event co-chairs who are also members of San Francisco Ballet’s board of trustees, along with a committee of eight women, dedicated six months to building the fairytale event and fundraiser for San Francisco Ballet. Riccardo Benavides of Ideas created the gala tent, a Cinderella castle that awed the audience. Elaborate life-size and table-top topiaries included a horse-drawn carriage. The castle also featured luxurious banquettes, gilded mirrors, illuminated trees and 51 chandeliers added to the wow factor that preceded the magical performance at the War Memorial Opera House.
Photos by Drew Altizer Photography
Among the finery, many gowns a modern Cinderella could appreciate. Shown above are some of Red Carpet Bay Area’s favorites. Visit our Cinderella’s Settings article for more scenes from the U.S. premiere of Christopher Wheeldon’s Cinderella.
