The American Ballet Theatre’s fall season took an unexpected turn at its gala performance when a theatergoer collapsed not once, but twice. The incident left the audience, including famous faces like Mick Jagger and Katie Couric, in a state of shock. As the man suffered what appeared to be a heart attack midway through the program, guests anxiously awaited medical assistance while the performance continued.
During a short performance of “Romeo & Juliet,” an unidentified man attempted to leave but suddenly fainted in the middle of the aisle. The abrupt collapse caught the attention of fellow patrons, who quickly rushed to his aid. Remarkably, the dancers appeared oblivious to the emergency, seamlessly continuing the performance. A desperate plea for a doctor echoed through the theater, urging immediate attention.
As the Prokofiev ballet excerpt concluded, an audience member demanded that the house lights be turned on. Prioritizing the unfolding medical situation, they implored organizers to address the emergency at hand. With tension thick in the air, a staff member made an announcement over the speakers, assuring everyone that the in-house medical team was assisting the ailing gentleman.
Despite initially appearing to recover, the man collapsed again, causing further alarm among the attendees. A woman who had been attending the performance stepped in to help, informing others that the man had indeed suffered a heart attack. The gravity of the situation began to sink in as speculation about the man’s well-being circulated among the concerned guests.
With the aid of the medical team, the man managed to leave the auditorium. Despite the unsettling events, the show went on. The American Ballet Theatre honored Katie Couric and the Shubert Foundation, commending their dedication and commitment to the company. Mick Jagger attended the gala with his ballerina fiance Melanie Hamrick, adding a touch of star power to the memorable evening.
Notable attendees, including the new cast of “Real Housewives of New York,” brought their own flair to the gala’s dinner. The presence of Ubah Hassan, Brynn Whitfeld, and Jessel Taank added excitement to the event. The new “RHONY” cast members mingled with stars from “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” perhaps exchanging reality TV tips. Crystal King Minkoff and Sutton Stracke, who serve on the ABT board, extended a warm welcome to the newcomers.
The American Ballet Theatre Gala showcased not only the breathtaking artistry of its dancers but also the resilience of its audience. Despite the initial shock and unease caused by the medical emergency, guests celebrated the evening’s honorees and indulged in the glitz and glamour of the event. It will undoubtedly be a night etched in their memories, a testament to the enduring spirit of both performers and patrons.