35th Annual Artie Award Red Carpet
- Michael Wachowiak, Nicole Cimato, and Vanna Deux
- Jun 12
- 5 min read
By Nicole Cimato, Michael Wachowiak, and Vanna Deux
Well folks, another Artie Awards and another fantastic year of theater in Buffalo. How lucky we are to celebrate all of the talent in our town each year. Thanks to Tony Chase for keeping this going and taking on this enormous job.
Our new Artie hosts, Jake Hayes and Maria Pedro, crushed it. This is the night we get to see friends, castmates, and colleagues. These are the people we spend our days creating magic with on stage, behind the scenes, in the sound booth, in dressing rooms, in the wings, and in the audience supporting one another’s work.
We take pride in who we are and what we do. We create safe spaces for people to make art, and we bring people together. We welcome all to be part of our world, transporting audiences into imagined ones while we work tirelessly night after night.
So it is on this night, the Artie Awards, that we celebrate each other. Every single person who makes these theaters run. And of course, we get dressed up to do it, because this is the night we get to be the guests and walk the red carpet.
Everyone shined on Monday night, bringing styles that authentically represented who they are. Your red carpet hosts, Nicole Cimato, Michael Wachowiak, and Vanna Deux, were delighted by the fashion on display. Here are some of their top picks for the evening, in no particular order.
VerNia Sharisse Garvin
VerNia looked absolutely stunning in a green, ruffled, floor-length gown. We loved how her hair perfectly complemented the look. She shined on the red carpet and onstage when she took home an Artie.
Sean Ryan
Sometimes, when you find the right statement piece, you can keep the rest simple. That is exactly what Sean did with this stoned jacket, paired with black pants and a white shirt. It looked incredible under the lights.
Peter Johnson
We saw a lot of color on the red carpet this year, and this red suit really stood out. We loved the cut of the jacket, with its longer lapels and single button, and the smart accessorizing.
Josie Divincenzo
Josie is a staple on our red carpet. She shows up every year bringing glamour and authenticity to the Arties. She understands the assignment and always delivers. This year, she looked like a bronze goddess.
Kayla McSorley
Kayla looked stunning in a blue cut-out, layered dress. She styled herself perfectly for Artie night, with a slicked-back half updo and a statement red lip. Perfection.
Paige Cummings
Paige floated across the red carpet in a delicate, sheer silver gown adorned with shimmering beadwork. Her updo with soft curtain bangs was the perfect choice. Not only was she the leading lady of The Girl in the Washroom and the Artie winning ensemble of The Cottage, but also of our red carpet this year. Bravo.
Kim Piazza
Kim dazzled in a gold and ivory look inspired by the 1920s. With feathered sleeves, a jeweled bodice, and a spectacular headpiece, this ensemble came together beautifully and wowed us all.
David Eve
David somehow made a paper wristband look like an intentional accessory. This is a perfect example of how styling can elevate a look. The outfit was strong on its own, but the accessories took it to the next level.
Kalub Thompson
This monochromatic look was a standout, and the dramatic bow or scarf detail pushed it even further. The bleached brows, goth purse, and subtle shine of the necklace created a cohesive and striking aesthetic. No notes.
Leah Burst
Sheer is very much in the zeitgeist this season, and Leah shows us why. The color is stunning, the slit is perfectly cut, and the hair and makeup elevate the entire look.
COUPLES THAT CAUGHT OUR EYE
Rheanna & Brian Christman
Rheanna looked stunning in a gold gown, styled perfectly with slicked-back hair, gold earrings, and a tiny purse. Brian complemented her well in a gray suit with a navy tie.
Kristin Bentley & Chris Avery
Kristin always brings something fun to Artie night, and this asymmetrical baby blue dress was no exception. Bows were a theme this year, and we loved the exaggerated shoulder bow extending from the gown. Chris matched beautifully in a blue plaid suit.
Marc Sacco & Nick Tollar
Marc and Nick are one of our most consistent fashion couples, always balancing and complementing each other. Marc made a bold choice with a beaded black jacket and star-patterned shirt, while Nick’s pink suit offered a timeless, classic contrast.
Nick Llama & Audrianna Yates
This color-coordinated couple wore green hues, likely in honor of their recent show Shrek. The expectant parents were glowing. Audrianna gave us Old Hollywood glamour, while Nick looked dapper in his green suit.
Michael Morog & Jill Anderson
Our theater stars were not the only stars out that night. This couple’s Van Gogh-inspired looks were stunning. The full skirt was a standout, and the playful vest added just the right touch of kitsch.
Dave Spychalski & Doug Weyand
A couple that always delivers, Dave and Doug did not disappoint. The contrast between Doug’s cobalt blue three-piece suit and Dave’s edgier black look was striking. It is proof that opposites attract.
HONORABLE MENTION: RED CARPET HOSTS’ CHOICES
Julia Miskines (Michael’s Pick)
Julia looked gorgeous in a black dress with a perfectly placed slit and center cut-out. Her choice to wear her hair down with this neckline was unexpected and paid off beautifully.
Michael “Bebe” Blasdell (Vanna’s Pick)
Bebe always turns it out on the red carpet. Much like her Artie-nominated performance in Pure Glitter, this red gown shined. The jeweled hair details were a perfect finishing touch.
Michael Walline (Nicole’s Pick)
Michael always brings intention to his red carpet looks, often working with a theme. This year’s modern, minimalist monochromatic ensemble was elevated by Tom Ford glasses and a meaningful pearl, emerald, and gold brooch that belonged to his late mother. He incorporates one of her pieces each year as a way of honoring and carrying her with him.
Be on the look for more Artie photos in the days ahead and choose your own favorite looks!
