Andy Cohen, Darren Criss and more at Miami gala
HAPPY 10th!
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts threw a blowout 10th anniversary gala and concert Thursday night featuring such talent as Estelle (who compared outfits with philanthropist Adrienne Arsht), Jon Secada and Michael Feinstein.
As the event was about to start, emcee/host Andy Cohen strolled through the center’s Ziff Ballet Opera House with a Starbucks cup in hand like any average guest, instead of using the venue’s private stage-door entrance for the artists. Guests in the lobby did a double take when he walked by. How much do we love this Regular Joe?
Cohen was in a light, celebratory mood, though at the beginning of the concert, he did acknowledge Prince, who had died that morning.
“Today we mourn the loss of a great musical icon and legend,” said the Bravo personality, who seemed to particularly enjoy Stephanie J. Block’s performance of Defying Gravity from the play Wicked, as well as Miami Mass Choir’s rendition of We Are Family. “This is like a gay man’s dream!”
Gleeks went wild when former Glee star Darren Criss did an acoustic version of I Dreamed a Dream from Les Miserables. During rehearsals, Criss reportedly toyed around with Britney Spears’ Baby … One More Time. Talk about range. Give this guy his own one-man show. Please.
Arturo Sandoval surprised guests for an unplanned performance on the piano. Soon after, Dean of the Frost School of Music Shelly Berg jumped in on the action, joining the Cuban jazz legend for an ivories-tickling duet that drove guests to their feet.
This story was originally published April 25, 2016 at 9:52 PM with the headline "Andy Cohen, Darren Criss and more at Miami gala."