Cynthia Erivo to Be Honored at American Ballet Theatres 2026 Fall Gala

When the lights dim at Lincoln Center’s south plaza on October 29, the stage will honor a star whose voice has already crossed continents—Cynthia Erivo. The American Ballet Theatre (ABT) has announced that Erivo will receive a special accolade at its 2026 Fall Gala, titled Angels and Demons, held in the David H. Koch Theater.

The gala is ABT’s flagship fundraising event, drawing patrons, philanthropists, and dance lovers each fall. According to a press release issued by the company, the honor will recognize Erivo’s “extraordinary contributions to the performing arts” and her capacity to “inspire audiences through storytelling that transcends disciplines.” The program booklet will feature her name prominently, and the ceremony will highlight her achievements throughout the evening.

“Few artists possess Cynthia Erivo’s extraordinary ability to transform themselves through performance,” said Susan Jaffe, ABT’s artistic director. Jaffe added that Erivo’s work across music, theatre, and film brings an “uncommon combination of artistry, emotional honesty, and fearless imagination” to every role. She noted that these qualities align with ABT’s mission to cultivate artistry that resonates with audiences.

Erivo’s relationship with ABT began in May 2020, when she appeared in the company’s first digital gala, American Ballet Theatre Together Tonight, performed during the COVID‑19 pandemic. In that event, she delivered an a cappella rendition of “America the Beautiful” while a video of ABT dancers played in the background.

The David H. Koch Theater, a venue that has hosted both ABT and the New York City Ballet since its opening in 1964, will stage the gala. Located opposite David Geffen Hall, the theater holds 2,000 seats and serves as a key venue for dance and opera performances in the city.

Erivo, a British actress and singer, has earned an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony) nomination record and was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2026 New Year Honours for services to music and drama. Her stage credits include the West End debut in The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (2011) and the Broadway role of Celie in The Color Purple (2015‑2017), for which she won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. In film, she received an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in Harriet (2019) and a Golden Globe nomination for Elphaba in Wicked (2024). On television, she earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for her role as Aretha Franklin in Genius: Aretha (2021).

Founded in 1939 by Lucia Chase and Richard Pleasant, ABT is recognized as America’s national ballet company and has a long history of touring and performing in major venues worldwide. The Fall Gala has traditionally served as a fundraising platform for its productions and educational programs.

The 2026 event will feature a mix of classical ballet excerpts, contemporary works, and a special tribute segment honoring Erivo’s multidisciplinary achievements. Ticket sales for the gala are expected to begin in late summer, with pricing tiers ranging from $150 to $500, reflecting the event’s status as a high‑profile charity benefit.

The announcement of Erivo’s honor underscores ABT’s commitment to celebrating artists who bridge multiple performance disciplines. It also highlights the company’s ongoing efforts to engage broader audiences through collaborations that extend beyond traditional ballet.

The gala will take place on October 29, 2026, at the David H. Koch Theater. ABT has not yet released detailed program information or ticketing dates.