“What struck me the most after last night was recognizing just how strong a sense of community there is in theater and simply feeling so lucky that Im a part of it now,” Pidgeon tells us over the phone. Stylist Chloe Hartstein got here in time to assist Pidgeon get into her look– an off-the-shoulder Balenciaga dress from designer Demnas S/S 24 collection.There were other beautiful considerations in the running, but Pidgeon tells me the puzzle pieces didnt start fitting together till she went to Balenciaga and attempted on the dress. Using it felt like she and the gown were meant to be together.Hartstein helped equip the appearance with classic Fred Leighton gems, 19th century Colombian emerald-and-diamond pendant earrings, a 1940s emerald-and-diamond ring in gold, and Pidgeons favorite– a Victorian gold-and-green enamel snake bracelet. “It was a night about acting, and I desired to feel like an Old Hollywood actress,” Pidgeon says. “My tongue has a mind of its own, especially on a night like that,” she states with a laugh.Reflecting on the evening, Pidgeon states it was one of the first times the cast of Stereophonic really got to take a minute to celebrate all their success, making it all the more special.
Hosted for the third time by Ariana DeBose, the 77th annual Tony Awards did what it always does best, recognizing theatrical quality and bringing Broadway into homes with really memorable efficiencies. This years highs included Jay-Z making a surprise cameo mid-show to duet with Alicia Keys for Hells Kitchen; the beautiful homage to famous phase starlet Chita Rivera; Jonathan Groff nabbing his very first Tony (its about time!) and providing a heartfelt, tear-inducing acceptance speech; and Stereophonic, the spring seasons beloved, winning the sought after Tony Award for Best Play. For newbie candidate Sarah Pidgeon, it was, by all accounts, an ideal evening– in Balenciaga, no less.”What struck me the most after last night was recognizing simply how strong a sense of community there is in theater and just feeling so lucky that Im a part of it now,” Pidgeon tells us over the phone. The actress, who turned heads at the Met Gala last month in a look by Christopher John Rogers, made her live-theater debut this spring with her turn as lead vocalist Diana in Stereophonic and has actually been racking up rave evaluations since. The David Adjmi play about a Fleetwood Mac– like band increasing in the mid-70s got a record-breaking 13 elections this year, including Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for Pidgeon. Its not unexpected considering the program is a repeat sellout and has a wonderful ensemble cast coupled with original songs by Arcade Fires Will Butler.Set up in a sunlit suite at the Times Square Edition, Pidgeon and her team prepped for Broadways biggest night with an African jazz playlist chosen by makeup artist Shayna Goldberg, room service pasta and salad, and, obviously, champagne. “It was just really pleased and not difficult and simple,” she informs us of the afternoon. Stylist Chloe Hartstein showed up in time to assist Pidgeon enter her look– an off-the-shoulder Balenciaga dress from designer Demnas S/S 24 collection.There were other gorgeous factors to consider in the running, but Pidgeon tells me the puzzle pieces didnt begin fitting together up until she went to Balenciaga and tried out the gown. “Ive never ever looked for a bridal gown, but it sort of seemed like my wedding-dress moment where you simply knew,” she recalls. “What I liked so much about it was the structure of it with the corset and the train that was sort of this inside-out gown. … It felt self-aware and tongue in cheek while also being incredibly sophisticated.” There is no even worse feeling to Pidgeon than placing on a clothing and it not being a reflection of how shes sensation. The Balenciaga gown was the opposite. Using it seemed like she and the dress were implied to be together.Hartstein helped accessorize the appearance with vintage Fred Leighton gems, 19th century Colombian emerald-and-diamond pendant earrings, a 1940s emerald-and-diamond ring in gold, and Pidgeons preferred– a Victorian gold-and-green enamel snake bracelet. On her left hand, she used a nostalgic ring that her papa talented her mom with just before Pidgeon was born. A set of Manolo Blahnik heels finished the look.For glam, Pidgeon and her group passed around various concepts up until they arrived on a simple and easy, slightly retro appearance. “It was a night about acting, and I wanted to seem like an Old Hollywood starlet,” Pidgeon says. Hairdresser David von Cannon produced a romantic, wavy appearance that played off the structure of the gown and sat behind her shoulders in order to show off her décolletage. Pidgeon doesnt like to wear a lot of makeup, so she decided for a fresh, super-glowy look while stressing her eyes– a Goldberg specialized. The difficult bit would be keeping any color on her lips. Pidgeon has a worried practice of licking her lips, and Goldberg was on her about keeping the liner on all night. “My tongue has a mind of its own, especially on a night like that,” she says with a laugh.Reflecting on the night, Pidgeon states it was one of the very first times the cast of Stereophonic actually got to take a moment to celebrate all their success, making it even more special. “We kept our heads down and really dealt with this production for so long, so just having the ability to take a night off and dance and hug … Im so happy to be a part of this production,” she says. Following the plays big win, Pidgeon and her household made their way to a series of after-parties. The very first stop was the gala, where she scarfed down every hors doeuvre on deal, then there was the Stereophonic party, where lots of kisses and hugs happened, and ultimately her shoes came off. The night ended at the notorious Carlyle party, where she walked around in a pair of hotel slippers. “It was very fashion,” she chuckles.Processing everything the next morning, Pidgeon says, “I cant truly believe this is my life, and I simply got to dress up and celebrate and eat hors doeuvre and consume champagne and dance.” Come Tuesday, though, its back to grind for the actor. As they state, the show must go on, and a program like Stereophonic can not be missed.Photographer: Cody Lidtke; Stylist: Chloe Hartstein; Hairstylist: David von Cannon; Makeup Artist: Shayna Goldberg; Location: Times Square Edition.