Celebrities don tuxedos, gowns to attend glitzy state dinner
Globe Staff and AP wire reports,March 11, 2016, 1:08 p.m.
On Thursday evening, the state dinner was held for Canada, the first for the country in nearly 20 years. The event brought out many Canadian celebrities famous in the United States, such as Michael J. Fox and Mike Myers.
More than 170 guests sporting tuxedos and designer gowns attended the glitzy state dinner. The White House East Room was transformed by the addition of cascading arrangements of blooming orchids, hydrangeas and amaranth in shades of green and white intended to evoke the coming of spring — much like Trudeau’s election in October has ushered in a new season in Canadian politics.
Advertisement
The guest list featured a hefty dose of Canadian star power from actors Fox, Myers, Sandra Oh, and Ryan Reynolds, along with ‘‘Saturday Night Live’’ creator Lorne Michaels. Professional sports were represented by the U.S. hockey and basketball commissioners, along with retired NBA player Grant Hill and his wife, Tamia, a Canadian singer. A small group of Democratic U.S. senators attended, joined by Republicans Susan Collins of Maine and Orrin Hatch of Utah.
Sara Bareilles, a favorite of first lady Michelle Obama who’s known for her hit, ‘‘Love Song,’’ headlined the after-dinner entertainment.