GH Nurses Ball Day One: Red Carpet Confrontations and an Arrest!

Keeping Cool: Nina (Cynthia Watros) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) had to play nice for the cameras.

The main event of the General Hospital Nurses Ball may be the performances, but there’s always plenty of drama offstage as the organizers attempt to keep things under control and the show running smoothly. The gala charity event spans multiple episodes, and the first one is always the arrivals as the guests and performers arrive at the Metro Court dressed to the nines. But this year, that proved plenty explosive on its own as the red carpet was ground zero for multiple tense confrontations and even a shocking arrest!

Let’s Get the Party Started

When the original red carpet host had to drop out at the last minute, Nina and Drew were asked to fill in. While they both tried to refuse — for obvious reasons, given the discord between them — they soon found themselves standing next to each other at the entrance to the Nurses Ball and trying to pretend that they didn’t hate each other’s guts. The first arrival was Lucy, escorted by a llama named Sebastian, and she explained that his presence was to promote rescue organizations for llamas around the world. (The hostess with the mostest was also wearing a special Nurses Ball T-shirt that fans can buy for themselves.)

The Last Word: Carly (Laura Wright) wasn’t about to let Drew goad her into a public confrontation.

When Sonny showed up, Drew naturally brought up the public vote on his waterfront property, and Nina quickly turned the attention to how beautiful his daughter, Donna, looked in her dress. Next was Carly, who was stunned to see the unlikely co-hosts working together, and she and Drew exchanged some veiled comments about Michael as he tried to get a rise out of her on camera. As Sidwell arrived with Jordan on his arm, Drew tried to talk up the businessman, but Nina interrupted to introduce Felicia, who was walking the red carpet with Isaiah because Mac was running late. Calling Isaiah a perfect gentleman, Nina asked if he was also single, and the handsome doctor exchanged glances with ex-squeeze Jordan as he said, “Yes, I am. Very.”

Family Feud

Nina and Drew found themselves briefly fielding questions from ABC7 Entertainment Reporter George Pennacchio before they were interrupted by Ned and Olivia’s arrival. When Drew gushed about seeing his family so well represented at the Nurses Ball, Ned countered bitterly, “I didn’t realize our family meant that much to you, Drew. Other than, of course, using the Quartermaine name.” That was Olivia’s cue to escort her husband inside the ballroom before things got any uglier. Curtis and Portia were uncomfortable when they walked in with Trina, but Drew quickly announced that Kai was there and made a point of talking up the PCU’s star quarterback so the young man would publicly thank the Congressman for his help getting the operation that would hopefully let him play ball again.

Sharp Tongue: Gio (Giovanni Mazza) and Nina looked on as Josslyn (Eden McCoy) lashed out at Drew.

Tracy wanted to walk the carpet with her “two beautiful girls,” but Lulu wanted to be escorted by Dante, and Brook Lynn chose Chase, leaving the Quartermaine matriarch on her own. When Josslyn turned up with Gio, she took one look at the two co-hosts and couldn’t resist getting in a public dig. “Unfortunately, I don’t think the performance will make up for your piece of trash co-host,” she declared to Nina. “I know we’ve had our differences in the past, but I am truly sorry that you’re stuck here working with him.”

Drew’s Revenge

When Chase got a work call from Mac, Tracy happily walked into the Nurses Ball with Brook Lynn, grabbing Drew’s microphone to express her support for Measure C and praising her nephew for helping rid Port Charles of Sonny Corinthos. Unfortunately, things took a turn when Chase joined them to place Tracy under arrest for drugging Drew! The Congressman watched smugly as his aunt was led away in handcuffs and everyone else looked on, stunned.

Booked and Busy: Tracy’s (Jane Elliot) evening didn’t turn out as she planned, as she was placed in handcuffs by Chase (Josh Swickard, l.), much to Brook Lynn’s (Amanda Setton) surprise.

Accompanied by her granddaughter, Emma, Anna admitted to the hosts that she was supposed to perform in two numbers, but the lead singer of one was just arrested, and her dance partner for the other was the officer who took her away. Drew brought up Robin Scorpio-Drake as the inspiration for the charity event that has raised money for HIV and AIDS research over the years, and Emma explained that her mother couldn’t attend this year. “There’s been so much progress since the first Nurses Ball in 1994, and people with HIV are living long and happy lives,” Anna said. “And thanks to the dedication and the resourcefulness of scientists and researchers around the world, we believe — and we are certain — that it’s just a matter of time before a cure is found. Once and for all.”

Since Alexis and Kristina weren’t there yet, Molly accepted Cody’s invitation to escort her down the red carpet, and he turned on the charm, playfully posing for photos with her. Inside, Lucy was having her first freakout of the evening because Tracy wasn’t going to be able to sing. Anna and Felicia both insisted they couldn’t carry a tune, so Lucy suggested Maxie might step in, but Felicia revealed that Bailey Lou was sick, so Maxie wasn’t there, either.

Scarlet Woman

Nina thought that their work as red carpet co-hosts was finally over, but Drew suddenly announced, “It seems we’ve saved the best for last.” Everyone looked over to see Willow standing there in her crimson red gown, and Drew rushed over to give her a big, public kiss in front of the press. However, watching the live feed of Willow proclaiming her love for Drew was a mystery man on an airplane, so it looks like this year’s Nurses Ball is going to have an unexpected party crasher!

Audience of One: Drew and Willow’s (Katelyn MacMullen) public display was watched by one very interested party.