PREVIEW: 'General Hospital' Nurses Ball Returns May 22

Rebecca Herbst as Elizabeth Webber
Photo Credit: ABC/Todd Wawrychuk

General Hospital'sannual Nurses Ball, this year being sponsored by Burt’s Bees, returns Monday, May 22. Founded in 1994 by Port Charles resident Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), the Nurses Ball is one of fictional Port Charles’ most glamorous charity events dedicated to raising money for HIV/AIDS awareness and research. Stunning red-carpet fashion, breathtaking musical performances and plenty of intrigue and drama define this exciting programming event.

“We are thrilled to bring back the Nurses Ball this year and delighted to be working with Burt’s Bees as our corporate sponsor,” said Vicki Dummer, head of ABC Current Series Programming. “The Nurses Ball brings awareness to AIDS research while giving our multi-talented cast a chance to showcase their vocal talents.”

“This will be GH's 13th Nurses Ball, and each year our wonderful viewers have come to expect plenty of music, dance, glamour and of course an abundance of drama. This year will be extra special, as we’ll have several tribute performances honoring the work of contemporary artists who have recently passed away, including David Bowie,” said General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini.. “There a lot of amazing performances and special appearances in the works. You won’t want to miss it!”

This year, multi-talented actor and Extra host Mario Lopez (“Dancing with the Stars,” “iHeartRadio Countdown with Mario Lopez,” “Holiday in Handcuffs”) will make his Nurses Ball official red-carpet debut alongside Port Charles' media maven, Nina Clay-Cassadine (Michelle Stafford), as they welcome viewers into what promises to be a most memorable night. In addition to the gorgeous gowns and elegant tuxedos, viewers can expect to see some familiar faces and surprise cameos when, among others, KABC Los Angeles entertainment reporter George Pennacchio returns to the red carpet for a fifth time. As always, the Nurses Ball will be the backdrop for several dramatic events taking place in Port Charles, including an evening of magic and intrigue as a returning foe looms, and much more.

Check out more photos from the 2017 Nurses Ball below.

Risa Dorken as Amy Driscoll - Photo Credit: ABC/Todd Wawrychuk

Billy Miller and Kelly Monaco as Jason and Sam Morgan - Photo Credit: ABC/Todd Wawrychuk

Vinessa Antoine as Jordan Ashford - Photo Credit: ABC/Todd Wawrychuk

Eden McCoy and Chad Duell as Josslyn Jacks and Michael Corinthos - Photo Credit: ABC/Todd Wawrychuk