can someone explain the 'gypsy robe'?

[bwaybri2]

Posted: 8/26/08 at 9:41pm

In going through the playbill yearbook - countless shows talked about the gypsy robe - what is with this tradition -

thanks -

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 8/26/08 at 9:43pm

Google search results for "gypsy robe"

[bwaybri2]

Posted: 8/26/08 at 9:52pm

The ritual of the Gypsy Robe takes place on the stage of every Broadway musical on opening night, before the audience is admitted. It began in 1950 when Bill Bradley, in the chorus of GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES, persuaded a chorus girl to let him have her dressing gown. As a lark, he sent it to a friend on opening night of CALL ME MADAM, telling him it had been worn by all the Ziegfeld beauties. The friend added a rose from Ethel Merman's gown and sent it to a chorus member on the next opening night. It was then passed from show to show in a haphazard way and was often presented to a friend of the previous recipient, or awarded to a chorus member based on popularity. Through the years the passing of the Robe became a specific ceremony with official rules stating how it is presented, worn and paraded on stage.

When Robes are completely covered with artifacts, souvenirs and sketches, they are retired and a new one started. Three retired Robes are at the Lincoln Center Library of the Performing arts; two are in the Smithsonian; and all others are with Actors' Equity.




The supervision and guardianship of the Robes is under the auspices of the Advisory Committee on Chorus Affairs (ACCA), and former AEA staff member Terry Marone is the "guardian angel" of the Robes. Gloria Rosenthal is the Gypsy Robe historian.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 8/26/08 at 9:59pm

Very nice! You know how to copy and paste!