GET TO KNOW THE ROBE RECIPIENTS

"To me the legacy robe reminds me that I am not just apart of a community, but a family. It gives me a sense of pride to be a part of this broadway community for so many years."

"To me the robe symbolizes Excellence and Persistence. It’s a great way to recognize something that is often overlooked – the ensemble of show. A group of people who nowadays often have to step out of their own track and into a main role at the drop of a hat. I felt a sense of joy and of shared history. And of course gratitude to be surround by our cast, staff and crew, feeling their love and support."

"To receive the robe is an incredible honor and truly means the world to me. My whole life I felt like a misfit and to feel such a sense of community and belonging is something I don't take lightly. It reminds me of how we are connected and there is room for everyone. Our culture and mere existence can feel lonely, but we are in this together!"

“Receiving the Legacy Robe is such an honor! I remember hearing about the robe ceremony when I was a little girl and I thought it sounded so magical. And now, getting to be a small slice of the legacy feels incredibly surreal and special. ”

“The Legacy Robe symbolizes persistence as a performer and it reminds me just how fortunate I am to be in this often fickle business.”

“The robe symbolizes a connection to people who have made theatre their life. People from the past, the future, in theatres down the street, actors waiting for their next job or just thinking about moving to NY. I’m so honored.”

"The Legacy Robe is simply my favorite of Broadway traditions. I love the idea that this special tradition has been celebrated and honored for so many decades from Broadway show to Broadway show from Broadway season to Broadway season. I will forever be in awe of this business and know how lucky I am to be a part of it."

"It has always been on my bucket list to win this honor of The Legacy Robe. I have been a Broadway actor in New York City for 20 years and I’m so excited that it finally happened with Ain’t Too Proud."

"The Legacy Robe to me represents our beautiful community and the hard work and perseverance of ensemble members. I love being a part of this community. It has become part of the fabric of my existence. After nine Broadway shows, I’m honored to put on the famous Legacy Robe that represents my people and all of those before me who stuck to their dream. I was truly overwhelmed while being presented the robe by my dear friend Ryan Worsing, who I did Finding Neverland with, in front of this amazing company of Kiss Me, Kate."

“Receiving the Legacy Robe is one of the most humbling honors of my career. All I’ve ever wanted is to be a part of the Broadway community, its fabric and its history. The Legacy Robe represents all of that. I’ve always looked up to the legends and heroes who have worn this robe before me, and to be connected in even a tiny way to that story is overwhelming. It takes a lot of tenacity, dedication and commitment to land on Broadway in the first place, let alone trying to sustain a life and career here. The Legacy Robe and the ceremony are a celebration and recognition of the blood, sweat and tears that goes into being in a Broadway chorus. I could not be more proud.”

<p>"The Robe ceremony always reminds me that I am not just a part of the show I am currently in, but a part of the Broadway community. I love to think about how many people came before me and opened doors, and how many people will come after me. I am a first generation dark-skinned black woman, and I'm on Broadway. I am indeed my ancestors’ wildest dream."</p>

"It was such an honor to put on that robe. I’ve seen so many castmates in past shows past receive it and to now share the same rite of passage feels incredible. As I was walking to put on the robe my brain filled with countless hours in rehearsal studios and time spent warming up onstage or throughout the theater. Every opening night I’ve ever experienced came rushing back to me. And I was filled with so much gratitude for all the people and events in my life that have created such amazing memories."

“This was truly a high point in my incredibly fortunate and humbling career. I never dreamed about being a ‘star’ on Broadway, but I was determined to be a part of the community, just to make a living as a Broadway performer. This honor is, for me, the symbolic culmination of having done just that, creating and sustaining a career at this level."

“Getting the robe symbolizes to me passion, professionalism, persistence, patience and plenty of physical therapy. Since our body is our ‘instrument’ on stage, it’s not surprising that once I put on that Robe I cried, because it felt like a coat of armor or a protective shield made up of passionate performers before me who have paved the way and who love what they do."

"This tradition is one of the most exciting parts of an opening night. To me, it's a moment for the ensemble to get recognition for the hard work we put into a show. All too often we are overlooked and the tradition of this Robe is a moment that says 'We see you and&nbsp;thank you!"

<p>“I've had the pleasure of working with a handful of past Robe recipients, and they are all shining examples of the generosity and community that is so present among Broadway chorus members. I'm so proud to join this list of performers. It means that all the hard work I've put into my career is being recognized and celebrated by my community – my theatre family.”</p>

“I’m honored to receive the robe once again. I love the history and tradition of the robe and the ceremony. The ceremony is my favorite way to kick off opening night. You feel the excitement and energy from everyone associated with the show. We’ve worked tirelessly to make the show the best it can be and opening night is the reward.”

“Growing up in this wonderful community, I experienced the Gypsy Robe ceremony quite a few times. I have always felt it to be the perfect beginning to the festivities on opening night. It invites both veterans and those who are making their Broadway debut to celebrate the history of this unique tradition. That's one of my favorite things about it. Knowing that I'm amongst such a wonderful group of people and artists who have received the Gypsy Robe is a true honor. I'm in very good company without question. Receiving the Gypsy Robe for 'Carousel' was an amazing feeling. Being able to represent this incredible ensemble is a gift that I will always treasure. Also, receiving the Gypsy Robe from my fellow Newsie, Brendon Stimson was pretty cool too. From one Newsie to another!”

“The Gypsy Robe to me is the highest honor for the Ensemble and symbolizes the hard work and dedication I have had in this field since I started. I have always dreamed of someday wearing the robe and fulfilling that dream with "Mean Girls" makes it even more satisfying. I have poured my whole being into this field, and especially into this show. This cast is my family and couldn't have been more apparent seeing the outpouring of love they showered me with when I was named the Gypsy Robe winner. Typically there isn't a full cast picture with the Gypsy Robe winner but I made sure to have my whole cast be a part of that moment, because we all lift each other up. I could go on and on, but let’s just say an item on my bucket list is checked off and it felt just as satisfying and rewarding as I imagined it would. I love this community, I love this tradition.”

“I love the Gypsy Robe because it’s everything that I love about theatre. It’s fun, celebratory, unifying and just the right amount of silly. On a practical level, it gives a veteran member of the cast an excuse to go from dressing room to dressing room and tell the entire cast to break a leg. For me personally, it was a beautiful experience to look each of my cast members in the eyes and say 'Congrats, we did it!'”