GET TO KNOW THE ROBE RECIPIENTS

"The first Gypsy Robe ceremony I was able to be a part of was in Oklahoma! at the Gershwin Theatre in 2002. Learning about this amazing tradition and seeing the joy on Harvey Evans's face when he received that robe was very emotional then, and it all came flooding back to me when I was honored with the Robe for Escape to Margaritaville. This unique 'tip of the cap' tradition helps to acknowledge all the hard work that an Ensemble member does within an existing show. And also how hard it is to maintain working, going from show to show and carving out some sort of a career for yourself in this crazy business."

"I am very lucky to have a mother who owns a dance studio. I started tap dancing when I was two years old and never stopped."

“Being a Gypsy robe recipient means, to me, being recognized by a community of actors who celebrate and honor those who remain dedicated to this business. I think of the first time I attended a ceremony and dreaming of being inducted/honored into this ‘club.’ I recall being surprised to receive the robe for 'Once On This Island', as I strongly believed it was going to go to another cast-mate of mine. So I was completely shocked when my name was called and weeping with joy as I circled the group.”

Sure, here's the text: "The Gypsy Robe to me symbolizes longevity and versatility. As ensemble members you are called on to do so many things and to be lucky enough to win the robe means you've lasted, and you are a versatile performer. I felt tremendously humbled to have the robe placed on my shoulders. I've been in the business over 15 years and have been lucky enough to witness six robe ceremonies. There is A LOT of wonderful history wrapped up in that robe, and you feel like you become a small part of that when you wear it."

“The Gypsy Robe, to me, symbolizes a community celebrating all the hard work gypsies do. They are extraordinary people, morphing into all types of characters, doing it all, singing, dancing, acting, bringing shows to life. ‘What [we] did for love.’ Being presented with the robe is so special, especially when you look up to previous recipients so much. To have it be presented to me is sort of unbelievable. I feel like Diana in *A Chorus Line*, thinking ‘I'll never be that old’ ...I'll never be in that many shows to receive the robe. I feel so honored, and feel so much love!”

“The Gypsy Robe is magical! It symbolizes the commitment ensemble members have made to be the backbone of Broadway. To be included in something so deeply rooted in tradition and legacy is the highest honor. And, although it is awarded to one person per show, it represents all of us.”

“*Hello, Dolly!* has been such a special show from top to bottom, so receiving the Gypsy Robe for this production feels like the sparkliest cherry on top of an already perfect Broadway sundae. The Gypsy Robe ceremony is truly my favorite of Broadway traditions. It was a particularly special ceremony because our company has five Gypsy Robe recipients within our cast. It is an honor that will never be lost on me to be among the legacy of performers who don the robe and make those three counter-clockwise circles around the stage. How lucky am I to represent both *Holiday Inn* and *Hello, Dolly!* on this season's robe.”

"The Gypsy Robe ceremony is when the ensemble takes center stage for a few moments. The members of the ensemble are rarely mentioned in reviews and aren't the first people interviewers seek out, but they are a huge part of what makes a big Broadway musical a big Broadway musical. They work really hard, and many have been doing it for a long time. It was such a thrill to hear my name called. I didn't actually know who it was going to be, and I remember thinking that no matter what we had been through during previews (set troubles, an injury), I just wanted everyone to feel the excitement of opening a Broadway show. There is nothing else like it."

"The Gypsy Robe tradition symbolizes two very important ideas for me: the first is that it celebrates the importance and the hard work of the ensemble. Very often the ensemble is not recognized for the day-to-day amazing dancing, singing and acting that they do, without which a show would in no way be complete. The second is that it is a way to appreciate that a particular actor/ensemble player has continued to work and make a living in the business! That is no small feat. So thank you for that recognition. I felt very honored and humbled to be among the extraordinary list of men and women who have gone before me. Many I know, and many, of course, I don't, but we are all part of an incredible family of devoted, hard-working creatives!"

It connects me back through a lineage of Equity Chorus Members stretching back over a half a century. That’s humbling.

“I'll never forget being presented with the Gypsy Robe for *Miss Saigon*. When I was a little girl and dreamed of being on Broadway, I never thought I'd have a moment like this: running around the stage in a special robe surrounded by a cast of some of the most talented and passionate people I've met, a creative team whose names I've known since I could read, and beloved gypsies from other shows who I used to be just an intimidated fan of but now can also call my friends. I've learned so much from many a fabulous 'Gypsy,' and I'm thrilled to wear this robe for my seventh Broadway show! As an Asian-American actor, I'm very proud to have done a balance of shows on Broadway where I needed to channel my heritage, and also shows where the plot was unrelated to my race or ethnicity. The legacy of *Miss Saigon* and its many companies paved the way for actors like me to have those opportunities, so receiving the robe for this show felt extremely meaningful. The cherry on top of it all was that it was ALSO my birthday, so it was a trifecta of things to celebrate: an opening, a birthday, and the Gypsy Robe! Can't wait to pass on the robe to *Amélie* On Broadway at their opening and carry on this tradition!"

"I think [the Gypsy Robe] is a wonderful tradition that recognizes the wonderful work ensemble actors give to a production. I was completely surprised and caught off guard. I remember hearing Matt Wall say my name, but I thought 'No, did he really just say that??' Then I was quickly overwhelmed by the whole thing. <em>Sunday in the Park with George </em>is very much an ensemble piece, and I am so proud to share the stage with each and every person in the building. I was so honored to be the recipient and felt much love and support from the <em>Sunday </em>family—which is, in essence, what the show is about: family and creating art. What also makes this extra special is that I am part of a cast which is completely ethnically diverse. In addition, it is particularly moving to me that the show I will have the privilege of turning the robe over to will be <em>Miss Saigon</em>, the show in which I made my Broadway debut. It made it all the more meaningful for it to come full circle."

"I love the Gypsy Robe ceremony so much! It's a fantastic way to kick off opening night. The energy from everyone associated with the show is palpable. I especially love that the first part of the ceremony recognizes the cast members making their Broadway debut which is a huge achievement that only happens once!"

“The Gypsy Robe represents the history of musical theatre and I'm so honored to be a part of it. I've been to many Robe ceremonies, both for shows I was in and as a Councilor representing Equity. It's often touching and emotional to attend, but that’s nothing compared to actually receiving it yourself. Hearing my name called (and it was a surprise as others in my show had the same number of credits) was a thrilling moment. It's something that will always be mine. It makes me truly feel a part of the Broadway community, like I've truly arrived after 35 years in the business! Also, as a Chorus Councilor, it feels like the cherry on top of the sundae. The cheering and stomping of my company as I circled the stage and their love and support and happiness for me all night long is a memory I'll keep with me always.”

“After putting the robe on, I began the journey of circling the stage, or rather, the stair maze at the Imperial. What was most thrilling to me was the opportunity to really look into the eyes of each person, cast and crew, as I passed them, celebrating the strong ensemble piece of theatre we've created in *The Great Comet*. For me, receiving the robe is an honor that is not taken lightly. It's given to someone who represents the spirit of commitment and perseverance in the world of theatre. I'm very proud to be that person for this brilliant production and to join the ranks of those before me who've celebrated their successes with this great tradition. I feel emotional writing this!”

“I am simply thankful every day to be a part of the Broadway community. The traditions of the theatre are truly what make it such a remarkable place to be. From the tradition of the Stage Manager announcing 'It's Saturday night on Broadway' to signing up for the Broadway show softball league in the Spring, each are special and unique. And the Gypsy Robe is chief among those very special traditions. I am so proud to be among the legacy of ensemble actors that have come before me and that will certainly come after me. Walking into a Broadway stage door will never be lost on me, so a tradition like this one that honors the 'gypsy' in me means so very much.”

“The Gypsy Robe ceremony always makes me think of how strong and connected our community is. Past honorees come to welcome new shows to Broadway, and I really feel our unity. And, I always shed a tear when the people making their Broadway debuts stand in a group to be celebrated. I remember how emotional it was for me the day I made mine.”

“The Gypsy Robe tradition symbolizes a great wealth of theatre history and rite of passage. It reminds me of the many people who have come before me and what they did to further our community; it’s a wonderful honor to have. During the ceremony I was excited and proud, and what I remember most are the happy faces of all of our Broadway newbies making their debuts.”

“When I heard my name I almost fainted – not really, but my heart did skip a beat. Seeing this tradition being passed down for the past six years, and to now be a part of it is an awesome feeling. I remember seeing all of my colleagues smiling and screaming as I ran around the circle; it was like I was crowned the prom king!”