Harvey Evans, Lisa Gajda & Eric Sciotto Featured on 'Gypsy Robe' Episode of THE ENSEMBLIST Podcast

By: Nov. 17, 2013
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Mo Brady and Nikka Graff Lanzarone announce the release of The Ensemblist's 11th episode: "Gypsy Robe."

The Gypsy Robe ceremony is perhaps one of Broadway's most-loved but least-heralded traditions. The Gypsy Robe and its ceremony have become an iconic representation of a Broadway ensemblist. The ceremony takes place on opening night of every new Broadway musical with a chorus. During this ceremony, shrouded in mystique and lore, the chorus member with the most Broadway credits is bestowed the honor of the Gypsy Robe.

The 20-minute episode features interviews with three veteran Broadway actors who have each won the Gypsy Robe multiple times: Harvey Evans, Lisa Gajda and Eric Sciotto.

Harvey Evans first performed on Broadway in 1957, when was asked by Bob Fosse to join the company of his new musical New Girl in Town. He went on to perform in 14 Broadway shows, including the original companies of West Side Story, Gypsy, Hello, Dolly! and Follies. He has won the Gypsy Robe twice, for Sunset Boulevard in 1994 and Oklahoma! in 2002.

Lisa Gajda has won the Gypsy Robe more than any other actor on record. In her 17 Broadway shows, she has won the Robe six times: Taboo, The Times They Are A-Changin', Cry-Baby, Finian's Rainbow, Elf and Chaplin.

With 11 Broadway shows to his credit, Eric Sciotto has won the Gypsy Robe for three shows: Pal Joey, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. On this episode of The Ensemblist, Sciotto shares his first Gypsy Robe win was the result of a particularly gracious castmate.

New episodes of The Ensemblist can be downloaded every two weeks through the iTunes store by searching for "The Ensemblist." Episodes can be also be downloaded directly from Podbean at theensemblist.podbean.com.

Upcoming episodes will feature interviews with ensemblists a backstage look at holidays on Broadway and a special listener questions episode.

The website, TheEnsemblist.com, features stories, Q&As, and blog posts from those in the know about life as an ensemblist, plus cool stuff they can't NOT share. You can also follow @theensemblist on Twitter and Like them at facebook.com/theensemblist


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