Exclusive Photo Coverage: Inside the Gypsy Robe Ceremony for A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER
By: Walter McBride Nov. 19, 2013
POPULAR
The company of A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder just celebrated their November 17 opening night on Broadway with the famed Gypsy Robe ritual. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the event and brings you exclusive photo coverage below!
The Gypsy Robe began in 1950, when Bill Bradley, in the chorus of GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES, borrowed a dressing gown from Chorus member Florence Baum and sent it to a friend in CALL ME MADAM on opening night Oct 12, 1950 saying it was worn by all the Ziegfeld beauties and would "bless" the show. A cabbage rose from Ethel Merman's gown was added and the robe was passed along to next Broadway musical on opening night. The tradition evolved so that the robe is now presented to the "gypsy" who has performed the most Broadway musicals on a chorus contract. Along the way, the robe is decorated, painted, patched, stitched, and signed by everyone in the show, becoming a fanciful patchwork for an entire Broadway season.
Recognizing their cultural and historic value, Gypsy Robes can now be viewed at two of Equity's Offices. The National Headquarters in New York now houses two of the historic Robes. The Robe from the 2008-2009 season is on display in the lobby of the New York Visitors Center. The 2007-2008 Robe, dedicated to Broadway veteran Adrian Bailey, can be viewed on the fourteenth floor Council lobby.
Photo Credit: Walter McBride
Bryce Pinkham and Jefferson Mays
Bryce Pinkham and Jefferson Mays
Rosena M. Hill Jackson (recipient for After Midnight)
Rosena M. Hill Jackson (recipient for After Midnight)
Broadway Debuts: Pamela Bob, Lisa O'Hare and Lauren Worsham
Broadway Debuts: Pamela Bob, Lisa O'Hare and Lauren Worsham
David Westphal and Jennifer Smith
David Westphal and Jennifer Smith
David Westphal and Jennifer Smith
Jennifer Smith with Jeffersom Mays, Director Darko Tresnjak and Company
Jennifer Smith with Jeff Kready, Bryce Pinkham and Company
Jennifer Smith and Company
Jennifer Smith with Jefferson Mays and Company
Jennifer Smith with Price Waldman, Catherine Walker and Company
Jennifer Smith with Jeff Kready, Bryce Pinkham, Jefferson Mays and Company
Jennifer Smith with Jeff Kready, Bryce Pinkham, Joey Parnes, Jefferson Mays and Company
Jennifer Smith with Director Darko Tresnjak and Company
Jennifer Smith with Jeff Kready, Bryce Pinkham and Company
Bryce Pinkham and Jefferson Mays
Bryce Pinkham, Jennifer Smith and Jefferson Mays
Bryce Pinkham, Jennifer Smith and Jefferson Mays
Bryce Pinkham, Jennifer Smith and Jefferson Mays
Bryce Pinkham, Jennifer Smith and Jefferson Mays
Bryce Pinkham, Jennifer Smith and Jefferson Mays
Bryce Pinkham, Jennifer Smith and Jefferson Mays
Bryce Pinkham, Jennifer Smith and Jefferson Mays
Bryce Pinkham, Jennifer Smith and Jefferson Mays
Jennifer Smith with Mark Ledbetter and Pamela Bob
Rosena M. Hill Jackson (recipient for 'After Midnight') and Jennifer Smith
Play Broadway Games
 |
 |
 |
 |
RELATED STORIES
1
RUSSELL BRAUER SINGS FOR ONE HOUR (AND 15 MINUTES) to Return to the Pangea in October and November
Russell Brauer will return to Pangea for an encore performance of his show 'Russell Brauer Sings For One Hour (and 15 Minutes).' Get event information here!
2
World Tour of Sonic Symphony to Play Dolby Theater This Month
Experience the immersive World Tour of Sonic Symphony at the Dolby Theatre on September 30. Celebrate over three decades of timeless music from SEGA's iconic Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. Get ticket and event information here!
3
Bruised Peach Music Festival to Be Held in November
The Bruised Peach Festival: Where Music, Mysticism, and Community Converge. Immerse yourself in indie, new music, and experimental sounds, while exploring astrology, crystals, and more. Connect with like-minded individuals and embrace life's bruises in a collective space.
4
New Federal Theatre to Present TELLING TALES OUT OF SCHOOL Beginning Next Month
Four women writers of the Harlem Renaissance meet in 'Telling Tales Out of School' by Wesley Brown, directed by Woodie King, Jr. at Castillo Theatre/ASP. The play offers a unique perspective on the Harlem Renaissance by providing a character study of four of its most-noted female prime movers. Check out event information here!
Videos
TICKET CENTRAL
Recommended For You
Get Broadway's #1 Newsletter
Get the best news & discounts for Broadway Shows & beyond.
