playbill vip

The Tradition of the Gyspy Robe

       Luck is a funny thing. For the past 40 years, no musical has opened on Broadway without the blessing of a magical garment called the Gypsy Robe. It brings with it luck, tradition, and a sense of community.

      In 1959, Bill Bradley, a dancer in the musical 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes', borrowed a tacky dressing robe from a chorus girl or "gypsy" - as the singers and/or dancers in Broadway choruses call themselves. On opening night, he paraded through backstage bestowing blessings on the production. It was a major hit. 

      In a fun attempt to ease the jitters of a friend on the opening night of "Call Me Madam", Bradley sent a dressing robe he recieved from another chorus member and claimed it was a legendary good luck charm worm by the beauties in the Ziegfield Follies. Bradley also added a charm from his own successful show, a large rhinestone to represent the musicals hit song, "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend". Again, the show was a hit!

      The robe was then passed from show to show with something representing that show being added each time. During the 1960's, as it was handed along, official rules on how it was to be presented, worn, and paraded gradually evovled. Today, the presentation of the Gypsy Robe has become a formal ceremony. On opening night all the members of the cast assemble in a circle at center stage. The previous winner of the Gypsy Robe appears wearing the garment. 

      The robe is, in some ways, the performer's "amazing technicolor dreamcoat." The gypsy, although a breed of performer not easily categorized, is usually a cast member known in part for their dedication and professionalism. When put into any environment they will get the job done, no matter the obstacles for "the show must go on!" Gypsies are noted for their ability to think on their feet and handle any problem. "A gypsy never gives up!"

      The cast has voted. The new King or Queen is announced! Amidst cheers and congratulations, the new winner dons the robe and walks counter clockwise around the circle three times as cast members reach out and touch the grament for good luck. Still wearing the robe, the winner then visits each dressing room to disperse good luck throughout all the cast.

      When a robe is completely covered with artifacts, souvenirs and sketches, it is retired and a new one is started. Three retired robes are at the Lincoln Center Library of Performing Arts; two are in the Smithsonian; and all others are with the Actors' Equity/

      Each cast member gets one vote for who they think should recieve the Gypsy Robe. The winner is announced Thursday night before the show. The winner wears the robe during the run of the show then gives it to the costumer for safe keeping. They then retun wearing the robe for the presentation at the next "opening"!

     The Henry Players have been participating in this incredible tradition since 2011 and look forward to many more years and robes to come.  

The Henry Players’ Recipients of The Gypsy Robe

Robert Oden…………….….......................................The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, June 2011

Keith Sweat………………………..……….………….......................................…Chicago, September 2011

Amanda Lindsey……………….…..….………...................................…1940s Radio Hour, November 2011

Elise Dotson………………………..…………….…...................................…..The Crucible, February 2012

Whitney Van Matre……………..….……...………………….....................................Hairspray, April 2012

Sophie Decker……………………………………....................................The Neverending Story, June 2012

Heather Shepherd………..……………………..................................……….Frankenstein, September 2012

Nicole Curry………....…..…………………..................................…………….Fruitcakes, November 2012

Jason Lindsey..…….……….…………….................................……………..The Outsiders, February, 2013

James Brooks….….…………………………….................................….Once Upon A Mattress, April 2013

Jak Johnson…….…….……………………………….................................Alice In Wonderland, June 2013

Whitney Thomps.on…………………….................................….Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, September 2013

Kathy Dolen…….…….………...................................Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus, November 2013

Jill Shedd……………….………………….................................……..A Tale of Cinderella, February 2014

Keisha Rawls........................................................................................................Legally Blonde, April 2014

Hunter Mason....................................................................................A Year With Frog and Toad, June 2014

Kelly Jackson..............................................................................................................Spamalot, August 2014