THE GYPSY ROBE
by Gloria Rosenthal
Though it may sound like an old Schubert operetta, it's a cherished theatrical tradition that began back in 1950.
It all started with the musical Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Bill Bradley, a gypsy in that show (dancers in Broadway musicals are called "gypsies" because they wander from show to show), took a fancy to a dressing gown worn by one of the show girls.
He persuaded her to let him send the robe to a friend of his in Call Me Madam as an Opening Night gift. When he sent it, he attached a note stating that this was no ordinary robe this was the famous Gypsy Robe that had been passed from show to show for generations. And so the tradition was born.
The passing of the Gypsy Robe from musical to musical has become such a holy ritual that it operates according to strict rules. According to tradition, the robe should be presented no later than one-half hour before the Opening Night curtain of the latest Broadway musical.
The recipient should be the gypsy (male or female) who has been in the most Broadway shows. However, this rule is sometimes broken. Superstars like Sandy Duncan, Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera have received the robe because all chorus members agreed that these luminaries were gypsies at heart.
The 2008 Golden Robe was presented by longtime OCT board member John Zinzi to Meaghan Bryant of the cast of Fiddler on the Roof at the closing night cast party February 17, 2008 held at The Old Library Restaurant in Olean, NY.
Meaghan served as assistant vocal director in Fiddler as well as being a part of the chorus. Additionally, she filled in for various roles throughout the rehearsal process earning the admiration and gratitude of everyone. Meaghan's outstanding dedication to the show and her willingness to help out her fellow Fiddler castmates was rewarded with this year's Golden Robe.
She began her involvement with OCT in 2000 with Meet Me In St. Louis as a chorus member. After that, she was part of the ensemble in Gypsy (2001), Jekyll and Hyde, the Musical (2002), An American Christmas (2002), Bye Bye Birdie (2006) and In 2007's The Laramie Project. In addition, Meaghan has worked with Bradford (Pa.) Little Theater, Chautauqua Opera House, and Nazareth College Theater.
OCT's Golden Robe Award was first presented in 1988 after our production of Carousel. And it has been presented each year since then. Inspired by the legendary Broadway tradition of the Gypsy Robe (see story, left), our Golden Robe is passed on from chorus member to chorus member at the cast party of our winter musical.
Each year's recipient is chosen only by the Robe's current holder. The Robe is awarded to the cast member who, in the opinion of the current holder, exemplifies best the spirit of the show and of the cast.
According to OCT tradition, it is incumbent upon Meaghan to return to the cast party for next year's musical production and pass the Golden Robe on to a member of that musical's cast.
Congratulations once again to Meaghan, and to all of our Golden Robe honorees!
Top left: 2008 honoree Meaghan Bryant models the Golden Robe
Top right: OCT Board member John Zinzi with 2008 Honoree Meaghan Bryant
Bottom: Former Golden Robe honorees gather at the cast party for OCT's 2008 production of Fiddler on the Roof. l to r: Joni Jackson (1995), Ken Roberts (1994), Sue Hannon (2002), Bill Steffen (1993), Meaghan Bryant (2008), Linda Manross (2003-04), Bob Sader (1996), Jacque Austin (2007), Mike Schott (2003), Paul Nelson (1998), Jim Hunter (1999)
