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The Golden Robe Award
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.
A second 2009 Golden Robe was presented to Aaron Thomas of the cast of Damn Yankees by 2008 Golden Robe honoree Meaghan Bryant after the show's final performance.
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 Aaron 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 Aaron, and to all of our Golden Robe honorees!
AARON THOMAS - 2009 Honoree
Top left: 2009 Honoree Aaron Thomas with 2008 Honoree Meaghan Bryant.
Top right: 2009 Honoree Aaron Thomas shows off the Damn Yankees shoulder.
Bottom: Former Golden Robe honorees gather at the cast party for OCT's 2009 production of Damn Yankees. Back l. to r.: Jacque Austin (2007), Mike Schott (2003), Bill Steffen (1993), Meaghan Bryant (2008), Gus Napoleon (1997). Sitting: Current Honoree Aaron Thomas (2009)
The Shortie Trench Coat
awarded for technical excellence
DAN DONNER
2009 Honoree
The Shortie Trench Coat is named for its original owner, the late, fabled OCT art designer John D. Shortencarier. This yearly award honors the contribution of a behind-the-scenes member of the crew of the season's major musical. Honorees decide the fate of the Coat and pass it on to a deserving individual the following season. Congratulations to 2009 honoree Dan Donner for his exemplary work on OCT's production of Damn Yankees.
OUR ROLL OF HONOR
2009
Aaron Thomas
Damn Yankees
and
Lars Doerr
Peter Pan
2008
Meaghan Bryant
Fiddler on the Roof
2007
Luke Yerpe
Into the Woods
2006
Jacque Austin
Titanic, the Musical
2005
Lori Lee
Jesus Christ, Superstar
2004
Linda Manross
A Funny Thing Happened
on the Way to the Forum
2003
Michael Schott
Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dreamcoat
2002
Sue Hannon
Jekyll & Hyde, The Musical
2001
Thomas d. Iwankow
Gypsy
2000
Melanie Napoleon
Cabaret
1999
Jim Hunter
Hello, Dolly!
1998
Paul Nelson
West Side Story
1997
Gus Napoleon
Annie Get Your Gun
1996
Bob Sader
Mame
1995
Joni Jackson
Guys & Dolls
1994
Ken Roberts
Camelot
1993
Bill Steffen
Funny Girl
1992
Sheila Peace Rambacher
42nd Street
1991
Nina McMullen
The Pajama Game
1990
Joann Sosnowski
South Pacific
1989
Elizabeth Vincent
Hello, Dolly!
1988
Mary Kay Kewley
Carousel
