Get to Know the Robe Recipients

"This tradition is one of the most exciting parts of an opening night. To me, it's a moment for the ensemble to get recognition for the hard work we put into a show. All too often we are overlooked and the tradition of this Robe is a moment that says 'We see you and thank you!'"

“I've had the pleasure of working with a handful of past Robe recipients, and they are all shining examples of the generosity and community that is so present among Broadway chorus members. I'm so proud to join this list of performers. It means that all the hard work I've put into my career is being recognized and celebrated by my community – my theatre family.”

“I’m honored to receive the robe once again. I love the history and tradition of the robe and the ceremony. The ceremony is my favorite way to kick off opening night. You feel the excitement and energy from everyone associated with the show. We’ve worked tirelessly to make the show the best it can be and opening night is the reward.”

“Growing up in this wonderful community, I experienced the Gypsy Robe ceremony quite a few times. I have always felt it to be the perfect beginning to the festivities on opening night. It invites both veterans and those who are making their Broadway debut to celebrate the history of this unique tradition. That's one of my favorite things about it. Knowing that I'm amongst such a wonderful group of people and artists who have received the Gypsy Robe is a true honor. I'm in very good company without question. Receiving the Gypsy Robe for Carousel was an amazing feeling. Being able to represent this incredible ensemble is a gift that I will always treasure. Also, receiving the Gypsy Robe from my fellow Newsie, Brendon Stimson was pretty cool too. From one Newsie to another!”

“The Gypsy Robe to me is the highest honor for the Ensemble and symbolizes the hard work and dedication I have had in this field since I started. I have always dreamed of someday wearing the robe and fulfilling that dream with Mean Girls makes it even more satisfying. I have poured my whole being into this field, and especially into this show. This cast is my family and couldn't have been more apparent seeing the outpouring of love they showered me with when I was named the Gypsy Robe winner. Typically there isn't a full cast picture with the Gypsy Robe winner but I made sure to have my whole cast be a part of that moment, because we all lift each other up. I could go on and on, but let’s just say an item on my bucket list is checked off and it felt just as satisfying and rewarding as I imagined it would. I love this community, I love this tradition.”

“I love the Gypsy Robe because it’s everything that I love about theatre. It’s fun, celebratory, unifying and just the right amount of silly. On a practical level, it gives a veteran member of the cast an excuse to go from dressing room to dressing room and tell the entire cast to break a leg. For me personally, it was a beautiful experience to look each of my cast members in the eyes and say 'Congrats, we did it!'”

“The first Gypsy Robe ceremony I was able to be a part of was in Oklahoma! at the Gershwin Theatre in 2002. Learning about this amazing tradition and seeing the joy on Harvey Evans’s face when he received that robe was very emotional then, and it all came flooding back to me when I was honored with the Robe for Escape to Margaritaville. This unique ‘tip of the cap’ tradition helps to acknowledge all the hard work that an Ensemble member does within an existing show. And also how hard it is to maintain working, going from show to show and carving out some sort of a career for yourself in this crazy business.”

"I am very lucky to have a mother who owns a dance studio. I started tap dancing when I was two years old and never stopped."

“Being a Gypsy robe recipient means, to me, being recognized by a community of actors who celebrate and honor those who remain dedicated to this business. I think of the first time I attended a ceremony and dreaming of being inducted/honored into this ‘club.’ I recall being surprised to receive the robe for Once On This Island, as I strongly believed it was going to go to another cast-mate of mine. So I was completely shocked when my name was called and weeping with joy as I circled the group.”

“The Gypsy Robe to me symbolizes longevity and versatility. As ensemble members you are called on to do so many things and to be lucky enough to win the robe means you've lasted, and you are a versatile performer.

I felt tremendously humbled to have the robe placed on my shoulders. I've been in the business over 15 years and have been lucky enough to witness six robe ceremonies. There is A LOT of wonderful history wrapped up in that robe, and you feel like you become a small part of that when you wear it.”