"There is something so powerful about the tradition of receiving and passing on the Robe to the next recipient. Taking your place in the long, long line of performers who have put their heart and soul into this sometimes unforgiving business is just so beautiful. Recognizing that you are just one link in the chain, and accepting the responsibility of carrying on the tradition, it's a way to recognize that hard work, and celebrate the ensemble, who are the backbone of every show. I am so humbled and honored!"
Photo by Jeffrey Bateman.
Name: Afra Hines
Opening Night: April 24, 2025
Hometown: Miami, Florida
First Broadway Credit: Wicked, 2006
Professional Training: Professional Performing Arts High School, The Ailey School and Broadway Dance Center
Year Joined Equity: 2006
How I Got My Equity Card: "After being seen about five times for Wicked, I was finally cast as a universal swing and joined Equity as a result."
Other Broadway Chorus Contract Credits: Wicked, In The Heights, Ghost, Soul Doctor, Motown, Shuffle Along, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (Robe recipient), Hadestown, Funny Girl and The Who's Tommy (Robe recipient).
Fun Fact: "In Pirates! we have a line that we sing: 'Is anyone here from Penzance? No! We're all from somewhere else,' but my mother is from Penzance, and I think about it every night."
Previous Robe recipient Khori Michelle Petinaud prepares to pass it on to Hines. Photo by Jeffrey Bateman.
Hines with Jinkx Monsoon. Photo by Jeffrey Bateman.
Hines (second from left), with her castmates (from left) Kelly Belarmino, Afra Hines, Cicily Daniels and Samantha Williams. Photo by Jeffrey Bateman.