CBS SUNDAY MORNING Features Segment on Broadway Gypsy Robe Today, 6/10

CBS SUNDAY MORNING takes a behind-the-scenes look at the hardworking talented actors, singers and dancers, all of whom are members of Actors' Equity Association, who perform in the Choruses of Broadway musicals and the very special award that is presented on opening nights. The segment airs today, Sunday, June 10, 2012 (9:00 – 10:30 AM ET) on CBS Network.

The segment focuses on the iconic Gypsy Robe, an honor that is given to a member of the Chorus of a Broadway show who has the most Broadway credits on opening night. The GYPSY ROBE ceremony is held onstage just before the audience enters the theater

The tradition began in 1950 when actor Bill Bradley borrowed a dressing gown from Florence Brooks-Dunay, a chorus girl in GENTLEMAN PREFER BLONDES and sent it to his pal Arthur Partington in GUYS AND DOLLS saying it would "bless" his show. Arthur sent it to another show and a 60+ year tradition was born.

Correspondent Mo Rocca speaks with several Actors who have worked on Chorus contracts, including the legendary Chita Rivera and Ms. Brooks-Dunay. They reveal their pride as a member of the Chorus, and their early inspirations to make the stage their career. More than a dozen Actors participated in the taping several of whom will be shown in the segment. The Actors include: Cameron Adams, Adrian Bailey, Jessica Bishop, Florence Brooks-Dunay, Jennie Ford, Jean Michelle Grier, JoAnn Hunter, Richard Korthaze, Brian O'Brian, Chita Rivera, Judine Somerville, Tad Wilson, and David Westphal, Equity's National Chorus Business Representative and former Chorus Actor.

Actors' Equity Association, which kicks off a year-long celebration of its 100th Anniversary (May 26, 2013), will receive a Special Tony later that evening at the Tony Awards, also airing on CBS Network. Equity is the oldest performing arts union and represents more than 49,000 professional stage actors and stage managers nationwide.

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