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Photos Exclusive: EVITA's Gypsy Robe Ceremony

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A long-standing opening night tradition on the Great White Way, the fabled Gypsy Robe is bestowed upon a veteran Broadway chorus member for each opening production. In what has now become a theatrical ritual, originating on Broadway 60 years ago, the latest recipient was EVITA cast member Matt Wall at EVITA's opening night, last night, April 5, at the Marquis Theatre.

The Gypsy Robe began in 1950, when Bill Bradley, in the chorus of GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES, borrowed a dressing gown from Chorus member Florence Baum and sent it to a friend in CALL ME MADAM on opening night Oct 12, 1950 saying it was worn by all the Ziegfeld beauties and would "bless" the show. A cabbage rose from Ethel Merman's gown was added and the robe was passed along to next Broadway musical on opening night. The tradition evolved so that the robe is now presented to the "gypsy" who has performed the most Broadway musicals on a chorus contract. Along the way, the robe is decorated, painted, patched, stitched, and signed by everyone in the show, becoming a fanciful patchwork for an entire Broadway season.

The company of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's landmark musical EVITA is led by Ricky Martin as Che, Elena Roger in her Broadway debut as Eva Perón and Michael Cerveris as Juan Perón, along with Max von Essen as Migaldi and Rachel Potter as the Mistress.

The creative team includes Scenic and Costume Designer Christopher Oram, Lighting Designer Neil Austin, Sound Designer Mick Potter, Wig and Hair Designer Richard Mawbey, Projection Designer Zachary Borovay, and Music Supervisor/Director Kristen Blodgette. Orchestrations are by Andrew Lloyd Webber and David Cullen, and dance arrangements are by David Chase. Michael Grandage directs and Rob Ashford will choreographs the first new Broadway production of the musical since it debuted on Broadway over 30 years ago.

Read more about EVITA's opening night here, and check out full coverage of the Gypsy Robe ceremony below!

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos

Photos Exclusive: EVITA's Gypsy Robe Ceremony Image

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Elena Roger with Michael Cerveris & Ricky Martin

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Producer Hal Luftig with Elena Roger, Michael Cerveris & Ricky Martin

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Michael Grandage & Rob Ashford

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Ricky Martin

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Michael Cerveris, Elena Roger & Ricky Martin

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Michael Cerveris, Elena Roger & Ricky Martin

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Michael Cerveris, Elena Roger & Ricky Martin

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Michael Grandage & Ricky Martin

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Michael Grandage & Rob Ashford

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Elena Roger with cast members all making their Broadway debut

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Recipient Aaron J. Albano in 'Newsies - The Musical' with Ricky Martin, Michael Cerveris & Company

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Ricky Martin capturing the moment

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Michael Cerveris & Ricky Martin with the Company

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Elena Roger, Michael Grandage & Rob Ashford

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Ricky Martin

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Ricky Martin

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Matt Wall with Recipient Aaron J. Albano in 'Newsies - The Musical'

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Matt Wall with Recipient Aaron J. Albano

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Matt Wall & Company

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Matt Wall & Company

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Matt Wall with Elena Roger, Michael Grandage, Rob Ashford, Max von Essen & Company

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Matt Wall & Company

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Matt Wall with Elena Roger & Company

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Matt Wall & Company

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Matt Wall with Elena Roger, Max von Essen & Company

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Elena Roger & Company

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Matt Wall & Company

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Matt Wall with Ricky Martin, Michael Cerveris and Company

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Producer Hal Luftig with Ricky Martin, Michael Cerveris and Company

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Matt Wall & Company

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Ricky Martin & Michael Cerveris with Company

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Michael Grandage, Elena Roger, Matt Wall, Rob Ashford, Michael Cerveris & Ricky Martin

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Michael Grandage, Elena Roger, Matt Wall, Rob Ashford, Michael Cerveris & Ricky Martin

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Michael Grandage, Elena Roger, Matt Wall, Rob Ashford, Michael Cerveris & Ricky Martin

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Rob Ashford, Michael Cerveris & Ricky Martin

 

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Matt Wall

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Matt Wall

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Matt Wall, Rob Ashford, Michael Cerveris & Ricky Martin

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Matt Wall & Max von Essen

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Matt Wall & Max von Essen

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Jennie Ford & Matt Wall

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Rachel Porter & Matt Wall

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Rachel Potter & Matt Wall

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Michael Grandage, Matt Wall & Rob Ashford

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Matt Wall

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Matt Wall

Photos Exclusive: EVITA's Gypsy Robe Ceremony Image



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