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 receipient was GHOST cast member James Brown III at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York City.
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.
Tickets to Ghost The Musical are currently on sale and may be purchased at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre Box Office (205 West 46th Street), via www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 877-250-2929. Ticket prices range from $57 to $137 (including a $2 facility fee). Premium tickets are also available. The performance schedule during previews will be as follows: Monday – Saturday evenings at 8pm and Saturdays at 2pm. Beginning, Tuesday, April 24th, the performance schedule will be as follows: Mondays at 8pm, Tuesdays at 7pm, Wednesday – Saturday at 8pm, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2pm. For additional information, visit www.GhostOnBroadway.com.
Photo Credit: Walter McBride
Matt Wall (Recepient in EVITA)
Richard Fleeshman & Company
Richard Fleeshman
Alison Luff & Richard Fleeshman
Da'Vine Joy Randolph & Richard Fleeshman
Richard Fleeshman & Caissie Levy
Richard Fleeshman & Caissie Levy
Michael Balderrama & the Company
Richard Fleeshman & Caissie Levy
Richard Fleeshman & Caissie Levy
Cast Members
James Brown III
James Brown III with Michael Balderrama & Bryce Pinkham
James Brown III & Michael Balderrama
Michael Balderrama & James Brown III
James Brown III & Richard Fleeshman
James Brown III, Caissie Levy & Josh Franklin
James Brown III , Caissie Levy & Richard Fleeshman
James Brown III & Da'Vine Joy Randolph
James Brown III & Bryce Pinkham
James Brown III & Richard Fleeshman
James Brown III, Caissie Levy & Richard Fleeshman
James Brown III & Richard Fleeshman
Da'Vine Joy Randolph & James Brown III
Da'Vine Joy Randolph, James Brown III, Richard Fleeshman, Caissie Levy & Bryce Pinkham
Da'Vine Joy Randolph & James Brown III
James Brown III
James Brown III, Richard Fleeshman, Caissie Levy & Bryce Pinkham
James Brown III & Ira Mont
James Brown III
attending the Broadway Opening Nigh Gypsy Robe Ceremony for 'GHOST' honoring recepient James Brown III at the Lunt-Fontanne Theater on 4/23/2012 in New York City.
James Brown III
Da'Vine Joy Randolph, James Brown III ,Richard Fleeshman, Caissie Levy & Bryce Pinkham
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