My fears of suffering by comparison were quashed within the first minute of this highly entertaining, beautifully sung (with musical direction by Tom Scutt) and astonishingly choreographed (kudos to Drew McOnie) production.
Photos: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR - Gypsy Robe Ceremony
By: Walter McBride
|
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR opened on Broadway on, Thursday, March 22 and BroadwayWorld.com was there to capture show's GYPSY ROBE Ceremony!
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 JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR cast member Mark Cassius.
At the song and dance ceremony, cast members who were making their Broadway debuts were acknowledged at the center of the stage, and then Cassius proceeded to circle the room in the robe in celebration with the entire cast.
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.
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, directed by Des McAnuff began previews March 1 and is now playing at the Neil Simon Theatre. The cast features Paul Nolan as Jesus Christ, Josh Young as Judas Iscariot, Chilina Kennedy as Mary Magdalene, Tom Hewitt as Pontius Pilate, Bruce Dow as King Herod, Marcus Nance as Caiaphas and Aaron Walpole as Annas. Also in the cast: Matt Alfano as Thaddeus, Mary Antonini as Elizabeth, Karen Burthwright as Ruth, Jacqueline Burtney as Mary (Martha’s Sister), Mark Cassius as Matthew, Ryan Gifford as Bartholomew, Kaylee Harwood as Sarah, Jeremy Kushnier as James the Lesser/Priest, Mike Nadajewski as Peter, Melissa O’Neil as Martha/Maid by the Fire, Laurin Padolina as Rachel, Katrina Reynolds as Esther, Jaz Sealey as Thomas, Jason Sermonia as John, Julius Sermonia as James, Lee Siegel as Simon Zealotes, Jonathan Winsby as Phillip, Sandy Winsby as Andrew, and Nick Cartell, Krista Leis, Matthew Rossoff and Matt Stokes as swings.
Photos by Walter McBride / Retna Ltd.
Theatre Marquee
'On A Clear Day' Patch on the Robe for Actors' Equity Gypsy Robe
'FOLLIES' & 'HAIR' Patch on the Robe for Actors' Equity Gypsy Robe
Cast Members making their Broadway Debut
Chilina Kennedy, Josh Young, Paul Nolan & Company
'The Gershwins' Porgy & Bess' Recipient J.D.
Mark Cassius with Director Des McAnuff & Company
Mark Cassius, Director Des McAnuff & Company
'The Gershwins' Porgy & Bess' Recipient J.D. Webster with Mark Cassius & David Westphal
'The Gershwins' Porgy & Bess' Recipient J.D. Webster with Mark Cassius & David Westphal
'The Gershwins' Porgy & Bess' Recipient J.D. Webster with Mark Cassius & David Westphal
'The Gershwins' Porgy & Bess' Recipient J.D. Webster with Mark Cassius & David Westphal
Mark Cassius & 'The Gershwins' Porgy & Bess' Recipient J.D. Webster
Mark Cassius with Jeremy Kushnier & Company
Mark Cassius with Paul Nolan, Tom Hewitt & Company
Mark Cassius with Josh Young & Company
Mark Cassius with Paul Nolan, Tom Hewitt & Company
Mark Cassius with Chilina Kennedy, Josh Young, Paul Nolan, Tom Hewitt & Company
Mark Cassius & Company
Mark Cassius with Josh Young, Paul Nolan, Tom Hewitt & Company
Josh Young, Paul Nolan & Chilina Kennedy
Josh Young, Paul Nolan & Mark Cassius
Josh Young, Paul Nolan, Mark Cassius
Josh Young, Paul Nolan, Mark Cassius & Chilina Kennedy
Josh Young, Paul Nolan, Mark Cassius & Chilina Kennedy
Mark Cassius & Matthew Rossoff
Jeremy Kushnier & Mark Cassius
Jeremy Kushnier & Mark Cassius
Mark Cassius & Director Des McAnuff
Mark Cassius & Director Des McAnuff attending
Recipient Mark Cassius & 'The Gershwins' Porgy & Bess' Recipient J.D. Webster
Mark Cassius & 'The Gershwins' Porgy & Bess' Recipient J.D. Webster
Broadway news in your inbox
Weekly top stories - unsubscribe anytime.
Weekly top stories - unsubscribe anytime.
Podcasts
Act 99: Broadway Does Punk with Matt Copley
Join Heather and Chris as they welcome Matt Copley of Broadway Does Punk to the show! Matt is the mastermind behind the viral project, and now, the live concert series, where he transforms popular showtunes into pop, punk, and rock anthems.
Act 92: The Jimmy Awards, Fall Season News Round-Up, and Heather's Adventure's In Anime
Join us as we dive into the Jimmys, some awesome Broadway news, and see what Heather got into this weekend with some awesome Anime actors!
BONUS: High School Musical 3 Commentary
It's time to graduate kids!!! We're talking about High School Musical 3 so we'll never have to do it again!
Jesus Christ Superstar: Behind the Scenes of the Musical Phenomenon
More than fifty years after Jesus Christ Superstar first shocked, thrilled, and redefined what a musical could be, we revisit the rock opera’s journey with journalist and playwright Ellis Nassour.
75. “Defying Gravity Will Get Me Through This” (with Ginger Minj)
Theatre Kid to Drag Legend to Broadway Star? That’s the plan. Fresh off her victory on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, Ginger Minj is joining the Sentimental Men to talk about everything it took to get herself to this point and how Defying Gravity became a personal anthem along the way.
Act 59: Nothing Like Broadway(or is it) featuring David Rackoff
Join Heather and Amber as they welcome "Nothing Like Broadway" all over mastermind David Rackoff. Learn about the show, how to look good for a virtual audition, and if spies can really fall in love! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up?
In this episode of Half Hour with Jeff & Richie, we break down the latest Broadway happenings.
Act 58: One Singular Sensation
Join Heather and Amber as they talk all about this past weekend's A Chorus Line 50th reunion performance, what's coming up this week, Heather's trip to the Masquerade next week, and so much more! Plus, tune in to learn how you can win your choice of one of Emily Grace Tucker's prints LIVE!
Adam Lambert Was Always a Musical Theater Kid
The recording artist and "American Idol" alum discusses his upcoming appearance as Judas opposite Cynthia Erivo in "Jesus Christ Superstar" at the Hollywood Bowl, and shares stories of his early years as a musical theater kid before "American Idol" made him a rock star.
Nick Rashad Burroughs Embraces His True Self and Finds a Path to Broadway
Think Alabama isn't a breeding ground for Broadway stars? Think again! This week, we're joined by the phenomenal Nick Rashad Burroughs, who defies expectations and proves that talent truly knows no geographical bounds.
Act 56: Broadway Rock Gods w/special guest Adam Levowitz
Join Heather and Amber as they welcome Adam Levowitz(of Off-Broadway's Mozart's Don Giovanni: A Rock Opera) as we discuss all things Rock 'n Roll and musicals. This is an episode you don't want to miss. 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up?
.jpg?format=auto&width=300)
.png?format=auto&width=365)
Tickets From $59
Tickets From $59
Tickets From $60
Tickets From $71