CBS SUNDAY MORNING Takes a Look at the Gypsy Robe, 6/10

This weekend CBS SUNDAY MORNING correspondent Mo Rocca takes viewers behind the scenes of the Gypsy Robe ceremony.

The ceremony dates back 60 years. An honor that goes to the chorus member who has been in the most Broadway shows to date, the Robe is bestowed on performers who don’t usually get star billing, but are integral to any performance.

Rocca talks with Broadway insiders, including the legendary Chita Rivera, a two-time winner of the Robe. “I am a fanatic about this Gypsy thing because I deeply believe you cannot have the kind of understanding for the theater if you don’t go through that rank,” Rivera tells Rocca. “Sometimes you’re in the back, but in the back is just as good as in the front,” Rivera adds. “And the kids today have to know that.”

The ceremony occurs away from the public on the opening night of a new musical. “It is the most incredible, joyous experience, too, because it’s so emotional,” says David Westphal, who works for Actors’ Equity and is in charge of taking the Robe, now made of canvas, back and forth to each ceremony.

Rocca also travels to Florida to visit with Florence Brooks-Dunay, a chorus girl in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” who is credited with wearing the first robe in 1950 – then a peignoir – which then started the tradition. Brooks-Dunay quit the stage after becoming Mel Brooks’ first wife in 1953.

Rocca’s full report will air June 10 on CBS SUNDAY MORNING WITH Charles Osgood (9:00-10:30 AM, ET) on the CBS Television Network. Rand Morrison is the executive producer.