Daniels, Etc. Set to Honor African-American Gypies, 2/12

In celebration of Black History Month 2007, Actors' Equity Association's (Equity) Equal Opportunity Employment Committee (EEO) and the Advisory Committee on Chorus Affairs (ACCA) will present "The Gypsy Robe - In 'Our' Time," a salute to the contributions of the African-American Chorus Actor and the Gypsy Robe tradition, on Monday February 12, 2007, at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center, Bruno Walter Auditorium - 111 Amsterdam Ave at 65th Street.

Curtain time is 7 p.m. and a reception will be held following the performance.  The evening is presented in conjunction with the League of Professional Theater Women.

"Staged by A. Wellington Perkins and written by Pi Douglass and A. Wellington Perkins, 'In 'Our' Time' celebrates the African-American chorus actors who have received the Gypsy Robe, a time-honored opening night tradition among the chorus of Broadway musicals, and the many contributions these actors have made to the American theater," press notes state.  The production will feature performances by Vanessa Ayers, Nikki Renee Daniels, Ramòn Flowers, Tim Hunter, Judine Somerville, and Brynn Williams - all of whom have received the Gypsy Robe.

"The Gypsy Robe tradition began in 1950 when Bill Bradley, a chorus dancer in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, borrowed a dressing robe from fellow dancer Florence Baum.  He sent it to a chorus dancer in Call Me Madam, starring Ethel Merman, on the musical's opening night, saying the gown was worn by all the Ziegfeld beauties and would bless their show.  A cabbage rose from one of Ms. Merman's gowns was added to the robe and sent to the next chorus musical, Guys and Dolls, on its opening night.

Today, a ceremony is held on stage before the performance and the Gypsy Robe is awarded to a member of the chorus who has the most Broadway chorus shows to their credit on opening night.   The event draws cast, crew and well wishers  from other shows, as well as the most recent recipient, who bestows the robe to the new winner."

The event is open to the public and tickets are free.  Because of limited seating, reservations are required by February 9th and can be made by calling Equity 212.869.8530 x 399, or via email at info@actorsequity.org.

Visit www.actorsequity.org for more on Actors Equity and www.theatrewomen.org for more on the League of Professional Theatre Women.

Photo - Nikki Renee Daniels