Exclusive Photo Coverage: Inside PARAMOUR's Gypsy Robe Ceremony!
By: Walter McBride May. 26, 2016
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Cirque du Soleil - PARAMOUR is the organization's first production created specifically for Broadway and it opened last night at the Lyric Theatre. This marks the first opening of the 2016-17 theatre season! BroadwayWorld was on hand for the special night, starting with the sacred Gypsy Robe ceremony. Below, check out photos of recipient Justin Prescott with the company!
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.
Photo Credit: Walter McBride
Kevin Atherton and Andrew Atherton
Cast members making their Broadway debut
Cast members making their Broadway debut
Justin Prescott and cast
Justin Prescott and cast
Justin Prescott and cast
Justin Prescott and cast
Justin Prescott and cast
Justin Prescott and cast
Jeremy Kushnier, Ruby Lewis, Justin Prescott and Ryan Vona
Kevin Atherton, Justin Prescott and Andrew Atherton
Kevin Atherton, Justin Prescott and Andrew Atherton
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