Exclusive Photo Coverage: Inside the ALLEGIANCE Gypsy Robe Ceremony
By: Walter McBride Nov. 11, 2015
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The new American musical Allegiance officially opened earlier this week, at the Longacre Theatre (220 West 48th Street, starring Tony and Olivier Award winner Lea Salonga (Miss Saigon, Les Miserables) in her long-awaited return to Broadway, "Star Trek" icon George Takei in his Broadway debut at age 78, and Broadway and "Glee" star Telly Leung. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the whole evening, starting with the sacred Gypsy Robe ceremony. Below, check out photos of gypsy robe recipient Darren Lee 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.
Allegiance is the vibrant and unforgettable story of one family's resilience in the face of seemingly-insurmountable odds, inspired by Takei's real-life experience as a Japanese American during World War II.
Allegiance illuminates one of American history's lesser known chapters as it tells the story of Sam Kimura (Takei), transported back nearly six decades to when his younger self (Leung) and his sister Kei (Salonga) fought to stay connected to their heritage, their family, and themselves after Japanese Americans were wrongfully imprisoned during World War II. An epic story told with great intimacy, Allegiance explores the ties that bind us, the struggle to persevere, and the overwhelming power of forgiveness and, most especially, love.
Photo Credit: Walter McBride
Brad Altman Takei and George Takei
Brad altman Takei and George Takei
George Takei, Lea Salonga and Telly Leung
George Takei with fellow cast members makinhg their broadway debut
Nina Lafarga (On Your Feet)
Darren Lee and Company
Nina Lafarga, Darren Lee and David Westphal
Darren Lee and Company
Darren Lee with George Takei and company
Darren Lee with George Takei and company
Darren Lee and company
Katie Rose Clarke, Darren Lee and Catherine Ricafort
Lea Salonga, Darren Lee, George Takei and Telly Leung
George Takei, Lea Salonga and Telly Leung with the cast
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