Exclusive Photo Coverage: Inside the SIDE SHOW Gypsy Robe Ceremony!
By: Walter McBride Nov. 19, 2014
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The completely reimagined revival of Side Show opened Monday night, November 17, at the St. James Theatre (246 West 44th Street). BroadwayWorld was on hand for the show's Gypsy Robe ceremony and brings you pictures of the sacred event below!
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.
Side Show includes new music by multiple Grammy Award winner and Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Tony Award nominee Henry Krieger (Dreamgirls), with book and lyrics by Tony Award nominee Bill Russell and additional book material by Bill Condon, and choreography by Tony and Olivier Award nominee Anthony Van Laast (Mamma Mia!). Side Show is inspired by the remarkable true story of the Hilton twins, Daisy and Violet, who were legends in their time and the highest paid performers on the vaudeville circuit. Side Show is their heartwarming search for first love and acceptance amidst the spectacle of fame and scrutiny under the spotlight.
Photo Credit: Walter McBride
Lobby Cast Board
Emily Padgett, Robert Joy and Erin Davie
Emily Padgett, Robert Joy and Erin Davie
Matthew Hydzik and wife Megan Arnoldy
Matthew Hydzik and wife Megan Arnoldy
Matthew Hydzik and Ryan Silverman
Matthew Hydzik and Ryan Silverman
Megan Sikora and Barrett Martin
Henry Krieger, Bill Condon, Darren Bagert and Anthony Van Laast
Henry Krieger, Bill Condon, Darren Bagert and Anthony Van Laast
Emily Padgett, Erin Davie, Matthew Hydzik and Ryan Silverman
Emily Padgett, Erin Davie, Matthew Hydzik and Ryan Silverman
Emily Padgett, Erin Davie, Matthew Hydzik and Ryan Silverman
Emily Padgett, Erin Davie, Matthew Hydzik and Ryan Silverman
Jeremy Davis from 'The Last Ship'
Jeremy Davis from 'The Last Ship'
Jeremy Davis from 'The Last Ship'
Cast members making their Broadway debut
Jeremy Davis (The Last Ship)
Barrett Martin and cast
Barrett Martin and cast
David Westphal, Barrett Martin and Jeremy Davis (The Last Ship)
Barrett Martin and company
Barrett Martin with Emily Padgett, Robert Joy, Erin Davie and cast
Megan Sikora and husband Barrett Martin
Barrett Martin and cast
Megan Sikora and husband Barrett Martin
Barrett Martin with Megan Sikora, Ryan Silverman and cast
Barrett Martin with Henry Krieger, Bill Condon, Darren Bagert and Anthony Van Laast
Producer Darren Bagert and Barrett Martin
Producer Darren Bagert and Barrett Martin
Barrett Martin and David St. Louis
Bill Russell, Barrett Martin, Bill Condon and Henry Krieger
Anthony Van Laast, Bill Russell, Barrett Martin, Bill Condon and Henry Krieger
Emily Padgett, Barrett Martin and Erin Davie
Ryan Silverman, Emily Padgett, Barrett Martin, Erin Davie, Matthew Hydzik and Robert Joy
Ryan Silverman, Emily Padgett, Barrett Martin, Erin Davie, Matthew Hydzik and Robert Joy
Emily Padgett, Barrett Martin, Erin Davie and Robert Joy
Emily Padgett, Barrett Martin and Erin Davie
Megan Sikora and Barrett Martin
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