Eric Sciotto; Pal Joey’s Gypsy Robe Recipient

Tradition has always been a huge part of the theatre. The Gypsy Robe is one of these traditions, and is reserved exclusively for the singing and dancing chorus in a Broadway musical. Members of the singing and dancing chorus, if they are lucky, go from one show to another, never staying in a show forever, reminiscent of the gypsies of old.

GYPSY ROBE HISTORY

The Gypsy Robe tradition started in 1950, when Bill Bradley, in the chorus of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (the long-running smash hit of the day), persuaded a chorus girl to let him have her dressing gown. As a lark, he sent it to a friend on opening night of Call Me Madam (starring Ethel Merman), telling him it had been worn by all the Ziegfeld beauties. The friend added a rose from Ethel Merman’s gown and sent it to a chorus member on the next opening night. It was then passed from show to show in a haphazard way and was often presented to a friend of the previous recipient, or awarded to a chorus member based on popularity. Through the years the passing of the Robe became a specific ceremony with official rules stating how it is presented, worn and paraded on stage.

The ritual begins appropriately, with a cue from the stage manager: “On stage for the Gypsy Robe.” All members of the production (although one story I read stated only members of the chorus – no principals in the “circle”) - some already in make-up and costume - take a place forming a circle on the fringes of the stage. In the center of the circle stand two people; one is a representative of Actors’ Equity, the other, a performer, an honored gypsy, from the previous musical that opened on

Broadway. Those on the fringe listen and watch; for some this is their first experience; for others, it is a ritual they have participated in many times before as they listen anxiously in the event they will be the night’s honoree.

THE GYPSY ROBE PRESENTED AT PAL JOEY

On opening night of Pal Joey, Ritchie Mastascusa, Gypsy Robe honoree for Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, presented the Gypsy Robe to … Eric Sciotto And

Eric had stiff competition - Lisa Gajda (Cookie, Ensemble) is a two-time Robe honoree in Cry-Baby, The Musical and Times They Are A-Changin’. Congratulations, Eric! Of course, the Robe wasn’t the first surprise thrown Eric’s way in Pal Joey. When Joey understudy Matthew Risch was bumped up to lead, Eric inherited his role. According to his website: In a bizarre twist of fate, I’ve been “promoted” from swing to an onstage role. I’m now “The Drummer” and the Joey understudy! Well, this used to be an easy gig….

Eric’s previous theatre credits include: the Original Broadway Casts of Annie Get Your Gun, Aida, Sweet Smell of Success and Cry-Baby. Also on Broadway: 42nd Street, Sweet Charity, and A Chorus Line.

Eric, in true Broadway tradition, passed the robe on to Shrek’s talented dynamo Jennifer Cody.

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GYPSY ROBE TRIVIA

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The old gypsy robes are not discarded. One is in the Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of American History. Some of these robes can be seen at the Dance Division of the New York Public Library and one is on constant display at the office of Actors’ Equity. The others are stored and in the good hands of Terry Marone, protector of the robe and the tradition.

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Gypsy Robe recipients of note:

Sara Schmidt, Jersey Boys
Jenny Lynn Suckling, Dance of the Vampires
Bill Buell, TOMMY

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The Rules of the Gypsy Robe - What Every Gypsy Needs to Know

The Gypsy Robe blesses every Broadway musical! Please keep the tradition
and stick to the rules. Let’s not lose what is ours alone.

1. The Gypsy Robe goes only to Broadway musicals with a chorus.
2. Robe goes to chorus member only, with most number of Broadway shows.
3. It must be delivered by 1/2 hour on Opening Night to member selected.

4. New member must put on Robe and circle the stage 3 times, while cast members reach out and touch Robe for good luck; new member visits each dressing room while wearing the Robe.
5. New member adds memento from show to Robe. Important rules for adding mementos: For wearability, durability and longevity, add-ons must be lightweight, sturdy and reasonably sized so each Robe can represent about 20 shows. Excessively heavy items will have to be removed; extremely fragile items will not last.
6. Opening night date is written on or near memento and cast members only sign that section of Robe.
7. New member must determine when next Broadway musical is opening (contact Terry Marone of AEA); find cast member who is “The Gypsy” in that show and be responsible for delivering the Robe on opening night, making sure all rules are followed.