Sara Schmidt Garners Equity’s Gypsy Robe in JERSEY BOYS

Sara Schmidt
All photos by Walter McBride

Sara Schmidt, a chorus member in JERSEY BOYS, is the newest chorus member to garner Equity’s legendary Gypsy Robe. The colorful garment was presented to Ms. Schmidt during a backstage ceremony at the August Wilson Theatre on the opening night of JERSEY BOYS (November 6, 2005), recreating a time-honored tradition that began over 50 years ago.

Sara Schmidt with Daniel Reichard, Christian Hoff, John Lloyd Young and J. Robert Spencer

Beautifully decorated with mementos from recent Broadway musicals, the robe is given to the cast member who has the most chorus credits. Sara has previously appeared on Broadway in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, BROOKLYN and DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES.

Brynn Williams, the previous recipient (and youngest)

Equity Robe Director Terry Marone kicked off the ceremony by introducing former robe recipients, including Michelle Kittrell (URBAN COWBOYS, ALL SHOOK UP), Merwin Foard (ASSASINS, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES), Tom Titone (FIDDLER), Adrian Bailey (LEGS DIAMOND, PRINCE OF CENTRAL PARK, JELLY’S LAST JAM), Joyce Chittick (CABARET, SEUSSICAL), and Melanie Vaughan (SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, PARADE). (Equity Executive Director Alan Eisenberg, was unable to attend the ceremony but sent his best wishes for a successful opening). She then introduced Brynn Williams, the youngest performer to ever receive the robe for IN MY LIFE.

Ms. Williams recited a brief history of the robe before announcing the newest recipient. Ms. Schmidt then donned the robe and circled the stage three times while everyone in the cast touched the robe, according to the tradition.

Wrapping up the ceremony, Ms. Marone explained that robes are now on display at the Smithsonian Institute and the Museum of the City of New York. Another robe is on permanent display at the Equity Audition Center in New York City.

Also participating in the ceremony were Equity Chorus Councillors Thomas J. Miller and Scott Watanabe, and David Lotz, Communications Director.

For more information about the robes, click here.

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