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Posted April 12, 2007
THE PIRATE QUEEN Gypsy Robe Goes To Brian O'Brien
 Stephanie J. Block, Linda Balgord, Marcus Chait, Brian O'Brien, Hadley Fraser Brian O'Brien is the latest recipient of Equity's colorful Gypsy Robe, for THE PIRATE QUEEN, the new Alain Boublil - Claude-Michel Schonberg musical at the Hilton Theatre. The colorful garment was presented to Brian on opening night (Thursday, April 5, 2007, recreating the time-honored tradition that began over 50 years ago Lavishly decorated with mementos from recent Broadway musicals, the robe is given to the cast member with the most Broadway chorus credits. Brian has previously performed in four Broadway musicals, including ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, STEEL PIER, and ANYTHING GOES. AEA Chorus Councillor Tom Miller welcomed the cast, crew and friends to the ceremony, and presented Equity President Mark Zimmerman, who congratulated everyone and introduced Executive Director John P. Connolly. Miller also introduced Equity Vice President Jean-Paul Richard (2nd Vice President and Chair of the Advisory Committee on Chorus Affairs), Communications Director David Lotz, and Robe Historian Gloria Rosenthal. Also participating were Councillors Jeffrey Bateman, Kristine Nevins, and Jeff Williams. Miller also invited former recipients to step forward, including Bill Nabel (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, MOST HAPPY FELLA), William Ryall (HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS, HOW TO SUCCEED), Roger Preston Smith (PETER PAN) and Lorin Latarro (A CHORUS LINE). Lorin read the history and rules of the Gypsy Robe before announcing the newest recipient: Brian O'Brien. Brian spoke briefly about the challenges of his career and said how honored he felt. He then circled the stage three times according to the tradition before visiting everyone's dressing room to "bless" the show.
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