CURTAINS Gypsy Robe Goes To David Eggers

David Hyde Pierce, Robe Recipient David Eggers, Debra Monk, Karen Ziemba

David Eggers is the newest recipient of Equity's colorful Gypsy Robe, for CURTAINS, the new Kander & Ebb musical at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. The legendary garment was presented to Mr. Eggers on opening night (Thursday, March 22), 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 chorus credits. David has previously performed in seven Broadway musicals, including ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, CHICAGO, THE PAJAMA GAME, SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, THE WEDDING SINGER and WONDERFUL TOWN.

Excitement and enthusiasm bubbled over backstage as AEA Chorus Councillor Tom Miler welcomed the cast, crew and friends to the ceremony, and introduced Equity's new Executive Director John P. Connolly. Also attending were Communications Director David Lotz and Robe Historian Gloria Rosenthal.

David Eggers and AEA Executive Director John P. Connolly

Gypsy Robe Director Terry Marone kicked off the proceedings by introducing several former recipients, including: Bill Nabel (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, MOST HAPPY FELLA), Austin Colyer (SINGIN IN THE RAIN), Rommy Sandhu (BOMBAY DREAMS, MARY POPPINS), Sarah Solie (LESTAT), Jack Dabdoub (SHOWBOAT), Harvey Evans (Sunset Blvd, Oklahoma!), Megan Sikora (DRACULA), Eileen Casey (MARILYN), Pi Douglass (THE WIZ, JESUS CHRIS, SUPERSTAR, SELLING OF THE PRESIDENT), Joyce Chittick (CABARET, SEUSSICAL), Jennifer Cody (URINETOWN), Joanne Hunter (KISS ME, KATE, STEEL PIER), Mary Ann Lamb (A FUNNY THING HAPPENED…) and Terry Violino (ILLYA, DARLING).

Dennis Stowe, who garnered the robe in THE APPLE TREE, stepped forward to read the rules of the robe before presenting the newest recipient: David Eggers. Eggers circled the stage three times according to the tradition before visiting everyone's dressing room to "bless" the show.

David Eggers circles the stage as cast members "reach out and touch" the robe Photo by Walter McBride/Retna Eggers and Edward Hibbert Photo by Walter McBride/Retna

Rommy Sandhu (BOMBAY DREAMS, MARY POPPINS) Photo by Walter McBride/Retna AEA Executive Director John P. Connolly (second from left) with previous recipients Jack Dabdoub, Eileen Casey, Bill Nabel, and Austin Colyer Photo by Walter McBride/Retna

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