It was the best of times for A Tale of Two Cities Gypsy Robe recipient Devin Richards

Devin poses with AEA President Mark Zimmerman.
photo by Stephanie Masucci

Equity's coveted Gypsy Robe was presented to A TALE OF TWO CITIES chorus member Devin Richards. CRY BABY THE MUSICAL chorus member Lisa Gajda passed the robe on Thursday, September 18, 2008 onstage at the Al Hirschfeld Theater.

Lavishly decorated with appliqués from other Broadway musicals, the Gypsy Robe is given to the chorus member with the most Broadway chorus credits. Richards' robe was beautifully decorated with designs from THE LITTLE MERMAID, LEGALLY BLONDE, IN THE HEIGHTS and more.

58 years ago, Bill Bradley, a chorus dancer in GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES borrowed a dressing robe from fellow dancer Florence Baum and sent it over to another chorus dancer at the Imperial Theatre where CALL ME MADAM was opening that night saying that it was worn by all the Ziegfeld beauties and would bless their show. A cabbage rose from one of Ethel Merman's gowns was added to the robe and, on November 24, 1950, it was sent on to the opening of the next chorus musical, GUYS AND DOLLS.

The tradition continues……

A Tale of Two Cities Cast Members gather on stage at the Hirsfeld Theater to start the Gypsy Robe Ceremony on Thursday, September 18, 2008. AEA Chorus Business Rep David Westphal gathers everyone in a circle to announce who is making their Broadway Debut! photo by Stephanie Masucci The most recent recipient of the Gypsy Robe, Lisa Gajda, from Cry Baby The Musical, gets ready to read the history of the Gypsy Robe Ceremony while wearing the most recent Robe that has appliqués from Little Mermaid, Cry Baby, The Grinch and more! photo by Stephanie Masucci 14 Cast members made their Broadway debut on Thursday, September 18, 2008 in the musical version of A Tale of Two Cities. Four of these cast members received their Equity Cards from this show! photo by Stephanie Masucci Previous Gypsy Robe winners pictured left to right: Jennifer Smith, Devin Richards, Austin Colyer, Eileen Casey, Roger Preston Smith, Pi Douglass, and Jack Dybas. photo by Stephanie Masucci

Proud Gypsy! Prior to A Tale of Two Cities, Devin received the Gypsy Robe for 110 IN THE SHADE and JESUS CHRIST SUPER STAR. photo by Stephanie Masucci Lisa passes the robe to Devin. photo by Stephanie Masucci AEA President Mark Zimmerman, 1st Vice President Paige Price, and 3rd Vice President Ira Mont reach out to touch the robe as Devin circles the stage three times. photo by Stephanie Masucci Oldest and Newest AA Gypsy. Devin poses with Pi Douglass, the first African American to receive the Gypsy Robe. photo by Stephanie Masucci

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