Continuing the Tradition of the Gypsy Robe

For 15 years, the East theater’s Gypsy Robe has been gifted by show directors to an ensemble actor or actress in the musical who showcases a good attitude, willingness and dedication to the show.

The Gypsy Robe comes from an old Broadway tradition started in the the 1940s, where directors would gift a gypsy, a performer in the chorus who typically moves from show to show, a robe as a way of emphasizing their hard work.

While browsing a Broadway history book in 2002 during a rehearsal, __ director Brian Capello, and technical director Tom Defeo were inspired with the idea to start this old tradition within the East theater program.

The musical of that year, “Gypsy,” was the first show they established the presentation of the robe.

From that point on, Capello, Defeo and musical director Ken Foley began the tradition of giving the robe to an ensemble member whose attitude and spirit stood out to them throughout the musical preparations.

This year’s winner, senior Caroline Mills, has participated in every musical at East since her freshman year, and stuck out to the directors through her leadership as a senior, mentoring of others and positive attitude during the long rehearsals.

Although there’s no rule the recipient of the robe must be a senior performer, according to Capello that is the way it has happened for the past couple of years.

Even though the winner does not get to keep the robe for the year, the Gypsy Robe can be found on display in the theater cabinet outside the auditorium during the non-musical times of the year.

On opening night, the winner is revealed before the cast goes on to perform. Every person touches the robe while it’s on winner before they leave the room, with the robe recipient being the last to leave.

This ritual is repeated by the cast every night of the musical for good luck.

“The robe has yet to ever bring us or the show bad luck,” Capello said. “Not even once.”

In addition, each year the logo of the musical, the year performed and winner’s name is embroidered onto the robe by the show’s costume designer, now Summer Finkelston.

Directors in the musical plan on continuing the honor of the Gypsy Robe for as long as they can.

“These students are putting their hearts and souls into the production,” Capello said. “They all have so much talent, but not all of it can always be seen. This award recognizes outstanding people who don’t realize how much they contribute, and this keeps morale and attitudes high throughout the show.”