NYPL to Host Gypsy Robe Celebration on February 12

The Gypsy Robe-In Our Time, a salute to the contributions of African-American performers and the tradition of the Gypsy Robe, will be held at 7pm on Monday, February 12 at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts (111 Amsterdam Avenue). This free program, which includes a performance and a post-show reception, is being presented by Actors’ Equity Association and the League of Professional Theater Women.

The performance, which will be staged by A. Wellington Perkins, will feature Vanessa Ayers, Nikki Renee Daniels, Ramon Flowers, Tim Hunter, Judine Sommerville, and Brynn Williams, all of whom have received the Gypsy Robe. The Robe is presented to a member of the chorus of each Broadway musical who has the most Broadway chorus shows to their credit on opening night. The tradition began in 1950 when Bill Bradley, a chorus dancer in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, borrowed the robe of a fellow dancer and sent it to a chorus member of Call Me Madam on that show’s opening night.

Due to limited seating, reservations must be made by February 9. To do so, call 212-869-8530 x399 or email info@actorsequity.org.