Producing and performing a well-known and influential musical such as "Hair" reminds us all of why theater is not only important but also a community celebration. "Hair's" director, Freddie Harris, choreographers Sherry Horton and Sara Gorby and musical director Alyssa Hershey have all come together to produce this one of a kind, infamous and spirited 1960s musical.
"Hair" will have performances from Wednesday, June 18, through Saturday, June 21, at the nexStage Theatre in Ketchum at 7:30 p.m. The performance on Sunday, June 22, will take place at 7 p.m. at the nexStage Theatre with a post-show party and live music by DJ McClain. Tickets are $10 for youths and $15 for adults and are available at the door or by calling 726-5349, ext. 15. Tickets for Sunday, June 22, are $20 and party-only tickets are $10.
The performance of the St. Thomas Summer Theater Project of "Hair" will include celebrated choreographed musical numbers such as "Aquarius," "Good Morning Starshine," "I Believe in Love," "Hair" and "I Got Life" to name a few.
"It has a universal value," Harris said. "We are familiar with the stories, but you can't take 'Hair' out of 1969."
Harris said the production was kept very formerly in a historic context with scenarios such as the death of the character Claude Bukowski as a sacrificial and strong Christian ideal because it represents the idea of universal sacrifice.
"He goes to war with a sense of dying for his country, and, today, men and women are still going to war dying for their country," Harris said. "And this is happening all around the world. Men and women are going to fight for their country and willing to sacrifice their lives."
"Hair" is American theater, and is accused of having subversive content, but the musical celebrates young people's patriotism. Harris said it's these young people's subversive actions or attitudes, which opens up dialogue to challenge the status quo.
"Counterculture and alike movements are incredibly important for society," Harris said. "'Hair' says that and these kids are doing it for love, friendship and community."
The St. Thomas Summer Theater Project wants to bring community together. In addition to the musical, Harris, Horton, Gorby and Hershey, Steve Dawson and Alexander Howard have been brought into the production to mentor kids. Dawson and Howard have performed on Broadway. Dawson performed in the first national tour of "Rent."
"We are all good about anticipating needs, and we have the same mission," said Gorby. "Dawson has been gone for a few years and has come back and we are lucky to have everyone."
The Playhouse band under the direction of Hershey is a rock 'n' roll band for "Hair," and it is comprised of young high school or just graduated from high school young adults, who are all talented artists.
"Hair" is an experience following a band of hippies and lead character's Claude Bukowski's adventures from jail to Central Park, and finally, to the army. It has vitality, timelessness and meaning that outlives the late 1960's and 1970's in America, which explores messages of love, the history of the Vietnam War and the hippie counter-culture.
This version of "Hair" has been edited down to exclude strong language, content and nudity. Due to the mature themes of this production, the St. Thomas Playhouse recommends this show for high school aged youth and up.
'Hair' happenings
The St. Thomas Playhouse will host an opening night gala on Wednesday, June 18, and a post-show panel discussion on Friday, June 20, which will include Wendy Jaquet and Chad Stewart. In the spirit of love, there will be an on-site Hunger Coalition bin for food collection, as well as an opportunity for cast members and those from the community to donate their hair to Locks of Love at the post-show party on Sunday, June 22. Locks of Love use real hair to make wigs for children undergoing chemotherapy. For times and details, call 726-5349 ext. 15.
The cast of "Hair" features 36 high school youth, returning college students and several local and recognizable actors.
Photo by Heather Black Photography
