

Spring 2001: HAIR
Words and Music by Galt MacDermot
Lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado
HAIR was created by James Rado and Gerome Ragni, who succesfully embodied the excitment and richness of the counter-culture revolution of the late 1960s in the form of a musical. This show explores a variety of important social ideas and concepts such as war, sexuality, race, drugs, and everyday relationships. The thread that binds these themes together is the story of Claude Bukowski, a young man who has just been drafted into service in Vietnam. The extreme difficulty in making this decision is seen in Claude's "trip" where the horrors of war are illustrated through his hallucinations. After it becomes clear that he dies in service, the tribe makes one last desperate plea to for the audience to "Let the sunshine in." Through this song and many more like it, it becomes clear that this show is much more than just a musical. It is representation of the heartbeat of a generation of Americans who cared about something that they weren't afraid to voice.
Cast
Berger
Claude
Crissy
Dionne
Hud
Jeanie
Sheila
Woof
Paco
Moonflower
Twiggy
Snow
Rain
Max
Chastity
Alberto
Moonbeam
Hayden
Puddle
Juniper
Moonchild
Aurora
Orestes
Adam Brock
Sam Nystrom
Mary Alexander
Kate Szuchy
Stephanie Staples
Emily Swafford
Annie Parmiter
Bryan Buchanan
Patrick Adair
Erin Brady
Andrew Breton
Raven Carter
Eileen Conaway
Danny Drachsler
Katy Gaul
Jeff Kozlowicki
Ginger Leonard
James McCarter
Miranda Moorefield
Lindsay Prevette
Brooke Stoutenger
Alexandra Valint
Jason Vance
Pit
Musical Director
Assistant Musical Director
Piano
Guitar
Bass
Drums
Tenor Sax
Baritone Sax
Clarinet
Anne Santoro
Jay Nottingham
James Gammon
Shannon Mier
David Riposo
Ben Leonard
Jay Nottingham
Aaron Shen
Brian Killian
Kathy Olson
Anne Santoro
Tech Staff
Technical Director
Assistant Technical Directors
Lighting Designers
Set Designers
Sound Designer
Assistant Sound Designer
Props Masters
Master Electrician
Assistant Electrician
Technical Support Consultant
Technical Director Emeritus
Technical Crew
Lisa Filemyr
Morgan Perkins
Jenn Clardy
Joyce Matthews-Rurak
Matt Pritchard
Katie Bowman
Mike Megliola
Mary Hamrick
Jason Wright
Michael Goff
Sarah Jennings
Olivia Hessing
Adrian Kao
Jeff Shack
Dante Guanlao
Rachel Walker
Brad Dunford
Kate Gordon
Nakia Eckley
Anne Flatness
David Kavulak
Chris Kelly
Stephanie Magin
Robin Potochnik
Erin Potter
JR Powers-Luhn
Rebecca Roberts
Mary Beth Robison
Ben Schellman
Will Slusher
Scott Talbert
Steph Timmons
Jason Weber
Kevin Wildrick
Director
Assistant Director
Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager
Vocal Director
Assistant Vocal Director
Choreographer
Assistant Choreographer
Costumes
Makeup
Rehearsal Pianist
Ryan Johnson
Claire Ackerman
Carolyn Runyon
Cynthia Robinson
Davin Rosborough
Jennette Mullaney
Casa Wilson
Lydia Pellow
Sarah Morrow
Gretchen Ward
Elizabeth Wilmer
Jennifer Chow
Anne Santoro
Artistic Staff
Production Staff
Producer
Assistant Producer
Business Manager
Assistant Business Manager
Fundraising Chair
Publicity Chairs
Social Chairs
Historian
Emily Newhouse
Lindsay Palmer
Danny Ramish
Alex Major
Di Johnston
Matt Kidd
Shane Liesegang
Mitch Seipt
Jennifer Chow
Jessica Oberst
Maegan Hodge
Director's Notes
Shortly after the shootings at Kent State University in 1970, Jerry Rubin, leader of the Youth International Party, powerfully addressed University of Virginia students at a peace rally in U-Hall. In an energetic performance of spirit and conviction Rubin proclaimed "School addicts people to the heroin of middle-class life: busy work for grades (money) stored in your records (banks) for the future (death). We become replaceable cogs for corporate Amerika." He was met with nothing but a thunder of cheers and applause. Today at UVa, we see no such conviction. Aside from the occasional petitions, Lawn tables, or Cavalier Daily editorials there is nothing that binds us together as a collective unit other than a feeling of apathy.
My decision to direct the musical HAiR was the result of a combination of elements and the realization that the University of Virginia is not a perfect place. Its very disturbing that more than thirty years after the most explosive demand for change this nation has ever seen, we are still entangled in a society full of apathy, racism, and intolerance. HAiR challenged these issues in 1968 as a theatrical revolution unlike anything Broadway had ever seen and a close look at today's world makes it evident that the messages found in HAiR still matter. UVA needs a show like HAiR to remind us of this. Directing The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical is undoubtedly an enormous undertaking. I cannot express my thanks enough to such an extremely dedicated Artistic Staff for all the hard work and hours you have lovingly given to our production. A huge thanks to FYP Tech for your energized enthusiasm and long hours of hard work during our treasured Student Activities Building into a theater. To the Production Staff, we've come a long way since our first meeting last year and I could not have asked for such a great group of friends and coworkers. As a former Musical Director, I cannot express my thanks enough for the musical talent and antics of "The Claude Hooper Bukowski Orchestra." Finally, to the cast, you have made me so proud. You all have truly caught the spirit of this show and I hope that you will remember it throughout the rest of your time here.
A common belief held by people who have ever worked on HAiR claims that this show will change your life in one way or another. As cliche as it sounds, it undoubtedly has changed mine. I challenge you to give yourself over to this show one hundred percent. HAiR is much more than a musical. It is the heartbeat of a generation of Americans cared about something they weren't afraid to voice.
Ryan Johnson, Director, Spring '01
Producer's Notes
James Rado and Gerome Ragni, the creators of "Hair," had a vision: the idea that theatre should be a collective effort, one capturing the energy of everyone involved. They wanted to create a "tribe," a community working together to show audiences what can be accomplished through passion and determination. They wanted to emphasize that every member of the team is crucial in giving to audiences the best show possible, and that every talent brought to the group is equally important. The same can be said of First Year Players. FYP is an organization unlike any other. Though our production feature performers in their first year at UVA, the love and commitment certainly continue long after two semesters at the University. Our group brings together actors, dancers, singers, directors, technicians, musicians, and people with countless other gifts to share, and it draws these talented individuals from all parts of the University. It is through our collaborative efforts as friends, as co-workers, and as a tribe that the performance you are able to see was created.
This production is a labor of love. Never before have I seen every member of FYP so passionate about the message of the show and about spreading its meaning to audiences. Thousands of hours have gone into this show, and for no other reasons than the love of theatre and the love of each other. That passion and joy are obvious in every rehearsal, every staff meeting, and every encounter I have with someone from First Year Players, and for that, I am eternally grateful. I consider myself the luckiest person at this university to have been chosen to join this group and to be one of its leaders nearly four years later, and I could not ask for a more wonderful cast and staff than those of this semester with whom to end my time with FYP. Thank you to the cast, artistic staff, tech staff, pit, and business staff for giving me so many reasons to love this organization with all my heart. It is because of you that FYP means so much to to many. Never doubt that you are making an impact or that your efforts are worth your time. Thank you for your dedication.
Steven Soderbergh proclaimed in his recent Academy award speech, "I think this world would be unlivable with out art." These same thoughts were expressed by the founders of First Year Players twenty years ago and by its members today, and it is because of this passion for theatre and self-expression that our organization continues to grow and change in beautiful and wonderful ways. Enjoy the show.
--Emily Newhouse