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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

 

Although this organization has members who are University of Virginia students and may have University employees associated or engaged in its activities and affairs, the organization is not a part of or an agency of the University. It is a separate and independent organization which is responsible for and manages its own activities and affairs. The University does not direct, supervise or control the organization and is not responsible for the organization’s contracts, acts or omissions

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