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 New Rochelle, NY - The Play Group Theatre for children and young adults (PGT) presents an outstanding new production of the classic 60s musical, HAIR, running June 1, 4, and 5 at the New Rochelle Public Library Theatre.
Join the tribe and relive the dawning of the “Age of Aquarius” in the groundbreaking and award-winning rock musical, HAIR. According to James Rado, HAIR’s book writer and lyricist, HAIR is “a story of young people in New York City’s east village who banded together as a tribe to change the world.” HAIR has pretty much played continuously since its Broadway opening in 1968; but several things make this production special.
Jill Abusch, the director of HAIR (and also the Artistic Director of PGT), chose this show for two very specific reasons: one, because it was the perfect show to bring together and feature this amazing ensemble of students; and two, for its poignant subject, relating to our current world events.
PGT’s production features 14 of Westchester’s most talented graduating high school seniors—many of whom will be attending college theatre conservatories next fall. Several of them have also been part of the “PGT family” through many of their childhood years. So, when asked what makes this production special for these seniors, Alex Wolitzer, a senior at Ramaz High School said, “I think that we're a very close-knit cast, and that we all care a lot about each other. The thing about our cast--and even PGT as a whole--is that when we leave the work space, we only go home to talk to each other either on the phone, online, however we can.”
Anya Lichtenstein, a senior at Rye Country Day, added: “My near ten year experience at PGT culminates in our production of HAIR in every way. It’s a production that showcases each individual actors’ strongest points, and at the same time highlights, in both content and execution, the importance of ensemble and community—a value that is no doubt part of the PGT mantra. Like my PGT experience, it is all about empowering young people through artistic expression. What an incredible way to go out!”
And, let’s not forget favorite musical numbers such as “Aquarius” and “Let the Sunshine In.” “If the contagiousness of this high energy production gets hold of the audience like it gets me during every rehearsal,” says Lichtenstein, “they’ll be dancing in the aisles by the end of Act I!”
Abusch also chose HAIR for its obvious relation to current world events. “Here we are 40 years after Hair opened on Broadway, and we are once again at war...The need for change that motivated the ‘tribe’ of 1968, is felt just as strongly by these young actors today. It is the perfect time for us to revisit this incredible musical and to deliver its message of peace, love and the power of community.”
The Play Group Theatre invites you to watch the music and culture of the 1960s hippie era explode on stage and shout a message of love, peace and brotherhood from the rooftops!
HAIR is directed by Jill Abusch, Artistic Director of The Play Group Theatre, and musical directed by Julie Danielson. Book and Lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni; Music by Galt MacDermot.
All performances are held at the New Rochelle Public Library Theatre in New Rochelle on Sunday, June 1 at 2pm & 7pm; Wednesday, June 4 at 7pm; and Thursday, June 5 at 7pm. Single tickets for each production are $15. Group tickets are available for $12 (for groups of 20 or more at a single performance). For tickets and information, please call the PGT Box Office at (914) 946-4433 or order tickets online at www.playgroup.org. HAIR is recommended for ages 13 and up.
HAIR is the final production of PGT’s Spring 2008 season, which also includes the musical productions, Children’s Letters to God and A New Brain at the Bendheim Performing Arts Center, 999 Wilmot Road in Scarsdale. Children’s Letters to God performs on Sundays, May 4 and 11 at 2pm and 7pm. A New Brain performs Thursday, May 22 at 7pm; Sunday, May 25 at 2pm and 7pm; and Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day) at 1pm.
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