As Public Hair Recedes From Central Park, It Will Grow Anew On Broadway
As Public Hair Recedes From Central Park, It Will Grow Anew On BroadwayIf you're like me and simply won't have the opportunity to take in the Public Theater's free Shakespeare in the Park production of Hair, you'll be happy to know that you'll have a second chance to see it in 2009. But this time, it will cost you.
Just three days before its final September 14 performance at Central Park's Delacorte Theatre, it's been announced that the revival of the "American Tribal Love-Rock Musical" will shift to Broadway early next year. No word yet on casting, but I'm sure it's hoped that Jonathan Groff will once again reprise the role of Berger. CORRECTION: Groff (briefly) had the role of Claude. Thanks to readers for pointing that out.
Originally produced Off-Broadway, the show by Gerome Ragni, James Rado and Galt MacDermot rocked the Great White Way quite literally when it was transferred to Rialto's Biltmore Theatre in April 1968. With a cast that featured Diane Keaton, Melba Moore and the late Paul Jabara, the original production only received two 1969 Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical (it would lose to 1776). But the production would enjoy 1,750 performances until it shuttered on July 1, 1972.
The only Broadway revival opened a mere five years later at the same theatre, but only lasted 43 performances.
I've only seen one production of Hair, and it seemed stuck in a time warp. While the show was downright shocking to 1968 mores, I confess that by the time I saw it, there was no urgency left to any of its messages (of course, I venture that I may have seen it differently against today's backdrop of the Iraq War).
Nevertheless, I look forward to seeing why this particular incarnation enjoyed extension after extension. Let the sunshine in, indeed.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Click here for Public Theatre's ticket information for remaining Central Park performances.
Labels: First Word On New Show, Hair, Jonathan Groff, Musical, Public Theater, Revival, Shakespeare In The Park, Transfer
posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Thursday, September 11, 2008
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