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Furman Theatre stages “Hair”


Last updated October 1, 2015

By Tina Underwood

hair300reaching, sizedFurman University Theatre will present Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical, with book and lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni, and music by Galt MacDermot, Oct. 15-17 and Oct. 21-24 at 8 p.m. Matinee performances are Oct. 17, 18 and 25 at 3 p.m. All performances take place in the Theatre Playhouse on campus.

Directed by theatre arts professor Maegan McNerney Azar, the musical is open to the public, and is part of Furman’s Cultural Life Program. Tickets are $19 for adults, $16 for seniors and $10 for students. Season tickets are also available. The production is intended for mature audiences.

A musical that tested theatre as a means for spurring social change, Hair sent Broadway reeling in the late 1960s and influenced a generation of composers and lyricists that followed.

The rock musical centers on a Tribe of rebellious hippies struggling to come to terms with love and war in a world run by their conservative parents. Nothing is off limits as the Tribe, led by Claude, Berger, and Sheila, challenge conventional attitudes against the Vietnam War, argue for the principles of freedom, and break down barriers of race and religion.

Audiences will recognize songs like “Let the Sunshine In,” “Age of Aquarius,” “Good Morning Starshine,” and others that became anthems of the peace movement.

“But what distinguishes Hair from other recent shows about being young is the illusion it sustains of rawness and immediacy, an un-self-conscious sense of the most self-conscious chapter in a person’s life,” says Ben Brantley of the New York Times.

Furman freshman Patrick Fretwell of Columbia plays the role of Claude; Salvo Donzella, a junior from Greenville, plays Berger; and sophomore Courtney Dorn of Lyman plays Sheila.

Other cast members are Furman alumnus Daniel Hoilett (Class of 2015); Robert Fuson of Simpsonville, who will graduate this December; and seniors Erin Barnett of Marietta, Ga. and Lizzie Dockery of Dallas, Texas.

Carolyn Carrier-McClimon directs music, Dr. Grant Knox is vocal coach, alan bryson is technical director, Will Lowry is set and lighting designer, and Margaret Caterisano designs costumes.

For ticket information and reservations, call the Theatre Box Office at (864) 294-2125. Box Office opens Monday, Oct. 12 at 9 a.m.

 

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