HAIR: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical comes to New Center Park
The Detroit Actor’s Theatre Company continues its 2015-16 season with HAIR: The Tribal Love-Rock Musical at New Center Park in Detroit, which will run from August 18 through August 20. First American Title Company, Midtown Detroit, Inc. and The Detroit Actor's Theatre Company are the sponsors of this production, allowing it to be free and open to the public. The musical is directed by DATC Creative Director Mindy Grissom.
HAIR follows the story of the “Tribe”, a group of politically active, long-haired hippies, living a bohemian life in New York City and fighting against the Vietnam War. Claude Bukowski (Billy Ravaeu), George Berger (Jefferey Vincent), Sheila Franklin (Deanna Wesley), and their many friends and roommates struggle to balance their young lives, loves, and the sexual revolution with their rebellion against the war, racial conflicts, their conservative parents and society. Ultimately, Claude must decide whether to resist the draft and continue life with his like-minded friends, or to succumb to the pressures of his parents (and country) to serve in Vietnam.
When you think of HAIR: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical, many images immediately spring to mind... hippies, drugs, bell bottom jeans, iconic songs like Aquarius, The controversial "nude" scene, crazy chaotic energy, and of course, lots of unruly hair. All these things are true.
It's also true that in 1968 HAIR was the first rock musical on Broadway, with a ground-breaking format that paved the way for the modern non-linear concept musical. It was the first Broadway show to feature full nudity, the first same-sex kiss and the first fully racially integrated cast. Most importantly, HAIR represented the voice of a generation, altered the social and sexual landscape in our country, and ultimately helped turn public opinion against the Vietnam War.
The costumes and dialogue firmly plant this show in the late 1960's, but the issues it confronts are timeless. Racism, freedom of speech, drugs, sexual repression, war, peace, corruption in politics, environmental protection, and LGBT rights.
The DATC strives to break barriers and build up a family in Detroit through their unique deliverance of music and theater. For more information on the company, visit the DATC website, thedatc.org.
Show Dates and Information:
August 18-20, 2016. All performances start at 7:00pm. Gates open at 6:00pm. This event is free and open to the public.
Sponsors:
