HAIR Having Trouble Raising Money, 'I Will Capitalize HAIR in the End' says Producer McCann

In a feature story in the New York Times about the effect of the recession and Wall Street slide on both ends of the theatre business - ticket sales, and those raising producer dollars, they note that Elizabeth I. McCann, lead producer for HAIR has only raised $3 million of the $6.5 million needed to capitalize the production which is due to start rehearsals next month on Broadway. "I'll go on record and say I will capitalize ‘Hair' in the end. But it's very tough." said McCann to the paper, however.

The paper also notes that Vanities and Bob Fosse's Dancin' have been all but officially postponed until at least 2009-10. HAIR -- which was a critical and popular hit this summer during The Public Theater's sold-out engagement at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park -- transfers to Broadway's Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 W. 45 St.), beginning previews February 13, 2009 prior to Opening Night on March 5.

HAIR has book and lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni, and music by Galt MacDermot. This production of HAIR is directed by Diane Paulus. HAIR on Broadway will be presented by The Public Theater and Elizabeth Ireland McCann. Oskar Eustis is Artistic Director of The Public Theater; Andrew D. Hamingson is Executive Director.

HAIR's move to Al Hirschfeld Theatre marks the first time in over 35 years that the ground-breaking rock musical has been performed on Broadway since its debut in 1968, when it ignited audiences and became an overnight sensation, running until 1972 and playing over 1800 performances.

With a score including such enduring musical numbers as "Let the Sun Shine In," "Aquarius," "Hair" and "Good Morning Starshine," HAIR depicts the birth of a cultural movement in the 60's and 70's that changed America forever: the musical follows a group of hopeful, free-spirited young people who advocate a lifestyle of pacifism and free-love in a society riddled with intolerance and brutality during the Vietnam War. As they explore sexual identity, challenge racism, experiment with drugs and burn draft cards, the "tribe" in HAIR creates an irresistible message of 'hope' that continues to resonate with audiences 40 years later.

HAIR will perform Tuesdays at 7:00pm, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00pm; Saturdays at 2:00pm and 8:00pm; and Sundays at 2:00pm and 7:30pm (exceptions include no matinee on Saturday, February 14; no Sunday evening performances on April 12 or April 19; added Wednesday matinees at 2pm on April 8 and April 15). Tickets are priced $37-$67-$77-$122 (premium priced seating also available), and are available through Tele-charge online at www.telecharge.com or by calling 212-239-6200.

Photo: Producer Elizabeth McCann