BWW Interviews: HAIR's Steel Burkhardt

Hi Steel! A little late, but welcome to London! How are you enjoying life here so far?

It's been great. I have really enjoyed seeing everything that London and the surrounding areas have to offer, like its vast history and beauty.  

Have you noticed a difference between US and UK audiences at all?

UK audiences are slower to respond, but then again the story is an American story.  I think the audiences get past that culture difference, and start to hear the true voice of a want of peace during a time of war, which every country has gone through. 

How has it been gaining new British tribe members?

This has been the best! They've been helping us around...although I must say that I think we have introduced them to restaurants and pubs that perhaps they never knew or never ventured into. Luckily, our tribe always enjoys new members, especially ones who fold right along into our family.  

Hair is such a fun and lively show...have there been any major bloopers so far? Or any funny stories you'd like to share with our readers?

Besides us corpsing during a scene, or the usual trip or fall that happens, I can't seem to think of anything worth sharing. Although I never looked back or checked, I think when I was grabbing someone's hair and playing, I pulled off their wig/hair piece. I didn't want to embarrass them so I didn't check, just kept going!

What is your favourite song from the show to perform, and why?

I would have to say Hair, because I really get to go out into the audience and see or share in their reactions.  Some are thrilled, some indifferent, and then some are completely terrified that you may touch them or play with their hair.

If you could play any other character in the show, male or female, who would it be and why?

Oh, for sure Dionne, she is such a badass and by far has the best songs in the show, although I don't think I would be able to sing the way some of our girls do.

And now for the question everybody will be wondering about! Were you all nervous the first time you had to strip off in front of a live audience?

It being a communal piece, it was really not so bad. A rush for sure, but you are up there with everyone in your tribe and they are baring it all as well. The hardest part is getting over your own insecurities.

Has anyone in the audience ever become so swept away by the show (or perhaps by over-consumption of alcohol!), that they've decided to join in your naked protest?

I can say that here that has never happened. We have had some gentlemen decide to take their shirts off.  

Hair seems to bring people back time and time again...What is it about the show that you think touches people so much?

I think it is the raw energy of the show, plus the kick-ass music. Also, there is always something else to watch throughout the show, you can really watch every tribe member and see their journey from beginning to end.

How does it make you feel when you see so many people getting up on stage at the end of the show to dance and celebrate with you all?

It is so joyous and incredible that you can't help but scream 'let the sun shine in', even if you are completely wasted after singing the whole show.

It seems you've been making the most out of your time here, taking part in all sorts of wonderful events like West End Live, Pride, Latitude, the Be-In...what has been your favourite non-Gielgud performance in the UK so far, and why?

Although the morning shows were fun, especially meeting the personalities, I would have to say Pride was incredible. Seeing all those people happy to be there and expressing themselves was refreshing.

What have the hippies been getting up to in their spare time?

Some of us have been surely getting around Europe. As for myself, I have fallen in love with the park and garden system here in London. I believe I have been to them all...if not, I will before I leave.  

What's next for London's favourite hippies after September 4th (which will be a sad day for all)?

Travel a little, and then back home to the States where I will cope and miss London dearly! 

Thanks, Steel! Enjoy the rest of your time in London at the Gielgud Theatre, where HAIR runs until September 4th.

Join us again soon for the next instalment, to see what other Hair cast members have to say.

Photo by Michael Le Poer Trench

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