Gavin Creel Talks Equality to Courant.com

HAIR star Gavin Creel talks to "Behind The Curtain" on Courant.com about the power and the message of the recent National Equality March.

"I think this is the beginning," Creel tells the theatre blog. "I think we've struck a match."

Gavin Creel and gifted composer Robbie Roth are at work on Creel's forthcoming sophomore record, Quiet. On his debut album GOODTIMENATION, Creel manages to mix his musical theater roots with a refreshing pop sensibility: a balance that he has worked hard to maintain. The songs on the album mark a personal journey for Creel, as he recounts moments of break-up ("Don't Break Your Heart"), confession ("For Nancy"), and bold New York City adventure ("Friday, Saturday, Sunday").

Gavin Creel received a TONY nomination for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal as "Claude" in the hit musical HAIR as well as for his role as "Jimmy" in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE. In addition to his success on Broadway, Creel has performed to sold-out crowds at Irving Plaza, Joe's Pub, and Arlene's Grocery. GOODTIMENATION is available on iTunes and through Gavin's web site www.gavincreel.com.

HAIR began preview performances on March 6 at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 West 45th Street, NYC) and opened to rave reviews on March 31, 2009.

The story of a group of young Americans searching for love and peace during the Vietnam era, HAIR is a timeless portrait of a movement that changed the world. Its groundbreaking rock score paved the way for some of the greatest musicals of our time. Now, the "Age of Aquarius" dawns again in this jubilant new production, which is the winner of the 2009 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. The Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle also recently honored the production with their 2009 award for Outstanding Revival of a Musical. Directed by Diane Paulus and choreographed by Karole Armitage, HAIR features a book and lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado and music by Galt MacDermot.

The creative team also includes Scott Pask (scenic design), Michael McDonald (costume design), Kevin Adams (lighting design) and Acme Sound Partners (sound design).

HAIR is presented on Broadway by The Public Theater (Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director; Andrew D. Hamingson, Executive Director) Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel, Gary GoddardEntertainment, Kathleen K. Johnson, Nederlander Presentations, Inc., Fran KirmserProductions/Jed Bernstein, Marc Frankel, Broadway Across America, Barbara Manocherian/WenCarLar Productions, JK Productions/Terry Schnuck, Andy Sandberg, Jam Theatricals, The Weinstein Company / Norton Herrick, Jujamcyn Theaters, Joey Parnes and by special arrangement with Elizabeth Ireland McCann.

Tickets for HAIR (starting at $37.00) are available via Telecharge.com or by calling (212) 239-6200. The schedule is as follows: Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday at 2:00 & 8:00 p.m., Thursday - Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 & 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 3:00.

Ghostlight Records' New Broadway Cast Recording of HAIR is currently available in stores and on iTunes. For more information, visit www.HairBroadway.com

Photo by Peter James Zielinski