Trustus Theatre Presents HAIR, Opens 6/18

This summer Trustus Theatre is welcoming Columbia theatre-goers into the Age of Aquarius as they mount a new and thrilling production of HAIR, the hit musical that is credited with defining the "rock musical" genre. The cast and audience alike will be celebrating the freedoms that America has always promised as HAIR opens June 18th, at 8:00pm on the Trustus Main Stage.

In 1988, Trustus Theatre moved from a small walk-up space on Assembly Street to its current home on Lady Street in the Vista. The first production in the Vista-based theatre was HAIR. When asked about this current 2010 production, director Dewey Scott-Wiley (Rent, Evita) felt it was only appropriate to pay homage to where the Midlands' only professional theatre started during it's current 25th Anniversary Season. "[HAIR] not only celebrates the history and roots of Trustus, but it certainly resonates with many of the social and political concerns of today," said Wiley.

The story of HAIR follows Claude, a young man trying to find his way in a socially and politically differentiated America. The confused Claude, his best (and constantly drug-influenced) friend Berger, their roommate Sheila and their hippie "tribe" of friends struggle to balance their young lives, loves and the sexual revolution with their rebellion against the war and their conservative parents and society. Claude's resistance is challenged when he receives his draft card from the selective services. Faced with certain death Claude and his fellow "tribe" members celebrate their hippie-ideals, and strive to find a way to keep Claude out of Vietnam and to change the face of America's social and political climate.

Historically HAIR's profanity, its depiction of the use of illegal drugs, its treatment of sexuality, its irreverence for the American flag, and its famous nude scene caused much comment and controversy. In America and abroad the show was picketed, censored, and a touring cast even fell victim to a hotel fire which killed many cast members' relations and friends. While HAIR has evolved to become one of the most important and appreciated American musicals, the messages and ideals of the show are still relevant in the 21st Century. "Essentially, HAIR celebrates Peace, Love and Freedom versus War, Discrimination and Censorship," said Director Dewey Scott-Wiley. "There is also a ‘save the earth' pro-environmental thread throughout the show that is particularly timely."

Under the direction of Dewey Scott-Wiley the Trustus production of HAIR promises to

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use a classic show to shine light on our current lives in America. "When this show was brand new and cutting edge, people wanted to believe that the times were ‘a-changing,'" said Wiley. "It's a damn shame that a 42-year-old show still packs so much social and political relevance. At the same time, it is exciting to revisit the messages of the late 60's to find new insight and inspiration for a new generation."

Conventionally, HAIR is staged in a way where hippies invade a theatre and fully realize their hippie-lives on stage. However, for this Trustus production the cast and crew have opted to have the audience happen upon the hippie tribe congregating in Central Park. The audience will discover the hippie rituals happening in front of them, and then they will be invited into the long-haired hippie community and led through Claude's story by the characters.

Wiley has assembled a talented cast of familiar and new faces to the Columbia stage for the 2010 Trustus production. Playing Claude is Lanny Spires whom Columbia audiences will remember as Angel in Rent. Chad Henderson (Reefer Madness) will be portraying the irreverent drug-induced Berger, while Lindsey Brown (Rent) will bring the politically-charged Sheila to life. Popular Columbia actor and choreographer Terrance Henderson (Rent) will be playing Hud and choreographing as well. Aliya Saulter (Caroline or Change), Katy Hinson (The Producers), and Bianca Raso (Our Town) will be playing Dionne, Jeanie, and Crissy respectively. Sean Stephens (Rent, Southern Baptist Sissies) will be acting the role of Mick Jagger-obsessed Woof. Rounding out the large cast is an astounding group of musical talents from all over the midlands area to give life to the "tribe" on the Trustus stage.

"This mega-talented cast has latched onto the message, and they continue to bring their inspiration into every rehearsal," said Director Dewey Scott-Wiley. "HAIR celebrates the Freedom that America has always promised, and we are prepared to DELIVER THE CELEBRATION!" Undoubtedly, HAIR will be the most unique theatrical event of the summer and Columbia audiences won't want to miss this incredible night of jarring entertainment, social reflection and celebration.

Trustus will once again be partnering with Gervais & Vine to offer a dinner and theatre ticket package. A three course dinner and a ticket to Hair will cost $39. If interested, you can make your reservation for the show and dinner when you call the Trustus Box Office.

HAIR opens at 8:00pm on Friday, June 18th. The show runs through July 17th, 2010. There will be no shows on June 20th or July 4th. Tickets are $25, and student rush tickets are available at half-price 15 minutes prior to curtain with a valid ID.

Trustus Theatre is located at 520 Lady Street, behind the Gervais St. Publix. Parking is available on Lady Street. The main stage entrance is located on the Publix side of the building.

For reservations or more information patrons can call the box office Tuesdays through Saturdays 1-6 pm at 803-254-9732. Visit www.trustus.org for all show information and season info.

Photo by Jason Steelman

In The Photos: Lanny Spires (Claude), Chad Henderson (Berger), Lindsey Brown (Shelia), Terrance Henderson (Hud), Sean Stephens (Woof), Bianca Raso (Crissy), Katy Hinson (Jeanie), and Aliya Saulter (Dionne).

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