Photo Flash: The Sherman Playhouse Opens the Rock Musical HAIR to Celebrate the Show's 50th Anniversary

On Friday, June 30, The Sherman Playhouse will premiere its summer production of the rock musical Hair, with book and lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni and music by Galt MacDermot. The curtain rises at 8:00 p.m. for a five-week run.

Hair tells the story of the "tribe," a group of politically active, long-haired hippies of the "Age of Aquarius" living a bohemian life in New York City and fighting against conscription into the Vietnam War. This summer, the musical will be celebrating its 50th anniversary.

"After 50 years, the songs of Hair remain part of the American consciousness," said director Francis A. Daley of Danbury. "The experience has inspired every generation since and it is now a period piece that's as vital to our society as ever."

"We have a fantastic cast of young actors and actresses," said producer Al Chiappetta of New Milford. "It's the 50th anniversary of the summer of love and we're feeling the vibe. After what's been going on in the world today, this show's message is about getting back to love and faith and togetherness. It's going to be great."

The cast features an array of international actors: Raymond Cook (New Preston), Alyssa Serrambana (East Hartford), Austin Wayne (Joliet, Ill.), Michelle Weatherbee (New Milford), Joseph DeVellis and Jerusha Wright (both Newtown), Jessica Gleason, Alex Gleason, Shea Coughlin (all Sherman), Gabriella Jimenez, Maya Jennings Daley (both Danbury), Santiago Degante and Lexic Jair Barradas Barradas (both Mexico City by way of Danbury).

Besides Daley and Chiappetta, the show's crew includes the same production team behind the Playhouse's 2015 rock musical, "The Rocky Horror Show": musical director Morgan Kelsey, scenic designer Leif Smith, lighting designer Peter Petrino, sound designer David White, and costumer Terry Hawley,

Hair premiered off-Broadway at The Public Theater, in the East Village, on October 17, 1967. The production moved to the Biltmore Theatre on Broadway on April 29, 1968, where it ran for over four years. In 1969, the play received a Tony nomination for Best Musical. The 2009 revival garnered the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. In 1979, Hair was also released as a film, helmed by Academy Award-winning director Milos Forman. The New York Post said of Hair, "Its high spirits are contagious, and its young zestfulness makes it difficult to resist."

Hair runs June 30 July 1 7,8,9 13,14,15 21,22,23 27,28,29 at 8:00 p.m. on Fridays & Saturdays. There will be two 2:00 p.m.Sunday matinees on July 9 and 23. There will also be one Saturday matinee on July 29 at 2:00 p.m., and two Thursday evening performances at 8:00 p.m. on July 13 and 27. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children. Please note: the show contains adult themes and is recommended for mature audiences only.

On Thursday, June 29, all patrons are invited to attend a "Half-Price Preview Night" at 8:00 p.m., where tickets are only $15. Students may see any performance for only $15 if they carry a valid student ID.

Reservations can be made online at shermanplayers.org or by calling the box office at (860) 354-3622. The Sherman Playhouse is a non-Equity theatre company located at 5 Route 39 North (next to the firehouse) in Sherman, CT.

Lexic Jair Barradas Barradas as Paul, places Alyssa Serrambana as Sheila on his shoulders
Joseph DeVellis as Claude (in blue out front) with the rest of the cast of "Hair"
Jessica Gleason as Esmerelda, Maya Jennings Daley as Ronnie, Raymond Cook as Berger and Shea Coughlin as Sara
Austin Wayne as Woof, Alex Gleason as Steve, Jerusha Wright as Jeannie and Jessica Gleason as Sheila
Raymond Cook (center left) and Joseph DeVellis (center right) with the cast of "Hair" Photo credit: Tom Libonate