Cameron Mackintosh Discusses Career, HAIR & More In New Interview

Cameron Mackintosh, co-producer of the London production of HAIR, is featured in a terrific new interview with FT.com.

Mackintosh, who was a production runner on the original London production of HAIR, shared his insight on this new production: "he declares that he is confident the show is going to “blow the roof off” when it opens. I say I find it difficult to imagine how such an archetypally dated piece can resonate among a contemporary, and altogether more cynical, audience. He nods. “That’s exactly how I felt. I had no intention of going to see it [in New York where it opened last year to glowing reviews]. But I kept being told I really had to go, and I was blown away."

The lengthy interview is filled candid remarks (When asked who is the greatest producer, "‘God.’ He gets the timing right.") 

Mackintosh ends the interview urging the author to see the 43-year-old HAIR: "It feels like something new is happening!"

To read the entire interview, click here.

Cameron Mackintosh has produced some of the biggest theatrical hits in the West End and on the Broadway stage. His shows include 'Mary Poppins', 'Les Miserables', 'Avenue Q', 'Sunday in the Park with George', 'My Fair Lady', 'Oklahoma', 'The Witches of Eastwick', 'Putting it Together', 'Martin Guerre', 'Oliver!', 'Miss Saigon', 'The Phantom of the Opera', 'Cats' and 'Five Guys Named Moe'. He has also produced touring productions of many of his shows.

The Tony Award-winning revival of HAIR: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical officially opened April 14that Gielgud Theatre in London's West End.

Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director of the Public Theater commented, "I first saw HAIR in London in 1972 as a fourteen year old hitchhiker through Europe. It is a special thrill to bring our extraordinary American company to where I first encountered this amazing musical. After we have been blessed with so many great British actors on our New York stages, it's also a pleasure to return the favor!"

The London cast of HAIR includes Sasha Allen, Ato Blankson-Wood, Steel Burkhardt, Allison Case, Luther Creek, Gavin Creel, Matt DeAngelis, Lauren Elder, Allison Guinn, Phyre Hawkins, Anthony Hollock, Crystal Joy, Kevin Kern, Kaitlin Kiyan, Andrew Kober, Megan Lawrence, Caissie Levy, John Moauro, Darius Nichols, Brandon Pearson, Megan Reinking, Michael James Scott, Hannah Shankman, Kacie Sheik, Maya Sharpe and Will Swenson.

In addition to the Tony Award, the Broadway production of HAIR was named Best Musical Revival by the Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Drama League.

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).

Tickets for HAIR in London (starting at £17.00) are available via www.hairthemusical.uk.co.

 HAIR continues on Broadway at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, and is presented in New York by The Public Theater (Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director; Andrew D. Hamingson, Executive Director) Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel, Gary Goddard Entertainment, Kathleen K. Johnson, Nederlander Presentations, Inc., Fran Kirmser Productions/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. For more information, visit: www.hairbroadway.com.

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