Hair @ Delacorte - Question — Page 3

My partner and I prepared well for the adventure. (I am an old timer when it comes to Shakespeare in the Park). Yes, I brought a sleeping bag, but not for sleeping. The waterproof side was placed on the ground and the softer lining acted as a very comfortable blanket. I also packed a wonderful picnic, but I have to confess that ants took over a sandwich that was saved for later in the afternoon. I also brought pretzels and chips and cookies. (There is also a deli and pizza parlor that delivers.)

Most people who join the line do so knowing that the time is better spent being open to your neighbors and sharing the day. Today was simply gorgeous.

But, the bottom line is the production itself. This Hair is brilliant. It is not a recreation and it's not trying to be. It is an honest look at a show that is dated yet still relevant. This Hair has life.

Dramamama , last sunday it rained pretty much all day. I awoke at 6 AM ready to head to the park but it was pouring. Around 6 PM I had noticed it cleared and figured I would give the cancellation line a chance. Nothing ventured.... As it turned out there were probably 125 people in line. They gave out the cancellation tickets and we all pretty much got in. They don't start handing out the tickets till moments before 8PM.
In the cancellation line however it is 1 ticket per person. You cannot ho;ld people's places in line and they do not guarantee that if you are with people that your seats will be together.
This was still for previews. I am sure the line will get worse once it officially opens.

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Hasn't anyone thought of the idea of just going to the Delacorte itself very early and staying there, telling anyone who asks that they're enjoying the day or something? I never got the impression that it was closed to anyone, I mean Jon Larson even actually described going there (to think, I believe) in "tick...tick...BOOM!" The only real hitch I could think of would be if the same cop shows up and decides you're loitering.

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I set up camp a bit too early at 430am but to be honest, the time flew by faster than I imagined. Still, I would say getting there around 7-9am is still pretty safe (for now) and in fact, you can probably still be safe by around 10-12. But I think it will get exponentially harder during the run as word of mouth gets out.

We ended up doing the cancellation line 2 days later (because the production is THAT AMAZING) and got great seats right before the show (we got there around 6:20pm) that were near the original seats we got the first time (5th row centre).

Either way, I didn't regret lining up early even though I knew I could get the tickets more easily two days later!

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If that is true, I want to see it then!

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Is camera allowed inside the Delacorte theater ? of course NOT during the show!

BTW- I called the box-office and got this info... for VIRTUAL LINES;

1. Sign in the morning to the virtaul line
2. Check up the website at 1 pm to check if you won the FREE tickets (its 2 btw)
3. IF YOU HAPPEN TO WIN the LOTTERY -Go to Delacorte Theater from 4 to 730 to pick up tickets..


J*

Updated On: 8/1/08 at 10:07 PM

He was there when I saw it, as well.

Thanks guys!

I am on standby every Saturday 8/2, 8/9, 8/16, 8/23 and 8/30.. I will try to register every morning & check by 1pm.. If I get lucky..We will drive to NYC by 2pm and we will be there by 6pm...I just called my sister and she told me that we can stay with her (she lives in Queens) whenever-it depends- if we have energy-we will drive back!

If I dont get FREE tickets by 8/16- i will just pay the donations. The lady at the box office told me that MOST LIKELY.. I can get tickets that Saturday (If I made a donations)

Oh trust me, I am a very talkative and a friendly guy... I can always open a conversation with anyone? I am very good at that!

btw - Is t-shirts or tank top (if 90 degrees) and shorts.. an appropriate attire since its in the park?

J*

Updated On: 8/1/08 at 10:46 PM

This morning we got in line at 8am and had no problem getting tickets. I didn't really stick around to confirm, but I believe many people behind us were able to get tickets as well. We weren't all that far back. People can camp out if they like--it's an experience--but reports that you need to get there at 6 (and you're done for if you get there by 7) on a weekday morning appear to be exaggerated.

Thoughts on the show: I listen to the OBCR religiously and was desperate to see a production of Hair that would ring true to me...naturally I went into the show with some concerns that this production could pull it off, based on everything I've read about it being too "clean".

Folks, I fell for it head over heels--they had me from the first beat of "Aquarius", when it was clear that the entire audience was engaged and ready to have a good time. Set the perfect tone--undercurrents both humorous and ominous were brought out in just the right places, undercurrents you can't experience by listening to the recording or reading the detailed liner notes. Loved the entire cast--and no, though I braced myself, I didn't have a single problem with Jonathan Groff. Yes, it's a "cute" group of hippies, but that cuteness--I'd call it innocence--is tempered brilliantly when the show gets into darker territory.

It would be pointless to go into everything I enjoyed about this production--let's just say I walked out of the Delacorte thinking "it worked." A terrific production that spoke to me, and that I won't soon forget.

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Updated On: 8/1/08 at 11:53 PM

I am pleased to read that someone else enjoyed Hair without the need to single out Mr. Groff. I agree with you wholeheartedly. I think the cast - including Mr. Groff - is just brilliant. I love this production of Hair.

Good luck, Jay!!

It's okay Jay...it's a soggy Saturday anyhow here in NYC....a clear peaceful night is a much better setting to see this show. I saw it on Tuesday and it was amazing.