The Official HAIR Revival Love Thread!- Page 3

[AntonEgo]

Posted: 8/18/08 at 2:12pm

Just curious, since it was Groff's last night, did he get a separate bow or anything? I imagine it wasn't too big a deal since he was in it for a short time and it's a short run.

[jaystarr]

Posted: 8/18/08 at 2:22pm

I dont think so. He just came out and everyone clapped! I cant really remember it- but I think there's really NO TIME for him to take extra bow bec. the audience came down right away to the stage and dance...

Speaking of dance- the number they use was not on the OBCR? is that right? its just some humming of "hmmm...ha!, hmmm. ha!" and then they reprise "Let the sunshine In"

It a was 'riot' last saturday since it was his last day. there were soo many fans at the stage door (gate 1) like 150-200 people. Like I said there were some members of the OBC last saturday and everyone in the cast was so fired up...

J*
Updated On: 8/18/08 at 02:22 PM

[SNAFU]

Posted: 8/18/08 at 2:29pm

They use a section of the song HAIR for the dance at the end followed by Let the Sun Shine

[gvendo2005]

Posted: 8/18/08 at 2:43pm

Sorry for the late reply, but managed to dig up some answers to your questions!

And this is why I love BWW...if you wade through enough threads, you get some genuinely fascinating stories. I'd always been curious about the circumstances surrounding the "firing", but I'd never heard anything like what you say Butler did--that's insane! How long did this go on for?

I checked with the nice people at the HAIR Archives in Massachusetts (yes, some people who were concessionaires at the Biltmore in the '71-'72 "end of Aquarius" era got together with the authors and Butler and collected everything they could about HAIR and haven't stopped ever since) and they said, based on their archive of press clippings, that this "firing" situation went on from April 12-18, 1969. The worked out compromise was that any changes Ragni and Rado suggested that were rankling Butler would be run past Tom O'Horgan as well, and he'd be the tie-breaker, so to speak. Things ran smoothly from there on in.

Speaking of which--I recently read an old news item from around the time Lorrie Davis' "Letting Down My Hair" was published, which said that it was something of a tell-all that was sure to rankle a few of those involved with the show. But until then, I'd never heard that the book was like that. To anyone here who's read it--is it really full of juicy tidbits? Is it where the Butler story comes from? I've been hoping to get my hands on the book for a while now...I'm mostly just interested in learning more about what the original production was like, but it'd be pretty cool to get some gossip out of it as well.

The tidbits aren't that juicy if you already have some understanding of the world HAIR was born from. Basically lots of stories about backstage drugs and orgies, contrasted with some great stories of rehearsals and the inspiration behind certain moments such as "Abie Baby," and some nastier stories of backstage politics.

The Butler story actually comes from a friend who lived with Ragni and Rado as a protege and assistant for a time and has since remained in touch with all of those involved including Butler. He's an associate producer on most of their work.

[jaystarr]

Posted: 8/18/08 at 3:12pm

********SPOILERS*********pls do not read, if you are going to see the show!


Let me just add things I like about the show: I think it does not give it to you right away, its open to different interpretations: and something to think about after you see it!

The story is not one sided story. It also gives you an different view on the Hippie Life~that's it not all great, care-free life. based on what I saw~ my view is Claude (as portrayed by Jonathan Groff) realized that he does not really like the life of hippie. for him its trading another stereotype to another... i felt like he was really looking for HIS real identity..that's why he went to Vietnam and did not burn his card...somehow Jonathan Groff portrayal of Claude was a confused person, trying to find meaning in his life! what he really wants? there's a part of him- that he wants to please his parents or at least be proud of him..-he realized that being a hippie is not really himself..(that's from my understanding of the musical) somehow he got sick and tired of it!

That's why i thought Groff was good- there's a part of him~that's open to interpretations- I sense that he was not happy conforming to the standards of society yet he realized that being a hippie is trading another false identity to another false on too! Him being sexually ambigious - you dont know if he is in love with Berger or Shiela or Jeanie or himself? I think Groff perfectly played that part!

The ending was very haunting yet uplifting for me...you have a sense of hope that somehow the COUNTRY WILL WAKE UP OF ITS ILLUSIONS!

I thought there was a symbolically meaning of Groff lying at the top of the american flag as opposed to ..when a veteran dies.. the flag is placed above his coffin.

As I mentioned.. I had goose bumps at the ending...

Groff came out in a military uniform and sang...

We starve-look
At one another
Short of breath
Walking proudly in our winter coats
Wearing smells from laboratories
Facing a dying nation
Of moving paper fantasy
Listening for the new told lies
With supreme visions of lonely tunes

Somewhere
Inside something there is a rush of
Greatness
Who knows what stands in front of
Our lives
I fashion my future on films in space
Silence
Tells me secretly
Everything
Everything

and he talked to the tribe as they are not seeing him anymore (for me that's the part where he went to Vietnam, he became invisible to them alreday-meaning to their philosophy or ideas) then he sang the part....

Manchester England England
Manchester England England
Eyes look your last
Across the Atlantic Sea
Arms take your last
embrace
And I'm a genius genius
And lips oh you the
doors of breath
I believe in God
Seal with a righteous kiss
And I believe that God believes in Claude
Seal with a righteous kiss
That's me, that's me, that's me!


The tribe responded by singing...

The rest is silence
The rest is silence
The rest is silence


Jonathan Groff (Claude) went at the back and lie down on the american flag.. where the tribe continues the song.....

"Let the sunshine in' several times.. as the audience joined them singing the finale...

The tribe exited to the gates as you can still hear their songs thru the echo of the corridors of the Delacorte Theater... the band fades out....

but the audience was still singing in acapella now .."let the sunshine in' for two minutes!

Groff was lying on the american flag in the field..with only a spotlight on his dead body! and the lights went out!

Edit :What a evening! I never seen anything like this...where the people one by one start to stand up and sing out loud.. The show really exceeded my expectations and the buzz! Its an EXCELLENT show! I cant think of anything I dont like about the show! from the cast to the look of the production. everything is perfect at the park!

Edit: I thought I say something about the show before I take a little break! I promise~I will be back

J*





Updated On: 8/18/08 at 03:12 PM

[BradMajors]

Posted: 8/18/08 at 6:25pm

Great review j*! I think many of us who weren't even born when HAiR premiered 40 years ago are being moved by it's message because much like that generation was experiencing the fallout of the Vietnam war our generation is also experiencing the fallout of the Iraqi war ~ another senseless war.

In this day and age of iPods, internet, HDTV, etc. that it's core message still resonates today is a testament to the talents of James Rado, Gerome Ragni and Galt MacDermot.

People are honesty tired of this senseless war that has now dragged on for 5 years and has claimed countless, innocent lives all in the name of what?

Let the Sunshine In, indeed.

[gypsiedtokill]

Posted: 8/18/08 at 6:55pm

J* I was at the show Saturday night as well...what a performance!! That was the third time I'd seen the show and the energy has been phenomenal every time, but this one was more elevated than the rest. Whether it was because of Jonathan Groff's departure, the original cast members in the audience, or what have you, it was spectacular. I'll be back several times, since it was extended again. It's bringing such a beautiful message to the world. This was definitely the right time for this show.

A side note: I was absolutely captivated by the guy playing John Wilkes Booth...during Fourscore/Abie Baby he was standing against the orchestra stand and he was so in the zone that I actually thought he had snapped for a hot second. It was incredible to watch.

Love.

[jaystarr]

Posted: 8/18/08 at 8:20pm

**********CONTAINS SPOILERS AGAIN********

I am sorry that I cannot write a full review. So I will just write a little bit here and there~ NOTE: I will keep editing my post adding more info..


I was thinking of commenting on some of the cast members that were really outstanding and deserved a special mention:

THE CAST:

1. Jonathan Groff as Claude- absolutely incredible. as I said~I am a fan of him now! i have noticed that he was having difficulty with the last song- his voice was straining, but actually it worked well! his best numbers is definitely- I Got Life!

2. Will Swenson as Berger- if this show moved on Broadway- this guy is SURE for a nomination as Featured Actor! From his 1st song- Donna- he really knows how to work the crowd.

3. Caren Lyn Maneul as Shiela- beautiful,, beautiful voice. I love her rendition of "Easy to Be Hard" and who can't forget her duet with Patina Renea Miller in Let the Sunshine In Part-very powerful

* There was a make out scene between Shiela, Berger & Claude!! Wow! Were they really kissing a 3-way kiss scene? cant see from where I was sitting>

4. Bryce Ryness as Wolf- very very good! I get the feeling that his character is gay-in which he is inlove with Claude. His "Sodomy" number was really good!

5. Kacie Sheik as Jeanie- I love love her voice- Again.. this is another SURE for Featured Actress in a Musical..

6. Patina Renea Miller as Jeanie/ Lead singer of "Aquarius" - very powerful voice- she was just belting out the Aquarius number w/o any difficulty.

-The Asian girl who sang in the trio of Black Voice has a very powerful voice , so with the Black Girl who sang a part of Aretha FRanklin's R-E-S-P-E-C-T

- There was no member of the ensemble that I did not like. They are all excellent. Sorry if I forgot anyone? Who is the cute guy with curly long hair with a beard- he went up next to our seats and -my god! he is soo lean!!! with low low waist blue jeans..

EDIT: The couple playing tourist is also good! specially the guy in drag.

THE THEATER ATMOSTPHERE:

I really have a doubt, if this show would work in a regular proscenium theater... I just love the Delacorte.. The sounds of the crickets, the noise coming from the traffic outside, people talking outside, the insects flying around the lights (moths) and biting me! (mosquitoes) lol! It really add to the rawness and organic feel of the production...

I love the fence at the background where the actors were jumping back and forth- i thought it was great.

The Delacorte Theater in the page of the Playbill:

(I think the theater might be entirely made up of wood)

SCENIC DESIGN by SCOTT PASK- the astro turf with some balding parts- looks authentic from where we are seating.. I went down and touch it to make sure its real after the show!

THE SEMI-CIRCULAR STAGE- I love it where the cast all spread out thru the entire 'field' ~that's what I am going to call it...

CHOREOGRAPHY by Karole Armitage - From the beggining where Dione came and the tribe came out from different parts of teh stage., some by the fence, some seating in the audience, some from the entryway thru the gates then they all congregate in the stage _ its like Dione was summoning them.. none of their movement was unison, each was doing its own part-where the whole was very beautiful to watch!

Edit: I love the opening number, "Aquarius"~its weird that when we saw it last Saturday.. It was a full moon and clear sky!



(Intro: sound of electric guitar.......then the trumpets )

Dione came in first thru Gate no. 2 singing.. its like she's summoning the entire tribe to the stage....

When the MOON*** is in the Seventh House
And Jupiter aligns with Mars
Then PEACE will guide the planets
And love will steer the stars

Then the whole cast came (some thru the fence by jumping..some thru the audience all came to the stage.... singing all together....

This is the dawning of the age of Aquarius
The age of Aquarius
Aquarius!
Aquarius!

Harmony and understanding
Sympathy and trust abounding
No more falsehoods or derisions
Golden living dreams of visions
Mystic crystal revalation
And the mind's true liberation
Aquarius!
Aquarius!


****its a FULL MOON too- Dione was looking at the sky!


- the dance part of Donna and Hare Krisna (where they were parading and later burning their draft card- I was just amazed!

- some of them even came up to our aisle...they were stomping thru the wooden floor and you can feel the vibrations (that's why I think its perfect for this theater)

LIGHTING DESIGN by MICHAEL CHYBOWSKI- I know people commented about their clothes, but somehow the lighting works perfectly with their costumes. With just the use of stadium lights- they were able to achieve certains moods/look of the entire production.

-the nude scene at the end of ACT 1 (Where Do I GO number) was tastefully achieved by dimming the lights into soft blue- though everyone removed their clothes except Claude. YUP! Everyone was butt-naked!

THE BAND- Love the funky sound and the lady conducting the band- she has so much energy! dancing and all...

THE AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: I think part of the show is the audience ( I am sure with the original production too) the audience was so into the show. The Curtain Call is really fun~like I mentioned everyone went down to the stage to dance and sing- the whole stage was FULL of audience!

THE ENERGY OF THE CAST:

DIRECTION of DIANE PAULUS- It looks like she stayed TRUE to the original production. I have seen the movie and it was soo different! I LOVE THIS REVIVAL 100 times! Thank you, Diane for bringing your vision!

I will think of more...


*******SPOILERS END*********

To those who has not seen this show: This is one of those things that you would probably regret and wish you had a time machine to go back to the summer of 2008! I am comparing this to Chicago 1997 run at City Center..

A year from now.. People will remember this show! GO SEE IT! and its worth all the money I donated and more and worth your 8 hours that you will spend falling in line.

LOVE.

J*

Updated On: 8/22/08 at 08:20 PM

[Eponine]

Posted: 8/18/08 at 8:31pm

I saw it on Friday and liked it a lot. Some ad-libbing because of the 45 minute wait for the show to start.

We also had a blooper. During Berger's first song the loincloth thing fell off and and he just went with it. Then when he sat down again he tried to awkwardly tie it back on. That was a blooper, right?

[AntonEgo]

Posted: 8/18/08 at 10:09pm

Sorry to correct you, J, but Bryce Ryness plays Woof, not Wolf. I have to say, I don't think gay is an accurate description of the character. I think his character is in love with everybody and everything. He just wants to be loved and to be in love. That's just my opinion, but Bryce was amazing.

[AntonEgo]

Posted: 8/21/08 at 1:47pm

Has anybody tried the cancellation line lately? It used to be you could go at 6:30 and still get in, but is that possible anymore? Thanks.

[GatorNY]

Posted: 8/21/08 at 2:11pm

I went last night and I was a mess...I got to the line at 6:30 am after going in the wrong direction on the E train at 5:45 am. I was about the 100th person in line. Apparently the line really took off bewteen 630 and 7 am...so get there as early as you can before 7am if you're going to try to wait in line. I wished that I would have had someone to play cards with...but it actually went by pretty fast. I had my tickets by 1:20 pm. I was a huge fan of the movie when I was growing up...but only ever saw it on stage at the Warner Theater in DC back in 1995 or around then. I will say that it doesn't take much to impress me...put 4 people on stage with kazoos and I'll usually be happy...if not even shed a tear or two...however, this show kicked my butt! The outdoor venue is wonderful for the production. The cast was fantastic. I particularly enjoyed watching Will Swenson in the monments when he was not the focus...It's so ironic that the show, at 40 years old has quite a bit of relevance to the world we live...which I think is very sad in a way. I thought Christopher was great as Claude...and I felt that there was a lot of chemistry bewteen his Claude and Berger...even from where I was setting.
I was moved particularly furing the Three-Five-Zero-Zero and the finale. I also thought that the nuns choking the buddhists was really powerful. Megan Lawrence...did not know that she was in this show...Love Her!!!
I wish I would have got down on to the stage for the dancing at the end...makes me want to go spend 7 hours in that line again!
I whole heartedly echo what Jaystar says...if you are a fan of musical theater...do whatever you have to do to go see this before it ends its run.

[NYCboy2]

Posted: 8/21/08 at 2:34pm

I won 2 tickets thru virtual line today! I will be seeing it tonight!

[AntonEgo]

Posted: 8/21/08 at 4:11pm

No one has tried cancellations lately?

[Eponine]

Posted: 8/21/08 at 4:40pm

I did cancellation on Friday. It was rainy as hell. We got in line at 4:30 and were fifth in line. There were probably were 35-40 people there tops. Lots of them left the line because of the unrelenting rain.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 8/24/08 at 9:26pm

Can someone tell me where the Delacorte stage door is, if there is one?

Updated On: 8/24/08 at 09:26 PM

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 8/24/08 at 9:29pm

Gate 1

[broadwaybaby086]

Posted: 9/7/08 at 9:21am

It says through 9/14 on the Public's website. Is that a mistake? I thought it was closing tonight and saw that at the end of last week and was grateful to have another week to be able to see it. What's the verdict?


http://www.publictheater.org/content/view/126/219/

[AntonEgo]

Posted: 9/7/08 at 11:25am

It was extended to the 14th for sure (it's 3rd and final extension).