April 8, 2008

Purdue Theatre to present rock musical 'Hair'

"Hair"
Download photo
caption below

A special preview show of "Hair" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursday (April 10), which will feature interpreters for the deaf. Regular performances will be at 7:30 p.m. April 11; 7:30 p.m. and midnight April 12; 3 p.m. April 13; 7:30 p.m. April 17; 7:30 p.m. and midnight April 18; and 7:30 p.m. April 19.

"'Hair' is a celebration of life, and this production of 'Hair' has energized our program in many ways," said Russ Jones, Division of Theatre chair. "It is a fitting end to a most memorable season. We're excited to have recent alumna Amanda Folena back on campus to direct and choreograph the show, as well as our talented music director, Alex Lawrence from New York City. Also, we are pleased that Abe Jacob, the godfather of Broadway sound design, has been working with our students during the past year. Mr. Jacob's many credits include the original Broadway production of 'Hair.'"

When "Hair" debuted on Broadway in 1968, it was a groundbreaking musical, Jones said.

"It challenged all the Broadway musical and theatrical conventions of the time," he said. "Its message is still as fresh today as it was 40 years ago, of how each generation of youth comes to grips with its hopes and dreams."

Folena said she was excited to come back to Purdue to direct "Hair."

"It is an exciting experience to collaborate with the faculty and students. They are unbelievably talented and dedicated," she said. "I was extremely honored to be asked to work on this project. 'Hair' is a powerful show that will leave a huge impact on our audience. It is provocative, dramatic, entertaining and vulnerable - all qualities that make for a great theater experience. Needless to say, I am ready to dive into the '60s generation and rock out!"

Admission for the April 10 preview is $6 general admission. All other shows are $18 for the general public, $15 for seniors 62 years of age and older, and $12 for students. Tickets are available at the Stewart Center, Elliott Hall of Music and Yue-Kong Pao Hall box offices or by calling (765) 494-3933 or (800) 914-SHOW.

Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu

Sources: Russ Jones, (765) 494-3081, russjones@purdue.edu

David Lageveen, director of marketing and donor relations for Purdue Theatre, (765) 494-3084, lageveen@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

PHOTO CAPTION:
Purdue Theatre will present "Hair" April 10-19 in the Nancy T. Hansen Theatre in the Yue-Kong Pao Hall of Visual and Performing Arts. Tickets are available at the Stewart Center, Elliott Hall of Music and Yue-Kong Pao Hall box offices or by calling (765) 494-3933 or (800) 914-SHOW. (Photo courtesy of Purdue Theatre)

A publication-quality photo of "Hair" is available at https://www.purdue.edu/uns/images/+2008/Theatre-Hair2.jpg

To the News Service home page