[Mb-hair] Hair in Bridgeport CT

[Little Birdie]

Anyone in the New York/New England area get yourself over to Bridgeport CT 
where the Downtown Cabaret Theatre is doing Hair now through May 22. Robert 
Camuto, Bill Swiggard, and I, along with family and friends saw this show 
last night, and it was absolutely terrific! The minute we walked into the 
theater and saw the set, which is a scaled down version of the original set 
down to the Waverly sign and flying Pegasus, we knew we were in for a treat. 
This production was directed and staged by Julie Arenal, who choreographed 
the Broadway production and directed several other original run production. 
She used 85% of the original staging and choreography - It was at moments 
like stepping 35 years back in time. The singing and dancing were first 
rate, the band was great, the performances excellent, and the enthusiasm of 
the Tribe was palpable. My only complaint is that they cut 4 songs - Dead 
End, Going Down, Electric Blues, and The Bed - along with several scenes - 
the pill scene, the movie scene (more unusual to see this one in rather than 
out these days), and the Be-In was shortened. However they included the 
Young Recruit scene, something I haven't seen in a production in years, and 
which it was really nice to see again. A strong scene when done well. Julie 
also restaged some numbers, like Don't Put it Down, and her new work fit 
seamlessly into the original choreography.

Special mention should be made of Dennis Moench as Woof - the best Woof I've 
seen since the Broadway show closed, and many other wonderful performances - 
Emily Drennan as Sheila (beautiful voice!), J. Cameron Barnett as Hud 
(fantastic!), Liza Marie Johnson as Jeanie, Stephanie St. Hilaire as Crissy, 
Jummane Langston, Lauren Moss, Lauren Hooper, and many Tribe members whom I 
can't identify by name - I wish I could as they all deserve credit and 
mention for their outstanding performances! Also special mention should be 
made of Kenny Moten - a strong Berger who amazingly stepped into the role 6 
days before they opened, but looked like he had been playing the role for 
much longer. Amazing job.

We saw Galt and Julie, which was, as always, lovely. Julie shared with us 
that the whole production had been put together in 12 days, which is 
astounding considering the level of performance. I cannot recommend strongly 
enough that anyone who can make it to Bridgeport do so. This is the real 
thing, folks. The closest you'll get to seeing how it was 35 years ago.

For information and tickets the Bridgeport CT Downtown Cabaret Theatre web 
site is at: http://www.dtcab.com/

They tell me they are selling out fast, so don't wait. And let me know 
when/if you are going - we would all love to go again.

Love,
Nina

The Hair Archives
http://www.michaelbutler.com/hair/holding/Hair.html