Public Celebrates HAIR 40th with Free Concerts Sept.22-24

The Public Theater will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical with a free concert version of this legendary musical at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park.  Hair has the distinction of being the first off-Broadway musical to transfer to Broadway and it was the show that, in 1967, officially opened The Public Theater's long-time home on Lafayette Street.

Directed by Diane Paulus with book and lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni and music by Galt MacDermot, Hair will play for three-nights-only, September 22, 23 & 24, at 7PM as part of Joe's Pub in the Park.

Free tickets will be distributed the day of the show or you can reserve a seat in advance for a tax deductible donation to The Public Theater.

MacDermot will play keyboards with a full orchestra along with his son Vincent who will be playing the trombone.  The cast will feature 26 actors and singers who will be joined on-stage by past Hair alumni.  Complete casting to be announced shortly.

"The year is 1967, and the Vietnam War is at its height.  In New York City, a tribe of hippies rails against the establishment, protesting intolerance, brutality, and the dehumanization of society.  When Claude, one of their own, gets drafted, he must make a decision about what values are worth fighting for," describe press notes.

The original production of Hair premiered at The Public Theater on October 17, 1967 and ran for six weeks.  It moved to Broadway on April 29, 1968 and ran for 1,873 performances.

The creative team includes Scott Pask (sets), Michael McDonald (costumes), Michael Chybowski (lighting), Acme Sound Partners (sound), Karole Armitage (choreography), and Rob Fisher (musical direction).

For a limited time only, a very limited number of supporter seats can be reserved for a tax-deductible donation of $250 or $500.  Supporters will receive one reserved seat to the 40th Anniversary concert.  These reserved supporter seats are available only at the box office or by calling 212-260-2400 to assure that the highest number of free seats are available for the general public on the day of the show.

Hair will play Saturday, September 22; Sunday, September 23; and Monday, September 24 at 7PM. Tickets are free and will be available on the day of the performance (two per person) at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park beginning at 1PM and at The Public Theater, 425 Lafayette Street (near Astor Place), from 1PM to 3PM. The closest entrances to the Delacorte are at 81st Street and Central Park West or 70th Street and Fifth Avenue.

For additional information, call 212-539-8750 or visit The Public Theater website at www.publictheater.org  

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