Big Noise Theatre to Present HAIR, 4/24-5/9

James Rado, Gerome Ragni, and Galt MacDermot's Tony Award-winning musical, HAIR, will be presented by Big Noise Theatre at Prairie Lakes Community Center Theater, Des Plaines, April 24 through May 9.

Hair is a stage work in two acts. It tells the story of a "tribe" of passionate, politically active "hippies" who confront the Vietnam War, free love, racism, societal values and their place in the world of the turbulent '60s. Songs include "The Flesh Failures (Let the Sunshine In)", "Aquarius", and "Hair".

HAIR is directed and choreographed by Stacey Flaster.

From Stacey Flaster: "I am thrilled to have a dream cast for this production of Hair," Flaster says. "They bring humor, pathos and a certain authenticity to their characters, not to mention their considerable vocal chops!" Incorporating Indian and Native American influences and tribal elements into the colorful production, Flaster explains, "Our goal is to take a fresh look at this pivotal show whole keeping it true to its original intent -- to celebrate our humanity and ourselves"

STACEY FLASTER'S Ragtime for Big Noise Theatre won Best Non-Equity Musical for the 2014 Broadway World Awards. She also won Best Director for this production. Stacey directed and choreographed Cabaret for Light Opera Works and the Jeff Award winning production of A Class Act for Porchlight Theatre. As a director/choreographer, Flaster's credits include Godspell, Little Shop of Horrors, The Wiz, Jesus Christ Superstar (Broadway World Award, Best Musical and Best Choreography), Footloose, Cats (Jeff Nomination, Best Choreography), A Wonderful Life and Nunset Boulevard for Theatre at the Center; Joseph...Dreamcoat and Route 66 for Paramount Theatre; Married Alive for Metropolis Performing Arts Center, and Carousel and The Secret Garden for Light Opera Works. As choreographer: Joseph... Dreamcoat (Jeff Nomination, Best Choreography-Theatre at the Center), My Fair Lady, Carnival, Oklahoma! and Darling of the Day (Light Opera Works), Miss Saigon and Something's Afoot (Drury Lane Oakbrook), Willy Wonka (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre); You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Marriott Theatre); I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change (Noble Fool Theatricals); The Spitfire Grill and Smoke on the Mountain (Provision Theatre); Master Harold...and the boys (Steppenwolf Theatre); and Madame X (Alley Cat Productions). Stacey worked on the film The Dilemma, directed by Ron Howard. Stacey is co-owner of The Performer's School, Inc. and Style Theatrical Casting, Inc.

Featured are Taylor Oakey (Chicago) as Claude, Nic Eastlund (Chicago) as Berger, Haley Jane Schaefer (Chicago) as Sheila and Darius Colquitt (Chicago) as Hud.

Also cast are Patrick Stengle (Chicago) as Woof, Mary Kate Young (Chicago) as Jeanie and Melanie Frewen (Downers Grove) will play Chrissy. Other members of the Hair tribe are Missy Wise (Chicago), Tavia Hunt (Chicago), Janelle Villas (Bollingbrook), Caitlin Boho (Chicago), Alison Stake (Chicago), Jessica Vann (Chicago), Amy Stricker (Prospect Heights), Jennifer Lenius (Mount Prospect), Noreen Patel (Hoffman Estates), Chris Selefski (Plainfield), Roy Brown (Hoffman Estates), Brian Mengeler (Naperville), Dustin Rothbart (Northbrook), Jonas Davidow (Chicago), Quentin King (Chicago), Jacob Gilchrist(Chicago) and Robert Lee Williams III (Chicago).

Musical direction is by Jeffrey Poindexter, costumes by David Lundholm and sets are by Rick Paul.

HAIR is Big Noise's last production of 2014-2015 Season.

Discounted season ticket packages are still available.

A group is 15 or more people attending the same performance. Groups pay discounted ticket prices, and get best-available seats when the reservation is made. Call 847.604.0275 or email us at info@bignoisetheatre.org and we'll help you plan a great time for all!

Ticket prices for HAIR range from $23 to $28. Students and Seniors (65+) are $23. To order tickets, or for more information, call the Big Noise Box Office at (847) 604-0275 or order 24 hours a day online at www.bignoisetheatre.org.

Big Noise is also proud to announce that its 2014 musical Ragtime led the BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards for 2014 with five honors for Ragtime: Best Revival for a Musical or Revue (Resident non-equity), Best Actress in a Musical or Revue (resident non-equity) Amanda Horvath, who played Mother, Best Director Stacey Flaster, Best Musical Director Robert Deason, and Best Scenic Design David Geinosky. Julie Ann Stevens, who starred in Big Noise's Alone Together, won the BroadwayWorld Chicago award for best actress in a play (resident non-equity). The BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards are Chicago's only comprehensive, fan-voted theater awards. Nominations are made editorially early in November, based on community suggestions. Results were revealed on Jan 7, 2015 at the BroadwayWorld Chicago Award Celebration.