ROBIN'S SHOW RECOMMENDATION: HAIR

New York’s Public Theater (Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director) and Joey Parnes proudly present the Tony Award-winning revival of HAIR: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical, back on Broadway for a 10-week only “Summer of Love” run.

Featuring the cast of the critically acclaimed first national tour and directed by Diane Paulus, HAIR began previews on July 5th at the St. James Theatre (246 West 44th Street, NYC), and the limited engagement  runs through September 10th, 2011.

HAIR’s return to Broadway follows the launch of its successful first national tour of 20 cities in 9 months during the 2010-2011 season and features members of the Central Park tribe, Broadway Revival tribe, London Revival tribe and new tribe members. The full cast includes: Steel Burkhardt (Berger), Paris Remillard (Claude), Matt DeAngelis (Woof), Kaitlin Kiyan (Crissy), Darius Nichols (Hud), Kacie Sheik (Jeanie), Phyre Hawkins (Dionne) and Caren Lyn Tackett (Sheila). The cast also includes: Shaleah Adkisson, Emily Afton, Nicholas Belton, Larkin Bogan, Corey Bradley, Marshal Kennedy Carolan, Laura Dreyfuss, Mike Evariste, Lulu Fall, Tripp Fountain, Nkrumah Gatling, Allison Guinn, Sara King, Josh Lamon, John Moauro, Christine Nolan, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Arbender Robinson, Cailan Rose, Tanesha Ross, Jen Sese and Lee Zarrett.

Following Broadway, the HAIR tour will continue across the country. Winner of the of the 2009 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, and the Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle 2009 awards for Outstanding Revival of a Musical, HAIR opened on Broadway at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre to unanimous raves March 31, 2009 and played more than 500 performances before closing on June 27, 2010.

HAIR features a book and lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado and music by Galt MacDermot. The story of a group of young Americans searching for love and peace during the Vietnam era, HAIR is a timeless portrait of a movement that changed the world.

Featuring such songs as Hair, The Age of Aquarius and Let the Sun Shine, the music is memorable, affecting, energetic and packs a punch, as does the uniformly,hugely talented cast.  A standout for me was Burkhardt as Berger.  Truly magnetic.  You can't take your eyes off him.  The role could not have been better cast.  The tribe would follow him anywhere, and for good reason.

The show was dynamic from beginning to end.  And, the staging pulled in the audience as cast members appeared up and down the aisles and even in the mezzanine. The friend I went with was given fresh daisies by a cast member, and she was delighted. 

HAIR reminds you what musical theatre is all about.  A feel good, yet thought-provoking experience, and one that you won't soon forget.

The creative team also includes Karole Armitage (choreography), Scott Pask (scenic design), Michael McDonald (costume design), Kevin Adams (lighting design) and Acme Sound Partners (sound design).

Tickets for HAIR ($37 - $120) are available via Telecharge.com, by calling (212) 239-6200, or in person at the St. James Theatre box office (246 West 44th Street). The schedule is as follows: Monday and Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday at 2:00 and 8:00 p.m., Thursday at 7:00 p.m., Friday at 8:00 p.m., and Saturday at 2:00 and 8:00 p.m.

Visit http://www.hairbroadway.com/ and http://www.hairontour.com/.

ROBIN'S SHOW RECOMMENDATION: John Tartaglia's ImaginOcean

John Tartaglia’s ImaginOcean, which recently opened on March 31 in NYC, takes audiences on a live musical voyage to the bottom of the ocean floor and follows the escapades of Dorsel, Tank and Bubbles. Treasure map in hand, this loveable trio of best fish buddies embark on an aquatic adventure, leading them to new friends and discoveries.

Created and written by Tony and the Emmy Award nominee (perhaps best known for the hit musical Avenue Q), John Tartaglia’s ImaginOcean is an inventive family musical with a positive message for children. With direction and musical staging by veteran musical theater performer Donna Drake, music and lyrics by William Wade, this interactive sea tale boasts spirited production numbers, memorable characters, cool black light puppet technology and even glow in the dark bubbles. My son, Seth, 7, enjoyed it, as did my husband and I...though the audience was full of many younger children who had a good time.

“I created this show with families in mind,” says John Tartaglia, ImaginOcean writer and producer. “With the one hour running time, it’s a perfect activity for parents, grandparents and children of all ages to see together.”

With increased demand for weekend performances, ImaginOcean is scheduling two additional shows on Saturdays starting the week of May 10. New Saturday show times will be at 2PM and 4:30PM in addition to the current 11AM performance. Other show times are Wednesdays at11AM, 2PM and 7PM; and Sundays at 12PM.

ImaginOcean is produced by Jellyfish Jive Productions; Philip Katz, Michael Shawn Lewis along with John Tartaglia.

Tickets are $39 and may be purchased through TeleCharge (212) 239-6200 or http://www.telecharge.com and at the box office at NEW WORLD STAGES, 340 West 50th Street. For groups of 12 or more, please contact Group Sales Box Office at 800-223-7565 or visit http://www.bestofbroadway.com.

For more information about John Tartaglia’s ImaginOcean, please visit the official show website http://www.imaginoceanthemusical.com.