Hart House Theatre Presents the Original Rock Musical HAIR

Opening on January 18, Hart House Theatre presents the rock musical Hair, an iconic work that celebrates its 50th anniversary at a time of new-found social justice movements and civil unrest. Directed and choreographed by a multi-faceted talent, Julie Tomaino, featuring showcase performances by trained, emergent talent, and supported by a professional production team, Hair is sure to knock your proverbial socks off.

About the show: When a tribe of freedom-loving hippies is confronted with the realities of war and an oppressive government hell-bent on conflict, they become even more committed to their ideals of freedom, liberty from social shackles and the space to form individual expression...through "long, beautiful Hair"...

We welcome Director Julie Tomaino to Hart House Theatre for her debut directing project with us, although she is certainly no stranger to the theatre scene around the country.

Julie is a former Radio City Rockette, director and award-winning choreographer who has worked across the country in theatres such as The Globe, Theatre Magnus, The Citadel, Theatre Calgary and many more. her energetic, mesmerizing choreography has gained her critical acclaim as well as the admiration of audiences. Crazy For You, How To Succeed.., Chess,The Buddy Holly Story, The Rocky Horror Show, We Will Rock You, Once, From Here To Eternity, Saturday Night Fever, On The Town, Cabaret and Mary Poppins are just a few of the hit musicals to which she has lent her talents.

When asked "why this play, why now?", Julie had this to say:

"What a time to do Hair. There is still so much political unrest in the US, and the world for that matter, 50 years after this show was written! This musical was ground breaking when it first appeared on Broadway in 1968. Today's issues are wildly different than those surrounding the Vietnam War, however, the way young people are standing up to the government, challenging the 'establishment', and fighting for what they believe in, is eerily similar. Perhaps what we have learned over time is how to be better informed, well spoken, and intelligent in our resistance. But the need for a resistance has not changed. In fact, in some ways, there is a greater need for resistance right now than ever before. Hair screams 'take a look at how you're treating your fellow humans, the earth, the air we breathe, and the almighty dollar'.

What you will find with Hair is it is as relevant today as it was 50 years ago. The songs are timeless (and there are a lot of them!), the fun, playful spirit of the show remains a pillar against the darker, more serious undertones; the imagery is magical and sometimes disturbing. Hair will make you feel good, until it makes you think. Hair will make you take a look at the world we're living in today and ask ourselves if we can do better."

Joining Julie on the professional production team is Music Supervisor, Giustin MacLean, Music Director Jonathan Corkal and designers Brandon Kleiman (sets), Kathleen Black (costumes) and Kirsten Watt (lights). This team will be creating the summer of love, world of hippie resistance.

Image: Preliminary Set Rendering by Brandon Kleiman