Full cast for HAIR announced

Four-time Logie award winning TV and theatre star, Hugh Sheridan, two time ARIA award winning Paulini, the sensational star of The Voice, Prinnie Stevens and a talented tribe of emerging Australian musical theatre stars including South East Queensland’s own Angelique Cassamatis and Matthew Manahan have joined the brand new Australian production of HAIR, touring nationally and coming to Gold Coast’s Home of the Arts (HOTA) for TWO SHOWS ONLY on October 11 and 12 2019. Tickets are on sale NOW!

Fittingly, 2019 marks 50 years since the opening of HAIR at The Metro Theatre in Kings Cross in 1969. The 60s were divisive, with young people passionate about issues like the environment, free-love and peace, and rebelling against the conservative mainstream. The arts pushed the boundaries, and HAIR was revolutionary concept, complete with bell-bottoms, trippy tunes and the infamous nude scene. The original production launched the careers of some of our finest artists. Reg Livermore played Berger, John Waters played Claude and Marcia Hines was imported from the USA to play the role of Jeanie (and never left). HAIR also launched the career of one of our most respected directors Jim Sharman. HAIR was the first of a trio of hugely successful rock musicals he directed for the late Harry M. Miller. Read about the 1969 opening night on Sydney Opera House Backstage.

The new production will tour to Perth, Geelong, Wyong, Wollongong and Sydney before the finale at HOTA, with Hugh Sheridon as Berger, Paulini playing the role of Dionne, Prinnie Stevens (The Voice) performing the role of Sheila, and the exciting new actor Matthew Manahan in the role of Claude. Angelique Cassimatis (Priscilla/Saturday Night Fever) is playing our oxygen-conscious Jeanie, and direct from Broadway Harris M Turner (Summer) will play Hud, our king of kool. Stefanie Caccamo (Beautiful/Once) is our sweet Crissy, still waiting for Frank Mills, and Callan Purcell (Jasper Jones) will sow his seeds as Woof.

Also joining the tribe are Emma Hawthorne (Mamma Mia!), Luke Jarvis (West Side Story), Joe Kalou (In The Heights), Julian Kuo (American Psycho), Louis Luciente (Jersey Boys), Sun Park (Hi-5) and Monique Sallé (Mamma Mia!).

HAIR will be produced by David M. Hawkins (Liza Minnelli, Hedwig and The Angry Inch, Cabaret) who has assembled a talented local creative team lead by maverick director Declan Greene (Blackie Blackie Brown) with Set Design by Michael Scott-Mitchell, Musical Direction by Glenn Moorhouse, Costume Design by James Browne, Choreography by Amy Campbell and Lighting Design by Paul Lim.

Producer, David M. Hawkins said, “After auditioning for three months and seeing over 800 artists, I am so pleased to be announcing this young, dynamic and exciting cast. Declan and the creative team have been working around the clock creating a new version of HAIR for these wonderful actors to embrace, and soon it will be time to share it with the country. What an honour to announce the cast on the 50th anniversary of it opening in Sydney in 1969; it is time to Let The Sun Shine In once again.”

The issues of 1969 are still relevant today, and although the perspective is different, passionate young people continue to push for progress against conservative views on gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights and climate change. HAIR is a timeless tale of revolution and radicalism.

Where: HOTA, Home of the Arts

Dates: Friday, 11 October 2019 – Saturday, 12 October 2019

Times: 7.00pm both nights

Bookings: hota.com.au/theatre/hair/

Source: HOTA Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast