Broadway's Hair | Talks at Google

TL;DR

A panel discussion featuring cast members and creators of the musical Hair, discussing the current production and its impact on Broadway.

Transcript

good afternoon everyone thank you for your patience and thank you so much for being here we have a really special treat for you today a little bit different a panel of guests that includes some of the cast members how many guys do you guys have total 26 so a few the cast members of the public theaters groovy revival of hair the musical and the dire... Read More

Key Insights

• 🫱 Hair was created with the intention of being progressive and shocking, with an anti-war message and themes of freedom and liberation.
• 🤞 The panel hopes that the current revival can inspire new and radical acts in Broadway and challenge the traditional musical format.
• 🎭 The show's current success and impact on the audience highlight the need for accessible and affordable theater experiences to reach a wider audience.
• 👶 The timeless themes of Hair still resonate with new generations and connect with current cultural movements.
• 🎭 The panel emphasizes the importance of bringing nonconformity and interactivity to theater and creating an engaging experience for the audience.
• 🥶 The revival of Hair in Central Park has attracted a diverse audience, including both older generations who remember the show and younger generations seeking something new and thought-provoking.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the original creators feel about the 1979 revival and the changes made in the movie adaptation?

Jim Rado expresses his frustration with the attempts to recreate the original Broadway show and the changes made in the movie. He emphasizes the importance of creating something new and organic.

Q: How did the panel approach updating the show for a new generation?

Diane Paulus discusses her passion for Hair and her desire to get it right. She talks about the challenges of working with landmark material and the need to find motivation for the younger cast members.

Q: How did the iconic nude scene come about in the original production?

Jim Rado shares the story of how two guys took off their clothes during a political rally, inspiring the creators to include a nude scene in the show. He emphasizes the significance and power of the moment.

Q: How does the panel feel about the current drug culture compared to the 60s?

The cast members discuss how drugs are perceived differently today and the prevalence of prescription drugs. They express their thoughts on the exploration and liberation that drugs represented in the 60s.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The panel includes cast members of the Hair revival, the director Diane Paulus, and original creator Jim Rado.

• They discuss the challenges and updates made in the current production, as well as the success and positive reviews it has received.

• Jim Rado shares the history of the original production and the changes made over the years, including his partnership with Jerome Ragni and the development of a new script.

• Diane Paulus talks about her connection to Hair, her past work on The Donkey Show, and her approach to bringing the show to a new generation.