With 'Hair,' Big Noise Theatre takes us back to rock's musical roots

The original "American Tribal Love-Rock Musical" is back on stage, as the Big Noise Theatre prepares to revisit the 1960s in loud, colorful style.

"Hair" opens Friday, April 24 and performances continue through May 9 at Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines.

Directed and choreographed by Jeff Award Nominee Stacey Flaster, the show's book and lyrics are by James Rado and Gerome Ragni with music by Galt MacDermot. Musical direction is by Jeffrey Poindexter, set design by Rick Paul, costumes by David Lundholm and producers are Daiva Paulis and Kyle Dougan.

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."

"I am thrilled to have a dream cast for this production of 'Hair,' " Flaster said in a publicity release. "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 while keeping it true to its original intent - to celebrate our humanity and ourselves."

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 (Bolingbrook), 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).