FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2004

SFA’s ‘Hair’ still relevant

What can a 37-year-old rock musical possibly have to say to today's young people, or to anyone, for that matter? "Plenty!" is the resounding answer given by the cast of Stephen F. Austin State University's production of "Hair: the American Tribal Love-Rock Musical."

The show, which will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, through Saturday, Oct. 9, in W. M. Turner Auditorium, has a relevant message according to Harlingen sophomore Melissa Recalde, who plays Jeanie.

"Everyone needs to be reminded of what is important--the pursuit of love, freedom, happiness and acceptance," she explained.

Premiered in 1967 at the New York Shakespeare Public Theater, the play focuses on a tribe of young people in their late teens and early 20s who are disillusioned with the “establishment.”

"Their stand against war, the draft and pollution were pure and honest statements aimed at reversing evils and corruptions in society," said Houston junior Sonia Lerner, who plays Crissy.

Justin Cole, Nacogdoches junior who plays Berger, pointed out that the controversy surrounding the Vietnam War mirrors the mixed views of the current war in Iraq.

"And although there is no draft at the moment, there is constant fear that it might be reinstated," he said.

"'Hair' is a political show," explained Elizabeth Davis, Wylie freshman who plays Elizabeth. "I think it's great timing to do it now with the election coming up."

The cast members have found it easy to relate to the young people they are portraying.

Kristal Jemerson, Dallas sophomore who plays Dionne, said today's college students are similar to the tribe members in their relaxed approach to life and their open-mindedness.

Natalie Melcher, Houston junior, said she and her character, Sheila, are both passionate about certain causes and try not to allow outside forces to disrupt their positive outlook on life.

Several of the actors said their parents are looking forward to the production because they themselves were the young people of the late 1960s.

Since her parents lived in New York City when they were in their 20s, Recalde thinks they’ll easily relate to some of the themes in “Hair.”

Devin Collins, Schertz sophomore who plays Claude, said the documentary slides used during the show will be powerful tools for evoking the audience’s memories.

When Cole’s parents learned he had been cast in the musical, his dad started singing songs from the show.

“It's amazing to see how [the late 60s] has affected people so much," he said.

"Hair" is a joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts, the University Series and the SFA departments of theatre and music. The show's director is Allen Oster, professor of theatre. John W. Goodall, professor of music, is the music director, and Juanita Finkenberg, adjunct faculty, is the show's choreographer.

On Thursday, Oct. 7, the College of Fine Arts will host a reception at 6:45 p.m. in Griffith Gallery to honor the show's corporate sponsor, Tipton Ford. At 7 p.m., Oster will speak about the production. The public is invited.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students.

For tickets or more information, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or 888-240-ARTS.