Hair announces five members of the 'tribe'

Over consecutive days this week (beginning today - 26 Jan 2009), the 26-member Broadway cast of Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical will be announced by Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director of The Public Theater.

The first Hair cast members to be confirmed are Lauren Elder (Tribe), Allison Guinn (Tribe), Anthony Hollock (Tribe), John Moauro (Tribe) and Ato Blackson-Wood (Tribe), all of whom were in the 'Tribe' in Central Park last summer and will be making their Broadway debuts.

In a statement, Mr. Eustis said �The Tribe of Hair has grown into a stunning, sexy, organic ensemble over the last year and a half. Lauren, Allison, Anthony, John and Ato embody the spirit of love that makes this production such an extraordinary celebration.�

They join the previously announced Gavin Creel will will play the lead role of �Claude.�

As earlier reported, Eden Espinosa, who was to play the female lead role of 'Sheila' has withdrawn from the production. No information has been provided why Espinosa has withdrawn other then she has done so 'due to personal reasons.'

Additional casting news will be announced throughout the week.

Hair opens at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on 31 Mar 2009, following previews from 6 Mar and is currently selling tickets through to 27 Sep 2009.

With book and lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni, and music by Galt MacDermot, Hair is directed by Diane Paulus.

Hair was a phenomenal success when it first played on Broadway in the 60's, and again this past summer when it was a hit at the Delacorte Theater.

The musical depicts the birth of a cultural movement in the 60's and 70's that changed America forever: the musical follows a group of hopeful, free-spirited young people who advocate a lifestyle of pacifism and free-love in a society riddled with intolerance and brutality during the Vietnam War.

As they explore sexual identity, challenge racism, experiment with drugs and burn draft cards, the "tribe" in Hair creates an irresistable message of hope, peace and change that continues to resonate with audiences 40 years later.

The musical is being produced on Broadway by The Public Theater and Elizabeth Ireland McCann.

Hair was the show that, in 1967, officially opened The Public Theater�s long-time home on Lafayette Street.

Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical has the distinction of being the first off-Broadway musical to transfer to Broadway, (It moved to Broadway on 29 Apr 1968 and ran for 1,873 performances).