I must confess, I am getting INCREDIBLY excited about seeing HAIR at the Gielgud theatre on press night (Tuesday 13th April).

One of the best production stories in the West End is that of the original London cast at the Shaftesbury theatre back in 1969 and it would seem that this current Public Theatre / Cam Mac production is shaping up to follow suit (though hopefully without the theatre collapsing around them!).

It’s not often that people  use the word ‘groundbreaking’ in a non-hyperbolic sense when a new musical opens, however from my knowledge of the show already, I think that this is a tag which is going to get bandied about quite a bit next week once the reviews are in, and moreover, it will be well deserved as, in my opinion and even 40 years on, it still continues to break so many boundaries!

Cast member Gavin Creel and Sir Cameron were on BBC Breakfast on Friday morning (click to watch) to discuss the production, and I was absolutely thrilled to hear that due to audience reaction they’ve been ‘forced’ to extend the last number for several additional minutes (the audience get invited up on stage and everyone in the theatre has a sing/ dance).

My one ‘concern’ is that we happen to be sat right next to an aisle, and right at the front – I reckon that we’re in for A LOT of hippy loving!! Heh. (I may let Tim sit towards the aisle, cos I’m lovely, of course 😉 heh).

HAIR has been previewing at the Gielgud since 1 April 2010, and has it’s opening night on 13th April. The show features the original revival cast from Broadway and is currently booking until 8th January 2011 . Due to scenes of nudity and general show themes, this show is not recommended for those under 12 years of age.

RELATED LINKS (my posts):

• First look at HAIR in the UK
• HAIR – Advert at the BFI IMAX, Waterloo
• HAIR is coming to London! (this one was my main post on the musical)
• Hair (1979) (my thoughts on the film version)
  

Special mention has to go to Tim for patiently trying to battle his way through to secure these press night tickets for us, having had several false starts with on sales and ever-changing communication. I did some hard work with my contacts too behind the scenes, but it was he who got given the big runaround, not me! Poor, poor Tim! 🙂