Barn Theatre

(Augusta, MI) The Barn Theatre proudly presents HAIR, the first and most famous of rock musicals, with music by Galt MacDermot and book and lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado. Barn Producer Brendan Ragotzy directs HAIR for the third time, having made his directorial debut with the 1989 production, then reviving his hit for the 1995 season. It will be the Barn’s fifth time to offer this history-changing musical.

This time around, the Barn’s production of HAIR stars favorite Eric Parker as Claude and returning Barnie Eric Petersen as Berger. Barn Guest Artists include Yassmin Alers (from Broadway’s RENT) starring as Dionne, Allan Louis as Hud and Arbender Robinson as Ronny. Third year Barn Equity Membership Candidate (EMC) Kelley Bray will play Sheila and second year EMC Ryan Stutz is Woof. Both starred in last season’s BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL. First year EMC’s Sarah R. Sapperstein, Megan Stein, Anthony Christian and Tim Matson will portray, respectively, Jeanie, Crissy, Paul and Steve. Also representing the “Establishment” are Barnies Scott Burkell and Joe Aiello. Additional guest artists for HAIR are Rebecca Covington and Donica Lynn.

HAIR grew out of the emotional turmoil of the Vietnam War years and addressed itself blatantly and irrevently to a world that needed to be jolted. It is a loosely structured musical exploring the loves and antics of a tribe of hippies on the night before one of them is to be inducted into the Army and shipped to Vietnam. These hippies and flower children welcome the dawning of the Age of Aquarius by opposing the draft, the work ethic, and accepted standards of behavior and dress. HAIR focuses on the brotherhood of man, the human body, and love and peace. With no real plot, it was simply a revue, showing practically every aspect of the counterculture in a variety of musical styles, dance, and stage effects. Its encyclopedic psychedelia included mind-altering drugs, pollution, the Vietnam War, civil rights, astronauts, astrology, hairstyles and Shakespeare. Though HAIR is known as a musical of the late ‘60s, it questions the standards of morality, sexuality, individualism, racism, violence, drug use, loyalty, and social acceptance which remain problems in the America of today.

The “American Tribal Love Rock Musical” (as it was billed) was first presented on October 27, 1967 under the direction of Gerald Freedman at the New York Shakespeare Festival Public Theatre, where it ran for six weeks before moving to a Broadway nightclub called Cheetah. At that point, Michael Butler, a fledgling producer, moved the show to Broadway for an engagement at the Biltmore Theatre, where it ran for 1,750 performances. Galt MacDermot’s incredible score is the key to HAIR’s vitality and excitement. Five of the show’s songs – “Aquarius,” “Let the Sunshine In,” “Hair,” “Good Morning, Starshine,” and “Easy to be Hard” are forever established in the international music repertory.

Past Barn Theatre productions of HAIR in ’73, ’75, ’89 and ’95 featured a number of cast members who have gone on to notable careers on Broadway, in film and on television. They include -- Stephen Lynch, Barbara Marineau, Becky Ann Baker, Eric Riley, Darius de Haas, Patricia Wettig, Robin Haynes and Barbara Whinnery. Come see the stars of tomorrow today in the Barn’s 2005 production of HAIR!

HAIR is Directed by Brendan Ragotzy and Choreographed by Charlie Misovye. Musical Direction by David Ames. Doug Blickle is Scenic Designer and David Hermosillo has designed Costumes. Properties are designed by James B. Knox and Lights are designed by Frank J. Vela. James Stephenson is Sound Designer. Technical Direction by Fred Gillette. Garrylee McCormick is Hair/Wig Designer.

The Barn Theatre is located on M-96 West of Augusta. Performances are Tuesday through Friday at 8:30 PM, Saturday at 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM, and Sunday at 5:00 PM. Tickets are $25.00 Tuesday through Thursday and $27.50 Friday through Sunday. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. For tickets call (269) 731-4121. The box office is open daily from 10:00AM-10:00 PM.

Enjoy refreshments in The Rehearsal Shed Lounge with friends before, during intermission and after the show. NEW THIS SEASON! Wings and Nachos in the Shed! Enjoy a light snack while being entertained by the free cabaret-style show in the Rehearsal Shed Lounge after the main stage performance.

The Tribe........................................ TRACI BAIR, ALSTON BROWN, ERIN ELIZABETH COORS, REBECCA COVINGTON, MELISSA DAHLE, JANA DeBUSK, STEVEN DRAPALSKI, RENEE GONZALES, MALLORY GOOD, JAMEY GRISHAM, ALLAN HALE, NICK HORTON, JENNIFER MARGARETHE LUERS, DONICA LYNN, JOHN M. MOAURO, ANDY PLANCK, GREGG REHRIG, ELLEN SCHNIER, CECILY SMITH, JAKE STACKHOUSE, MEGAN K. WEAN, BETHANY WOOD

Eric is overjoyed to be back for a 13th Barnie summer. His growing list of Barn credits includes several favorites: Jimmy Powers in CITY OF ANGELS, Rocky and Eddie in six go-‘rounds of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Cousin Kevin in TOMMY, Cable in SOUTH PACIFIC, Freddie in CHESS, the title role in PIPPIN, Pharaoh in JOSEPH…, Judas in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, Jinx in FOREVER PLAID, Remnar in ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT, and Che in EVITA, a role that introduced Eric to Chicago audiences in an award-winning production at Drury Lane Oakbrook. Eric’s career has continued there with roles in their recent ANYTHING GOES, JOSEPH…, ANNIE, CAMELOT, TYA productions of ALADDIN and CHARLOTTE’S WEB, and Jacey Squires in THE MUSIC MAN, which closed in May. Eric also earned raves this winter for a co-starring turn in the post-NYC regional premiere of the Off-Broadway musical THE THING ABOUT MEN at Theatre at the Center. Other faves include Henrik in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, the title role in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and Claude in HAIR (European Tour). TV: GUIDING LIGHT. Local radio listeners may have heard Eric on a commercial for Brann’s Steakhouse over the winter. Eric’s an Adrian native who lives in Chicago.

Yassmin first met Barn director Brendan Ragotzy in NYC two years ago while doing a reading of his musical OLD TIMER starring Barnie Tom Wopat. She is thrilled to be working as a “barnie” in this production of HAIR. Broadway credits include THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW featuring Dick Cavett, the original company of RENT and Paul Simon’s CAPEMAN starring Mark Anthony. LA credits include the

premiere of THE TEN COMMANDMENTS starring Val Kilmer, a lead role in the film THE BITTERNESS, and an appearance on television’s STRONG MEDICINE. Yassmin has also performed with with the bands The Zodiac Party and Superstar, alongside good friend Allan Louis, who plays HUD in this production. Tours include the European premiere of THE WHO’S TOMMY as Sally Simpson and the national tour of RENT in the role of Mimi. Yaz will be featured in an upcoming film directed by Julie Taymor, which will begin shooting later this fall in NYC. For more information, check out yassminalers.com.

ALLAN LOUIS, Guest Artist (Hud)
Allan's most recent work includes the riveting post 9/11 production of ANTIGONE at South Coast Rep, directed by Kate Whoriskey. He was last seen in THE TEN COMMANDMENTS staring Val
Kilmer. Allan also portrayed Booker T. Washington in The American Premiere/1st Nat. Tour of RAGTIM and Hud in the Reprise! production of HAIR directed by Arthur Allan Seidelman and James Rado. Regional credits include: A RAISIN IN THE SUN at the Milwaukee Rep, HAMLET and ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD with Florida Shakespeare, BLACK STAR LINE at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago and THE EDUCATION OF RANDY NEWMAN at A.C.T. in Seattle. His film credit include THE TERMINAL, UNFORGETTABLE in which he portrayed Nat King Cole, FAQs, MEN CRY BULLETS and TEAR IT DOWN. Allan’s television appearances include NYPD BLUE, CITY OF ANGLES, MARTIN, SPARKS and The JAMIE FOXX SHOW. Allan has just completed a punk/ funk dance album entitled Radio with his band Superstar which is scheduled to tour Asia in the fall. Before moving to Los Angeles Allan called Chicago home and is honored to be working at the Barn Theatre. His motto is " Perform as though your life depended on it." Special thanks to my soul brothers Randy and Tom, and the tribe! Please visit http://www.thesuperstar.us

This is Eric's third summer at the Barn, but his first as a proud member of the Actor's Equity Association. Last fall and spring found Eric very busy in New York City, most notably making his Off-Off Broadway debut in the new, highly acclaimed 2-person show SHIFT CHANGE. He also took part in two staged readings: THE JACKIE ROBINSON STORY and GLORY ROAD, with the later becoming a fully staged musical which was part of the Midtown International Theatre Festival. Eric also was very busy founding the Fifth Floor Walk Up Theatre Co. along with fellow Barnie Lisa Marie Morabito which has been active producing staged readings and showcases. Barn audiences will undoubtedly remember Eric’s hysterical turn as the Waiter in last season’s farce TWO INTO ONE as well as Matt in THE FANTASTICKS, Rick/Lorraine last season’s acclaimed production of BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL and Simon Zealotes in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR with Gary Cherone. Past performances include a national tour as the Duke HUCK FINN, Bill Sykes OLIVER! and Bottom in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM. Eric is a proud graduate of Bradley University with a degree in Theatre Performance. He thanks the Ragotzy's for everything they have done for him and his career. Love to Lisa, Mom & Dad, and Kyle.

Ryan is so happy to be returning for a second season at the Barn. Last season he was seen in GUYS AND DOLLS, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, and the title role in BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL. Since then he played Linus in YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN and a sailor in ANYTHING GOES while completing his sophomore year at Ball State University in Muncie, IN. His favorite roles elsewhere include Joseph in JOSEPH…, the Courier in 1776, and Jack in INTO THE WOODS.

Kelley is pleased to return to the Barn for her third season. Barn audiences will remember Kelley from her numerous appearances in such shows as GUYS AND DOLLS, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, AIDA, Rumpleteaser in CATS, Soul Girl/Ensemble in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (with Gary Cherone), Annette in ANNIE, and most notably as Shelley in last year’s acclaimed BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL. Kelley graduated in 2004 from Millikin University with a BFA in Musical Theatre, Dance minor. Education theatre credits include Helene in SWEET CHARITY, Lucy Understudy/Ensemble in JEKYLL & HYDE, Ensemble in NO, NO, NANETTE, and

Lydia

in CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD. Kelley has also performed at numerous theme parks around the East Coast. She send her love to her family and her fiance Chris.

This production marks Arbender's second time on the Barn Stage, he was last seen in Aida, and he is pleased to be in Augusta once again. Arbender is a native of Chicago and now resides in New York City. As an Equity Actor, Arbender has performed in Regional Theatres across the

U.S.

Canada

and Europe. Recent Shows include AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’, AIDA, CABARET, FOREVER PLAID, SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE, 5 GUYS NAMED MOE, RAGTIME, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM, PATIENT A, and the one-man show TRUTH AT LAST. Arbender is currently workshoping his own cabaret show "Maybe This Time". He has also danced with the Dayton and La Crosse Ballet Companies as well as Paul Taylor, No Name Dance Company, and Scratch Dance Co. Prior to moving to NYC Arbender was a primary vocalist for Royal Caribbean Cruises as well as the Walt Disney Corporation both in the park as well as the recording studio. Arbender received degrees in Music (BM), Theatre (BFA), Dance (BA) and Music Theatre (BFA) from Viterbo University in La Crosse WI. Please visit him at http://www.arbender.com

Sarah is thrilled to join the Barn for her first summer! Originally from Baltimore, MD, Sarah graduated from the University of Redlands Johnston Center in May with a BA in Contemporary Musical Theatre Performance and Classical and Near Eastern Language Literature and Archaeology. College roles include Maggie in THE SHADOW BOX, Woman 1 in SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD, Jack’s Mother in INTO THE WOODS, Gilmer in GODSPELL, and Despina in scenes from COSI FAN TUTTE. Baltimore-area regional credits include Julie in CAROUSEL, Belle in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Peron’s Mistress in EVITA, Patty (swinging other roles, too) in GREASE, Dorothy and Glinda in THE WIZARD OF OZ, and the Aquarius feature in HAIR. Sarah hopes to pursue a career balancing performance with artistic administration, community outreach, and education.

Megan is absolutely ecstatic about being “way up north” for her first Barn summer! A native of Panama City, FL, Megan is a junior at the University of Montevallo, pursuing a BFA in Acting/Directing and a BA in Music. Favorite UM credits include GODSPELL, THE HYPOCHONDRIAC, A CLASS ACT, THE AMERICAN CLOCK, and the original production of ROCK! MUSICAL.

Rebecca is happy to be returning to the Barn Theatre stage after a succesful run of AIDA last summer in which she portrayed Nehebka. She is a proud graduate of Belmont University with a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre. Recent Credits include AIDA (Seaside Music Theatre, FL); SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE (Lees-McRae Summer Theatre, NC); RAGTIME (Heritage Repertory Theatre, VA); 42^ND STREET, CRAZY FOR YOU, SINGIN IN THE RAIN, RAISIN IN THE SUN, BYE BYE BIRDIE, PIPPIN (Belmont University); THE WIZ, WEST SIDE STORY (SCAPA Theatre). This fall she is proud to be a cast member of Troika Entertainment's national tour of THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, coming to a city near you.

Donica is pleased and honored to be making her Barn Theatre debut. She has been seen in numerous roles all over the Chicagoland area. Most recently she turned in a stellar performance in the E.T.A. Theatre’s world premiere of RUNAWAY HOME. Other Chicago credits include BLACK NATIVITY at the Goodman Theatre, GEORGIA TOM at the Baliwick Repertory Ensemble, THE AFRICAN CINDERELLA at the Children’s Theater Fantasy Orchard, CUT FLOWERS with the Noble Fool Theatre Company in Chicago, and THIS FAR BY FAITH with the E.T.A. which garnered Donica a Black Theatre Alliance Award nomination for best actress. She has also appeared regionally in TRAIN IS COMIN’ at the Cleveland Theatre Company. Donica has traveled the world extensively as both a background vocalist for artists ranging from Mariah Carey to Gladys Knight as well as performing as a soloist with her top ten dance club tracks including “Shout” (Subliminal Records) which reached No. 1 in Europe and

Australia

NOW PLAYING: HAIR; The Tribal Love Rock Musical first produced on Broadway in 1969. Hair was created by James Rado and Gerome Ragni. According to Rado, "we were aware of the traditional Broadway format, but we wanted to create something new, something different, something that translated to the stage the wonderful excitement we felt in the streets." This "excitement" was that of the long-haired, peace-loving, freewheeling hippies of New York's East Village. Though HAIR is known as a musical of the late 60's, it questions the standards of morality, sexuality, individualism, racism, violence, drug use, loyalty, and social acceptance which remain problems in the

America

of today. HAIR opens August 9^th and runs through August 21^st. **Complete & Uncut; brief nudity**

COMING SOON: THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW; The Barn Theatre is proud to Present the 8th return of its most popular production -- THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW. FEE WAYBILL of the rock group The Tubes stars as Dr. Frank 'N' Furter and Scott Burkell reprises his role of Riff-Raff. The story parodies an old horror and science fiction movie, in a style that combines a rock show and a transvestite chorus revue. Dedicated ROCKY HORROR fans are encouraged to come to The Barn in costume and dance "The Time Warp"--BUT PLEASE LEAVE ALL PROPS AT HOME!! Directed by Brendan Ragotzy and choreographed by Charlie Misovye, ROCKY opens Tuesday, August 23rd and runs through September 4^th. **Adult Themes**

The Barn Theatre

Located on M-96 1 mile west of the village of Augusta .

Box Office Phone

269 731-4121 Open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Performance times

Tuesday through Friday at 8:30pm

Saturday (2 shows) 6:00pm & 9:00 pm

Sunday 5:00pm (8:30 Added performance, if applicable)

Ticket Prices

Tues. Wed. Thurs.: $25.00 Fri Sat (both shows) and Sun $27.50

Visa and MasterCard Accepted

Group rates available (10 tickets or more)

Professional Equity resident summer theatre. Our 60^th season

Listed on the Michigan Register of Historic Sites – Free and easy parking

Air-conditioned Theatre and Restrooms handicapped accessible.

Enjoy refreshments in the Rehearsal Shed Lounge with friends before, during

intermission and after the show. NEW THIS SEASON! WINGS AND NACHOS
in the Rehearsal Shed!Free cabaret-style entertainment follows main stage

performances.
Brendan Ragotzy, Producer