The Hawaii Performing Arts Festival will present the 1968 tribal rock musical “Hair” this Saturday and Sunday at the Kahilu Theatre in Waimea.
Hair follows a young group of hippies fighting the establishment, dodging the drafts, getting high, living and loving in New York City.
It’s 1967: the Vietnam War is raging and the Age of Aquarius is dawning. Claude, his best friend Berger, their roommate Sheila, and their tribe of friends struggle to balance the demands of the harsh and violent world with their dream for a more beautiful and peaceful world.
When Claude receives his draft notice, he must decide whether to join his friends in resisting the draft, or bow to the pressures of society and his conservative parents, thereby sacrificing his ideals and, possibly, his life.
Lee Summers makes his HPAF debut as stage director. Summers has appeared on Broadway and in numerous TV/Film roles, such as a neurosurgeon on “Law &Order,” a turn-of-the-century cook on “Boardwalk Empire,” and as a police sergeant opposite Tom Selleck on “Blue Bloods.”
“I hope young people are inspired and reminded that it is their duty to scrutinize and criticize the social mores they inherit — and for those who are older, to remember that we can teach and learn from every generation,” said Summers.
HPAF Executive Director Justin John Moniz serves as the production’s music director and conductor. In previous seasons, his productions of “Sweeney Todd” and “The Mikado” have earned international recognition and awards from The National Opera Association and The American Prize. This production marks Moniz’s HPAF debut in the role of music director.
“We have assembled an outstanding company of singing actors to bring this score to life and our orchestra consists of top caliber professional players from across the country,” he said. “The opportunity to experience this score live is a rare opportunity. I invite our Big Island ohana to grab a ticket and come let the sun shine with us on July 23 and 24.”
The performances of “Hair” are 7 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday.
The production features the work of two casts and a professional orchestra under the baton of Moniz. Debra McGee rounds out the artistic team in her role as choreographer.
A special “Behind the Curtain” event will take place one hour prior to the Sunday matinee, beginning at 3 p.m., in the Simperman Gallery. The team of “Hair” will engage in intimate pre-show discussion surrounding the process of bringing the piece to life. All ticket holders are invited to attend.
A full calendar of events and tickets for all events are available by visiting https://hawaiiperformingartsfestival.org/.
Tickets for Kahilu Theatre events may be purchased at https://kahilutheatre.org/ or via phone at (808) 885-6868.