Kacie Sheik, who played Jeanie in the Broadway revival, is part of the traveling production.The traveling production of “Hair,” the Tony Award-winning musical, will make a stop at Hartford’s Bushnell Theater from April 26 to May 1.
“Hair” tells the story of the “tribe,” a group of politically active, long-haired hippies of the “Age of Aquarius” living a bohemian life in New York City and fighting against conscription into the Vietnam War.
“The subject matter is still entertaining and provocative,” said co-author James Rado.
“It’s about young people who dropped out, grew their hair out and became very aware of what was going on in their world.”
“It’s about freedom,” he added.
Rado, who wrote the musical with the late Gerome Ragni, said “the wonderful music is by Galt MacDermot. The songs were written by us.”
“It was a feeling of another dimension. There was a mystical feeling, an awe-inspiring atmosphere that we thought could go onto a stage,” Rado said of the inspiration for the musical.
“We had to make sure it communicated to the audience,” he added, saying one of the challenges was bridging with the theatricality of the stage.
“We had to replicate the experience that we were having.”
“If it was just an anti-war story it wouldn’t have worked. It was a combination of all the factors.”
“Rock music is the music of the present,” Rado added. “It’s the music of the times.”
“We wanted to put pop music on stage. We wanted to use present day music and it seemed like that was the breakthrough.”
Rado has played a vital role in the show’s revival.
“I have been completely involved with the revival. I wanted it to be great.”
“It had a high mark to make it a hit like it was done originally,” he admitted.
As for his words of advice to the performers, Rado advises them to keep it fun.
“They shouldn’t be too professional. Be believable as the characters they’re playing. I tell them not to appear as fabulous professional actors,” he said.
“But, of course, they are fabulous professional actors,” Rado added with a laugh.
One of those professional actors is Kacie Sheik who plays Jeanie.
“Jeanie is the pregnant one, you can’t miss her on stage,” said Sheik.
“She’s an eternal optimist with tons of love to go around.”
Sheik, who played Jeanie in the Broadway revival and the production on London’s West End, has portrayed the character since 2007.
“Every time there’s a new tribe, we become a new family,” Sheik said.
“Jeanie takes everyone in. She’s grown more and more accepting and motherly,” she added.
“Hair is about hope, equality, understanding, change, and love,” she said of the five words that best describe the musical.
“A hippie is a free-willed, spirited creature who just wants to love and take over people’s hearts and minds in a positive way,” she added.
However, despite her experience with the role, Sheik admits being on the road is a different experience.
“Traveling is a different ballgame,” she confessed.
“There’s always differences in the aisles and stage. It’s about thinking and confirming what works.”
“I have to adapt to each new place immediately. You have to know where to go,” she explained. Part of Sheik’s adjustment involves her backstage rituals.
“Personally, I make sure I’ve got my voice before a show. I sing some songs. I travel with my guitar. I’ll relax, chill out,” she said.
“I will take a moment and sit for a few minutes so I know I’m collected. You need to make sure you’re all there.”
In addition to touring the country, “Hair” will return to the Broadway stage.
“Hair, the touring cast, is going to Broadway this summer. A Broadway stop is rare on a tour. I’m very excited,” she said.
“The ultimate opportunity was when the cast got to sing in the opening number for the Tony’s. It was a beautiful, beautiful day and night.”
Sheik’s brother, Duncan, is also prominent in the musical theater world as a singer-songwriter and composer.
Sheik’s musical career includes his 1996 debut single “Barely Breathing” but he later expanded his work to include compositions for motion pictures and the Broadway stage, leading him to involvement in the multiple award-winning musical “Spring Awakening.”
“He’s a big inspiration,” said Sheik. “When the right moment comes along, I’m sure we’ll work together on something.”
“I think it’s the way the generations speak with its own voice,” Sheik said of the appeal of rock musicals.
“The mass hysteria over ‘Glee,’ ‘American Idiot,’ is being embraced. Look at how many singer-songwriters come out of the musical theater world,” she adds.
“Jim Rado reminds us to just be,” Sheik said of the advice Rado has given her.
“Be authentic, genuine, honored, and bring ourselves into the piece. Just tell the story.”
Sheik also has her own inspiring words for aspiring performers.
“Don’t stop, don’t quit, and keep trying. It’s all about time. Don’t compare your journey with anyone else’s. Make sure it’s your path,” she said.
“It’s so unbelievable when it happens, it’s great.”