Hair promises a multi-sensory experience

trevor.kenney — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:09:29 +0000

Step back into the 1960s! The music, the passion, the era comes to life, Feb. 9-13 when Hair, a cultural phenomenon that defined a generation, appears in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre.

This colourful rock musical is presented nightly at 8 p.m. on Feb. 9-11 and 13. On Feb. 12 there are performances at 7 p.m. and midnight.

Set in New York City, a tribe of longhaired hippies celebrates their pacifist bohemian lifestyle, vehemently condemning the Vietnam War and embracing the sexual revolution. Through dance and song, Hair exposes the fervor of a contentious era.

"Although this musical is 40-years-old, its themes are still relevant," says choreographer Lisa Doolittle. "Recently revived on Broadway, Hair has a reputation for being controversial, but remains significant today with our consciousness of war and ecological awareness. Hair is about protest and about youth taking over the world. The main plot is about war – for a musical, the theme is sobering, but sends a message of optimism."

The production includes more than 50 musical numbers, each choreographed by Doolittle and directed by drama faculty colleague, Gail Hanrahan.

"The music ranges from doo-wop, to mop-top British rock and psychedelic rock. The choreography has been so much fun to research – to incorporate the different dance styles," says Doolittle.

Music Director Bente Hansen conducts the live 14-piece rock band complete with horns, guitars and keyboards.

"Hair is truly a multi-sensory extravaganza, from the hippie-style sets designed by Jim Wills, to the incredible costumes, designed by Leslie Robison-Greene," says Doolittle. "Based on the way the roof comes off the studio during rehearsals, this show will be high energy and unforgettable."

Hair contains mature content and themes.

Tickets for Hair are available for $15 regular and $10 student/senior at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office (403-329-2616).

Global Drums! promises both sight and sound

trevor.kenney — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:55:18 +0000

A feast for both the ears and eyes greets those who attend Global Drums!, Feb. 27-28, 8 p.m. in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre.

High energy, interesting instruments and world music will fill the theatre as the U of L Percussion Ensemble takes over. Also on the program are special guests St. Patrick's School African Dance Ensemble, performing a traditional dance from Ghana.

"Our multi-faceted concert is visually exciting with dance, choreography and props combined with lush, beautiful and powerful music from around the world. And all of it is upbeat," says Adam Mason, director.

He also promises an interesting finale to the evening.

"Our eclectic mix of music has something for everyone, including Debussy thrown in with classic rock by Edgar Winter and Santana."

The program features several percussion ensembles, including a classical ensemble, African drum and dance group, steel drum band, and Taiko Drums.

"We'll play the Taiko drums but it will be Taiko with a twist and that's all I'm willing to say right now."

The 13 members of the Steel Drum Band provide the local audience with a sneak preview of the music they are taking to Japan in August. On the classical front, Brianne Cruickshank will play the new 5-octive marimba.

"This instrument is the Rolls-Royce of marimba. It is beautiful to look at and amazing to hear," says Mason.

A grant from Canbra Foods enabled the group to purchase the instrument. New to the event this year is a Brazilian Samba Ensemble.

"The Samba group does extremely infectious drumming, the kind you'd hear at Carnival in Rio," says Mason. "We've got parade drums, which makes the performers very mobile, so I'm inviting the audience to be prepared to participate."

Tickets for Global Drums! Are priced at $15 regular and $10 student/senior at the
U of L Box Office (403-329-2616).

UNews - high energy

Hair promises a multi-sensory experience

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Global Drums! promises both sight and sound

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