Hair: final five cast members announced

Over consecutive days this week, the 26-member Broadway cast of Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical, has been announced by Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director of The Public Theater.

The final Hair cast members to be confirmed are Sasha Allen (Dionne, White Boys Trio), Caissie Levy (Sheila), Megan Lawrence (Mother), Bryce Ryness (Woof) and Will Swenson (Berger).

In a statement, Oskar Eustis said �Will, Bryce and Megan have been at the center of the Hair tribe for two years; Sasha Allen and Caissie Levy are stunning new additions to this cast. We are now complete, and ready for the sun to shine on Broadway!�

Caissie Levy will play the lead female role of 'Sheila,' the role orginally played by Caren Lyn Manuel when the production played at the Delacorte Theatre this past summer. It was originally announced that Eden Espinosa would play 'Shiela' in the Broadway production, but she withdrew for 'personal reasons.' Levy's Broadway credits are 'Hairspray' (Penny Pingleton replacement: 2002) and 'Wicked' (Ensemble & u/s Elphaba - replacement).

Vocalist Sasha Allen, who starred in the cult film 'CAMP' is making her Broadway debut, playing the role of 'Dionne,' replacing Patina Renea Miller who originated the role this past summer. Miller is making her London debut later this summer, when she plays the leading role in the musical 'Sister Act.'

As previously announced, the cast also includes Gavin Creel (Claude), Lauren Elder (Tribe), Allison Guinn (Tribe), Anthony Hollock (Tribe), John Moauro (Tribe), Ato Blankson-Wood (Tribe), Brandon Pearson (Tribe), Paris Remillard (Tribe), Maya Sharpe (Tribe), Theo Stockman (Hubert, Tribe), Tommar Wilson (Tribe), Jackie Burns (Black Boys Trio, Tribe), Kaitlin Kiyan (Black Boys Trio, Tribe), Nicole Lewis (White Boys Trio, Tribe), Megan Reinking (Black Boys Trio, Tribe), Saycon Sengbloh (Abraham Lincoln, White Boys Trio, Tribe), Steel Burkhardt (Electric Blues Quartet, Tribe), Allison Case (Crissy), Andrew Kober (Margaret Mead, Dad, Tribe), Darius Nichols (Hud) and Kacie Sheik (Jeanie, Tribe).

Hair opens at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on 31 Mar 2009, following previews from 6 Mar and is currently selling tickets through to 27 Sep 2009.

With book and lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni, and music by Galt MacDermot, Hair is directed by Diane Paulus.

Hair was a phenomenal success when it first played on Broadway in the 60's, and again this past summer when it was a hit at the Delacorte Theater.

The musical depicts the birth of a cultural movement in the 60's and 70's that changed America forever: the musical follows a group of hopeful, free-spirited young people who advocate a lifestyle of pacifism and free-love in a society riddled with intolerance and brutality during the Vietnam War.

As they explore sexual identity, challenge racism, experiment with drugs and burn draft cards, the "tribe" in Hair creates an irresistable message of hope, peace and change that continues to resonate with audiences 40 years later.

The musical is being produced on Broadway by The Public Theater and Elizabeth Ireland McCann.

Hair was the show that, in 1967, officially opened The Public Theater�s long-time home on Lafayette Street.

Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical has the distinction of being the first off-Broadway musical to transfer to Broadway, (It moved to Broadway on 29 Apr 1968 and ran for 1,873 performances).