Cast of 'Hair' learn from musical's creator
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Broadway star André De Shields, from the original Chicago production of "Hair," poses with East Amherst resident Maria Droz, who is playing Crissy in Buffalo State's production. De Shields has been hired to work with the cast, directing the show, for eight weeks.

For actors and actresses there is no one better to draw inspiration from than the person who wrote the production.

That is the opportunity students at Buffalo State College had earlier this month.

James Rado, author of "Hair - The American Tribal Love Rock Musical," attended rehearsal at the college on Feb. 9. He held a traditional ceremony, adorning each cast member with a red feather as a symbol of unity with the tribe. All cast members are part of the tribe.

Also attending were Robert I. Rubinsky, an original Broadway cast member, and Merle Frimark, the original Broadway publicist.

Together they performed "Aquarius" after the ceremony - two generations coming together.

The 28-member company will present "Hair" on March 13-15 and March 20-22 at Buffalo State College Warren Enters Theatre in Upton Hall. The times are 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, with matinees at 2 p.m. Saturdays.

The students will be under the direction of André De Shields, a former member of the Chicago production of "Hair." A two-time Tony Award nominee, De Shields was hired by the college to offer his expertise. He is known for creating the title role in the original Broadway production of "The Wiz."

East Amherst resident Maria Droz was one of the cast members to spend an afternoon with the show's creators.

Droz, who plays the part of Crissy, a leading role, said working with De Shields has been a wonderful learning experience.

"Its been intense. We are already off-script," the Buffalo State sophomore said about the fast paced rehearsals.

She added that everyone from the original production is "amazing, so down to earth - peace and love."

Droz, the 2006 Amherst Idol winner, portrays a young, sweet girl in love with Claude.

This is her first Buffalo State production, but Droz has a lot of stage experience, acting since she was 13. She performed at Williamsville East throughout her high school career, landing three lead roles, and also works at the Lancaster Opera House.

"Hair" will be presented by the Buffalo State College Theater Department and Casting Hall Productions. There are adult themes and nudity.

Tickets are $10 general admission, $6 for Buffalo State students, and $8 for Buffalo State faculty and staff. Tickets are free for all high school students, faculty and staff with identification.

For more information, visit www.buffalostate.edu/theater or call 878-3005.