Hair did it first—breaking musical ground, upending Broadway’s status quo. Musical theatre historian John Pike untangles Hair’s decidedly unorthodox marriage of theatrical innovation, rebellion and social commentary. The show poignantly expressed the fears, joys and consequences of resistance and revolution. John Pike’s talk gives us backstage stories, as well as clarity on why Hair still/again resonates.
John Pike is a theatre professor at The Hartt School Theatre Division where teaches music theatre history, text analysis, and contemporary theatre. Previously, John was Artistic Associate for Goodspeed Musicals, collaborating on more than 90 productions (including five on Broadway) and as publisher of Show Music Magazine. His articles have appeared in Playbill, The Sondheim Review, and Dramatists Quarterly. Also a stage director, John has helmed more than 30 musicals and plays including Sweeney Todd, The Full Monty, The Farnsworth Invention and last year’s production of Guys & Dolls for The Hartt School.
Lecture: Friday, Oct. 16 | 10:30 a.m.–noon | KF Room/Harrison Libraries | $20 (lecture only)
Hartt School Performance: Sunday, Nov. 1, 3 p.m. | Lincoln Theater | $30 (lecture + performance)
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