Hair playbill

This project [is being][was] supported in whole or in part by federal award number 21.027 awarded to Knox County by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Arts & Culture Alliance.

We acknowledge that we live, work, and create art on the traditional lands of the Tsalagi peoples (now the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians) and the Tsoyaha peoples (Yuchi and Muscogee Creek).

We are indebted to these indigenous peoples for their stewardship, both past and present, of this beautiful land.

We recognize and value diversity in all forms, including age, ethnicity, family structure, gender identity, national origin, race religion, spirituality, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and veteran status.

We believe inclusivity and diversity in our workplace should reflect the increasing multicultural and global society in which we live. We seek to foster excellent creative research, scholarship and professional practice by creating a welcoming environment, ethical recruitment practices, and a diverse student body who will have lives of awareness and understanding through their creative research, teaching, practicing and advocating for others in a diverse world.

Detailed information on our DEI initiatives can be found here: https://theatre.utk.edu/diversity-inclusion/

Act I

Aquarius - Dionne and Tribe
Donna - Berger and Tribe
Hashish - Tribe
Sodomy - Woof and Tribe
Colored Spade - Hud and Tribe
Manchester England - Claude and Tribe
I'm Black - Woof, Hud, Berger, Claude and Tribe
Ain't Got No - Woof, Hud, Dionne and Tribe
Sheila Franklin - Tribe
I Believe in Love - Sheila and Tribe trio
Ain't Got No Grass - Tribe
Air - Jeanie with Crissy and Dionne
Initials (L.B.J.) - Tribe
1930's - Berger
Manchester II - Claude and Tribe
I Got Life - Claude and Tribe
Going Down - Berger and Tribe
Freak Out - Band
Hair - Claude, Berger, and Tribe
My Conviction - Margaret Mead (tourist lady)
Easy to Be Hard - Sheila
Frank Mills - Crissy
Be-In (Hare Krishna) - Tribe
Where Do I Go? - Claude and Tribe

Act II

Electric Blues - Tribe quartet
Oh Great God of Power - Tribe
Manchester III - Tribe
Black Boys - Trio
White Boys - Trio
Walking in Space - Dionne, Steve, Leata, Jeanie, Ronnie and Tribe
General Washington - Band
Minuet - Band
Abie, Baby - Tribe Quartet
Don't Put It Down - Berger, Woof and Steve
Three-Five-Zero-Zero - Tribe
What a Piece of Work Is Man - Ronnie and Walter
How Dare They Try - Tribe
Good Morning Starshine - Sheila and Tribe
Aquarius Goodnights - Tribe
Ain't Got No (reprise) - Claude
The Flesh Failures (Let the Sunshine In) - Claude, Sheila, Dionne and Tribe
Eyes Look Your Last - Claude and Tribe
Bows - Tribe and Band
Exit Music - Band

I remember hippies. I was too young to be a hippie myself, but I had older siblings and they seemed like hippies to me. They had long hair, for sure!

I admired hippies because they believed in freedom, and love, and kindness, (and because they wore awesome colorful clothes.) I also admired how they spoke truth to power and put their energy towards making the world a kinder, more loving place. I believe they made a difference – I believe the world is kinder and more loving because the young people of the late 60’s and early 70’s worked to make it so.

I’m glad we’re doing Hair now, because I once again admire a group of young people – the Tennessee students who have been protesting in Nashville. I think they have a lot in common with the young people of that earlier time. I hope they, too, can make a difference, and that their actions will lead to a kinder, safer, more loving world for all of us.

May it be so.

Casey Sams

There was no warning when HAIR opened off-Broadway in 1967. While New York had an established and growing experimental performance scene, the show about a tribe of pot-smoking free-loving hippies during the Vietnam War era was utterly new. After it was reworked and transferred to Broadway the following year, the show became even more conceptual as feeling was elevated and the original plot was cut down significantly. Its controversial reputation also grew. In his April 30, 1968 New York Times review of the Broadway version, Clive Barnes wrote that he received letters urging him to “warn readers” about the content of the show and to “Spell out what is happening on stage.” He responded coyly, “Spell it out, I cannot, for this remains a family newspaper. However, a great many four-letter words, such as ‘love,’ are used very freely. At one point…a number of men and women (I should have counted) are seen totally nude and full, as it were, face.” And there it was, the nude scene. On Broadway. To put the shock in perspective, in the same year as HAIR opened at the Biltmore, you could also see 1776 at the 46th Street Theatre (now the Richard Rodgers Theatre) and Neil Simon’s Promises, Promises at the Shubert.  

The focus on the nude scene somewhat obscures the theatrical achievement of HAIR. In the second half of the twentieth century, the sound and happy ending of The Sound of Music (1959) gave way to the rock musical requiem of the AIDS crisis with RENT (1996). HAIR weaves together electric guitars, Timothy Leary, and Allen Ginsberg – but also acoustic ballads, a dream ballet, and Shakespeare. As it moves from turning on in Act I to the tragedy of Act II, HAIR transforms from a tribe of self-appointed protagonists to a collective witness of life, being, and beauty against the forces of destruction. Although our production does not feature nudity, the full face force of the naked vulnerability of that original notorious scene still lives in the lyrics, “bayonet electricity/shrapnelled/throbbing meat.” It is an ancient chorus for modern times. What a piece of work is man.

Previous to the premiere of HAIR, the show’s creators, James Rado and Jerome Ragni, had been involved in politically-oriented theatre. The actors met in the New York premiere of the British musical revue, Hang Down Your Head And Die (1964). The anti-capital punishment show closed after a single New York performance, but contemporary societal issues and politics remained in focus for Rado and Ragni. As the pair began to work on HAIR, Ragni was also cast in Megan Terry’s Viet Rock (1967). Terry presented a series of scenes of soldiers at home and abroad during the Vietnam War and conceived of her musical as “a folk war movie.” Originally, HAIR had more dialogue and scenes of conflict between its main characters and many of the songs, such as “Aquarius” and “Let The Sun Shine In,” weren’t quite there yet. But in its transfer from off-Broadway to Broadway the creators worked with composer Galt MacDermot to drop the traditional plot structure and develop the show’s concept album dramaturgy. In the immediate aftermath of HAIR, The Who released Tommy (1969) and Andrew Lloyd Weber released Jesus Christ Superstar (1970), both as concept albums. Jesus Christ Superstar was quickly transformed into its theatrical form and it premiered in New York in 1971, the same year as Godspell. The innovation and impact of HAIR is reflected in the sounds and storytelling of later musicals such as Chess (1984), Hedwig and the Angry Inch (1998), Spring Awakening (2006), American Idiot (2010), and Dear Evan Hansen (2016).    

At the 1969 Tony Awards, Harry Belafonte introduced the cast of HAIR by highlighting the era’s achievements and divisions: “This year, three men from our planet will go to the moon. The rest of us are going to have to make it down here with each other. In this period of the world’s history, the polarization of background and attitude is making communication between people more than usually difficult. The theatre must take its responsibility very seriously.” He called HAIR the “impassioned plea of today’s young people.” There is a lot to wrestle with in staging this musical today. Despite HAIR’s progressive and subversive approach to sex, drugs, and politics, some of its original language and depiction of society are as dated as Shakespeare’s plays. And yet, at its core, it invites us to hear the “impassioned plea of today’s young people” in the echoes of their predecessors in 1968. 

    ~ Gina M. Di Salvo

TERRY D. ALFORD (Keyboard/Conductor) is a Distinguished Lecturer in Theatre and teaches Musical Theatre Performance and Honor’s Introduction to the Theatre and Acting. Prior to joining the UT faculty Mr. Alford held the positions of Director of Musical Theatre at The University of Tulsa, and Director of Musical Theatre at The University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. He has worked professionally as a performer, director, musical director, and composer at theaters across the country, including the California Theatre Center, Madison Repertory, Omaha Playhouse, Augusta Barn, Fireside Theatre, Light Opera of Oklahoma, and the Clarence Brown Theatre. Terry has directed or musically directed numerous productions and has created the scores for four original musicals and a variety of chamber and vocal music pieces. He is a member of the Clarence Brown Professional Company and regularly directs and musically directs for the Clarence Brown Theatre. Terry is the director of the CBT Summer Acting Workshop and serves as co-facilitator of Outreach and Education hosting Theatre Tours and Talk Backs.

STEWART COX (Trumpet) has a Bachelors in Music Education and Jazz Studies from Indiana University, and a Masters degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Tennessee. He has been tutoring in trumpet and jazz improvisation in Tennessee since 1996. In Chicago and elsewhere since 1974. He has played and arranged music for Lee Greenwood; was lead trumpet and arranger for Shoji Tabuchi in Branson Missouri, lead trumpet for the Temptations, the Four Tops, Franki Valli, the Coasters, Mickey Dolenz (of the Monkees); with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra Pops regularly playing lead, split lead and soloist for the highly acclaimed Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, with whom he toured Europe and recently completed recording their 4th CD. Toured for several years with Mr. Jack Daniel’s Original Silver Cornet Band, spent a year playing shows on the Mississippi Queen, and toured Spain with Chicago’s Jazz Members Big Band. He also played lead or section for Wayne Newton, Johnny Mathis, Liberace, Robert Goulet, Red Buttons, Pia Zadora, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé, the Four Freshmen, Mel Tormé, Tito Puente Jr., Michael W. Smith, Arthur Duncan, Shields and Yarnell, Rich Madison, Steve Lippia, Larry Elgart, Buddy Morrow, Volaré, Fred Travalena, The Lettermen Louise Mandrell, the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra, the Knoxville Wind Symphony, the Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra, the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra, The Symphony of the Mountains and numerous recording sessions and theater shows.

TOM FOX (Trumpet) Coming from two award winning Anderson county TN band programs to a UT band scholarship under the late W.J. Julian to playing celebrity shows from Boots Randolph to Charo and everything in between. A member of the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra for 20 years and 15 years as musician, conductor and musicians manager for Princess Cruises worldwide. I'm very excited to return to CBT to play their production of Hair!

BARRY "PO" HANNAH (Guitar) Po Hannah performs and teaches guitar in multiple styles in the Knoxville area. Previous Clarence Brown shows include Violet and Always...Patsy Cline. Po holds a master of music degree from the University of Tennessee.

....

GREG HORNE (Guitar) is a multi-instrumentalist, singer songwriter, teacher and music instruction author living in Knoxville. He has released three solo albums, and has performed and recorded with many regional bands and artists for over 25 years. Greg played pedal steel in the CBT 2022 production of Always...Patsy Cline. He is excited to return to the band as a guitarist for one of his long-time favorite shows, Hair. His website is greghornemusic.com.

SHERYL LAWRENCE HOWARD (Reeds), originally a Jersey girl (exit 38A), has set up roots in Tennessee. Mrs. Howard has been Music Directing in East Tennessee since the 1980’s. She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee in multiple woodwind performance with a double major in Flute and Oboe and a double minor in Clarinet and Saxophone. She is often found either in the pit or occasionally on stage and is honored to be playing at the Clarence Brown Theatre. She has played principle oboe for Oak Ridge Symphony, Kingsport Symphony and Brevard Chamber Orchestra. She has subbed on oboe and English horn with the Knoxville Symphony and plays tenor sax with the Swing Time Ensemble, but her favorite music to play will always be music of the theater.

VINCE ILGAN (Bass) is a native of Knoxville, Tennessee, and a graduate of The University of TN’s College of Music. A musician with 20+ years of experience, he has performed with Scott Miller & The Commonwealth, Justin Townes Earle, Larkin Poe, Jill Andrews, The Tennessee Sheiks, WDVX’s Tennessee Shines House Band, The Lonetones, The Oak Ridge Symphony, Symphony of the Mountains, Circus No. 9, and many others. National performance highlights include appearances at the Bonnaroo Music Festival, Hardly-Strictly Bluegrass Festival, Suwanee Springfest, Pagosa Springs Bluegrass Festival, The Cayamo Song-to-Sea Cruise, The Ryman Auditorium, and an appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman. He has performed internationally in Europe, Scandinavia, The Dominican Republic, Australia, and New Zealand. From 2012-2016, he was the bassist / arranger / music librarian for the Smoky Mountain Opry. Despite his travels, some of his favorite musical experiences have been in the orchestra pit playing for theatrical productions. He’s also played bass for CBT’s productions of Tommy, A Year with Frog & Toad, Big River, and Fiddler on the Roof, in addition to local community productions of Oklahoma! and Little Women. Vince endorses Gallien-Krueger Amplifiers and D'Addario Strings. He lives in Oak Ridge, TN with his wife, Bryn, and their two children.

DON LORDO (Percussion) is delighted to be playing Hair with the Clarence Brown Theatre. Most recently, he’s worked in the pit for The Tennessee Valley Players’ production of Something Rotten and The Cumberland County Playhouse’s production of Escape from Margaritaville. In addition, Don is a Percussion Instructor for Music Arts in Oak Ridge, builds and repairs percussion instruments, holds down the drum set chair for the Ensemble Swing Time Big Band, is the Principal Percussionist with Scruffy City Orchestra, and performs with a host of others. Don lives in Oak Ridge with his wife Beth and three children.

DAN MAXWELL (Trombone) Although not a Knoxville native, Dan has lived here with his wife and family for quite a few years now. Dan is a lifelong brass player and stays very active in the local music community. He enjoys playing in several groups and ensembles as well as his church orchestra and for many military functions and presentations. However, Dans real passion is playing for musical theater, He routinely plays for many area high school productions as well as community and regional theater productions. Dan is very happy to be back at the Clarence Brown Theatre making music with friends for this production of Hair!!  Enjoy the show ~

J MILLER (Drums) got his start in musical theatre at the Oak Ridge Playhouse in the mid-1980’s. A versatile musician, he has played drum set, percussion, and bass in countless shows with Flying Anvil Theatre, the Wordplayers, and the beloved Clarence Brown Theatre, amongst many others. Some of his favorite CBT shows have been Tommy(!!), Spamalot, Ain’t Misbehavin, and of course the role of Jim Bob in Always…Patsy Cline. Additionally, he has played with just about every type of band imaginable- originals, covers, rock, jazz, country, electronic, middle eastern, jug, etc. J is thrilled and honored to be back at CBT gettin the groove on for Hair!

DAVE PEEPLES (Bass) David has been playing double bass and/or bass guitar in CBT musicals for more than 20 years, and loves working with the creative and talented folks who put these special shows together. Favorite CBT musical credits include: Cabaret, Always… Patsy Cline, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Big River, Man of La Mancha, A Year With Frog and Toad, Cinderella, Oliver and Oklahoma!        

CASEY SAMS (Director and Choreographer) Casey teaches movement for actors, musical theatre, and serves as the Associate Chair for the Theatre department. She regularly directs and choreographs for the CBT, and has served as Intimacy Choreographer for the CBT, River and Rail Theatre Company, First Take Productions, and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. She has had the great good fortune to work as a choreographer or director at such theaters as Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, PlayMakers Repertory Theatre, The Roundhouse Theatre, St. Louis Repertory Theatre, Virginia Stage Company, Vermont Stage, The Utah Shakespearian Festival, Great River Shakespeare Festival, North Carolina Stage, and Knoxville Opera, among others. Her Undergraduate and Graduate degrees are from Penn State, she is a Certified Laban Movement Analyst from the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies in New York, and she is a member of the inaugural class of Education Advocates with Theatrical Intimacy Educators.

TERRY D. ALFORD (Musical Director) is a Distinguished Lecturer in Theatre and teaches Musical Theatre Performance and Honor’s Introduction to the Theatre and Acting. Prior to joining the UT faculty Mr. Alford held the positions of Director of Musical Theatre at The University of Tulsa, and Director of Musical Theatre at The University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. He has worked professionally as a performer, director, musical director, and composer at theaters across the country, including the California Theatre Center, Madison Repertory, Omaha Playhouse, Augusta Barn, Fireside Theatre, Light Opera of Oklahoma, and the Clarence Brown Theatre. Terry has directed or musically directed numerous productions and has created the scores for four original musicals and a variety of chamber and vocal music pieces. He is a member of the Clarence Brown Professional Company and regularly directs and musically directs for the Clarence Brown Theatre. Terry is the director of the CBT Summer Acting Workshop and serves as co-facilitator of Outreach and Education hosting Theatre Tours and Talk Backs.

DJ PIKE (Scenic/Projection Designer) is originally from Clinton, Utah, where he earned his BA in Theatre at Weber State University in Ogden, UT. DJ is now a third-year graduate candidate at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, earning his MFA in Scenic and Projection Design. Recent scenic designs include Murder on the Orient Express, She Kills Monsters, The Winter’s Tale, The Revolutionists, Everyman, and Sunday in the Park with George. Recent projection designs include Murder on the Orient Express, A Christmas Carol, The Magic Flute for UT Opera, and Sunday in the Park with George. You can explore more of his work at djpike.com.

M.J. HROMEK (Costume Designer) is from Baltimore, Maryland and received a BA in Theatre Design and Production from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. They are a third-year MFA Candidate in Costume Design at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Hair will be their third show with the Clarence Brown Theatre. Previous work includes Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, She Kills Monsters, and Anon(ymous) by Naomi Iizuka.

KAYLIN GESS (Lighting Designer) is a third-year MFA candidate in Lighting Design at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Gess was previously a Charlotte-based Lighting Designer, Scenic Designer, and Scenic Painter who worked as the Assistant Technical Director at Davidson College, her alma mater from 2017-2020. Professional design credits include: NC Stage Company, Adjusted Realists (NYC), River and Rail Theatre, Actor's Theatre of Charlotte, Jobsite Theatre, Hat Trick Theatre, Patel Conservatory, M.A.D. Theatre of Tampa, and Davidson College. Gess most recently served as Lighting Designer for Men on Boats; Projections Designer for Adaptive Radiation; and was also the Lighting Designer on last season’s Blood at the Root. Kaylin holds a B.A. in Theatre from Davidson College.

JOE PAYNE (Sound Designer) heads the Sound and Media Design MFA for the Department of Theatre. He has designed sound, projections, and/or composed music for more than 250 professional productions throughout the United States, including twenty-one seasons at the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Riverside Theatre, Berkeley Rep, Syracuse Stage, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Pioneer Theatre Company, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, and others. Favorites at the CBT include Hamlet, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, A Christmas Carol, Candide, and King Charles III. Joe is a member of United Scenic Artists USA Local 829 and the Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association.

TRACEY COPELAND HALTER (Vocal Coach) has a BA in Theatre from the University of Michigan and an MFA in Acting from New York University. She teaches Theatre 100, Acting 220 and 221 and co teaches a special topics class, in diverse acting methods. Her professional acting credits include Seven Guitars, (Broadway) Richard III and Two Gentlemen of Verona, (New York Shakespeare Festival); Two Trains Running, (Denver Center); Once On This Island, Much Ado About Nothing, and 4 productions of A Christmas Carol, (The Alliance Theatre); Cymbeline, Much Ado About Nothing, School for Wives, and Midsummer Night’s Dream, (GA Shakespeare Festival.) The Hot Mikado, (Houston/Pittsburgh tour), and Spunk and Jar the Floor, (Jomandi Theatre); Fences, Intimate Apparel, Ain’t Misbehavin’, A Christmas Carol, Black Pearl Sings, The Miracle Worker Violet, and Candide ( Clarence Brown Theatre). She has directed at Ball State University, The Word Players and Clarence Brown Theatre.

GINA M. DI SALVO (Dramaturg) is Assistant Professor of Theatre History and Dramaturgy and currently holds the Paul L. Soper Professorship (2021-23) in the Department of Theatre. At the Clarence Brown Theatre, she has dramaturged She Kills Monsters, People Where They Are and The Dream of the Burning Boy. As a dramaturg, Gina has worked with Plan-B Theatre Company in Salt Lake City as well as Sideshow, Rivendell, The Gift, and Strawdog theatre companies in Chicago. She holds an MA in Theatre Studies from Ohio State and an Interdisciplinary PhD in Theatre and Drama from Northwestern. Thanks to Casey.
.....

MICHAEL NAJMAN (Voice/Text Coach) Born and raised in Queens, NY, Michael moved to Knoxville to attend UTK's Master of Fine Arts in Acting program, and expects to graduate this semester. He appeared in the Clarence Brown Theatre's production of Trouble in Mind as Eddie Fenton, as well as in A Christmas Carol as Bob Cratchit. Other recent roles include Hector MacQueen (Murder on the Orient Express) and Greg (A Kid Like Jake). Additionally, Michael provided voice coaching for She Kills Monsters and voice, text, and dialect coaching for ACT's production of Twelfth Night. Watch him play Dungeons & Dragons with his actor friends Sunday nights at 6:30pm at www.twitch.tv/magicpodcasters

PATRICK LANCZKI (Production Stage Manager) is thrilled to be back for his ninth season at the CBT and his seventh as Production Stage Manager. His regional stage management credits include five years as resident stage manager at Asolo Repertory Theater, as well as multiple seasons at Arkansas Repertory Theater, Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, Northern Stage, and several Off- Broadway productions. As an actor, starting at age 16, he has appeared in numerous national and international tours, including seven tours of Jesus Christ Superstar, television, movies and voiceovers. Patrick has been a proud member of the Actors' Equity Association since 1984 and dedicates his work on this production, as always, to his late father Alex.  Special thanks to Mayson, Blake, Jackson and Belle for their hard work and dedication to this project. AHFOL to Katie, my best friend, favorite actress, and wife.

KENNETH MARTIN (Department Head, Artistic Director) Ken comes from the University of Missouri, at Kansas City, where he was the Patricia Mcllrath Endowed Professor and Chair of the Theatre Division.  His 26-year career in academia also included nearly 18 years serving as chair of the theater departments of Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina and Ashland University in Ohio. Tremendously successful as an administrator at both institutions, Martin navigated curricular revisions and development, managed resources effectively and efficiently, created innovative collaborations, cultivated significant enrollment growth, and forged international partnerships. A member of United Scenic Artists, his designs have been seen at theatres across the country including Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Florida Repertory Theatre, New Theatre, Ohio Light Opera, Cleveland Ensemble Theatre, Ocean State Theatre and many others. He has also designed shows for many colleges and universities including Marquette University, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Coastal Carolina University, Cuyahoga Community College, and The Ohio State University. Martin has actively served his profession as a respondent for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, as a consultant for several regional theaters and through active participation in organizations like the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Educational Theatre Association and the Southeastern Theatre Conference.

TOM CERVONE (Managing Director) has dedicated most of his professional career (and life) advocating for and working in the best interests of the arts and culture industry, 25 years (and counting) serving proudly as the managing director for the Clarence Brown Theatre/Department of Theatre at UTK. He previously served as the first executive director of the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation and the executive director for Dogwood Arts. Cervone spent many years on the board of the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Greater Knoxville, and currently serves on the boards of the WordPlayers, the Knoxville Children’s Theatre, Department of Theatre and recently appointed to the Board of Governors of West Liberty University. Cervone remains active within the UTK community as a member of the Exempt Staff Council and Chancellor’s Commission for LGBTQ people. He received the Chancellor’s Citation for Outstanding Service to the University in 2010. He is a longtime member of the Actors’ Equity Association. Cervone holds his undergraduate degree in Speech and English Education with an emphasis in Theatre from West Liberty University in West Virginia and an MFA (1993) and MBA (2010) from UTK. He is a graduate of and was selected as the Class Representative of the Leadership Knoxville class of 2011.  Cervone is a member of his undergraduate alma mater’s class of 2015 Alumni Wall of Honor.

SUSAN L. McMILLAN (Production Manager) is in her ninth year as Production Manager at CBT and UT Department of Theatre. In addition, she teaches Stage Management. Prior, Susan was the Production Manager and Stage Management Instructor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, for 6 years. Susan is a member of Actors’ Equity Association, and was a Stage Manager at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for 18 years. Additionally, she has stage managed at the Guthrie Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Portland Center Stage, PCPA, Rogue Valley Opera, Portland Civic Theatre, and has toured to the Kennedy Center. Through science and music (B.S. degrees in Biochemistry and Biology from Oregon State University), Susan found her passion in theatre. She is incredibly grateful for the opportunities and adventures, inspirational mentors, artistic and talented colleagues, amazing students, and the love and support of her family and friends.

MALIK BAINES (Tribe / Understudy - Hud)
Malik is so happy to be back with his friends at the CBT! This is his third time being involved in a Clarence Brown project, previously understudying for the role of “John” in Trouble in Mind as well as playing the role of “Golden Thunder” in the 2021 zoom production AIRNESS. He feels this is one of the most fun shows he has ever been a part of and is so grateful to all involved for their hard work and friendship!

ALLISON BUNCH
(Jeanie) is a third-year undergrad at the University of Tennessee, where she is studying Theatre with an Acting concentration and minoring in English. Allison is a Knoxville native and has participated in many productions throughout high school. She’s previously worked with the Clarence Brown Theatre, but is excited about her first performance on the main stage. A few of her credits include Lisa in Fame (Farragut High School), Gretle VonTrapp in The Sound of Music (Farragut High School), the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland (Farragut High School), and Assistant Stage Manager for Always...Patsy Cline (Clarence Brown Theatre). Allison is very honored to be a part of this super groovy production and would like to thank her friends, family, and mentors for all their support over the years.

BO CHOATE
(Tribe / Understudy- Woof) is a third-year undergraduate at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He is thrilled to be a part of the cast and is thankful to have the chance to work on this show! He has been involved with theatre since he was in 6th grade, and is grateful to be able to work with CBT. He would like to thank his family and friends for their continued support.

LIVI FENECH
(Crissy / Understudy - Harold) is a senior and is thrilled to be back on the Clarence Brown stage! Recent work: A Christmas Carol (Belle/Past u/s) - Clarence Brown Theatre, Proof of Concept- First Take Co., The Merry Wives of Windsor - Tennessee Stage. Always for you Tiff! IG:@livifenech

TYLER GLOVER
(Tribe/ Ensemble) is a second-year undergrad student at UTK and is very excited to return to the Clarence Brown Theatre in this year's production of HAIR. Tyler’s previous Clarence Brown credits include Murder on the Orient Express and understudy for A Christmas Carol. He has also performed with The WordPlayers in Hello Dolly and All Campus Theatre in Twelfth Night. He is currently majoring in Cinema Studies and English, while also minoring in Theatre. 

EMILY HELTON
(Hubert) earned her Bachelors in Theatre from the University of Tennessee in 2019. Currently she serves as the Academy Director at Knoxville Children's Theatre. Recent stage credits include #00 in The Wolves, Mrs. Daldry in The Vibrator Play (2021), Mary in Mary's Wedding (2019), and Mrs. Cratchit in A Christmas Carol (2018). She is looking forward to her upcoming appearance in Fun Home at River and Rail Theatre Co. She would like to thank her dogs, Dempsey and Duncan, for their unwavering support, and her partner, Kelsi, for always being up for Mexican food. She dedicates this performance to Governor Bill Lee. emilyannhelton.com knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com

ROBER PARKER JENKINS
(Berger) Previously at CBT: King Charles III (Cootsey/Nick); Candide (Ensemble); Peter and the Star Catcher (Ted/Ensemble); Violet (Leroy Evans/Radio Soloist); Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play (Matt/Homer) among others. River & Rail Theatre: In the Next Room (Leo Irving) and The Unusual Tale… (Benjamin/Ensemble). He holds a BFA in Graphic Design from the University of Tennessee. Thanks to the cast, crew, and artistic team for their diligence and vision. Love to his family, Katy & David, Cody, and Candace. www.robertparkerjenkins.com

J.D. JOINER
(Steve) J.D. is absolutely thrilled to be making his Clarence Brown Theatre debut! Watching shows at the Clarence Brown is a large part of what made him become involved in theatre in the first place. He started acting in eighth grade and has since been in shows such as Newsies, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, and most recently Hello Dolly. J.D. is currently in his third-year at UT and is double majoring in Theatre and History. He would like to thank the director, Casey Sams, for giving him this opportunity and his parents for their unfailing support.

PRESLEY KEITH
(Tribe / Understudy - Crissy), a junior Theatre major at the University of Tennessee, first appeared on the main stage of the Clarence Brown Theatre in spring of 2016 as Bloody Mary’s assistant in South Pacific. She followed by opening the next season as Young Violet in CBT’s production of Violet in the fall. Since then, she has appeared in two feature films, I’ll Be Watching and Walden, both currently awaiting release. Presley will also appear in the upcoming feature film, Degenerate, currently in pre-production. Coming from a long line of singers and performers, Presley is happily carrying on her family’s tradition. Shout-out to her little brother, Coulter!

JACOB LEON
(Tribe) has been involved in theatre since high school and is excited to be making his CBT debut with Hair! He is a freshman at UTK majoring in Theatre and he’s grateful to be able to perform with so many talented people. His favorite song from the musical is "Don't Put It Down".

ALIAH MAHALATI
(Tribe / Understudy - Jeanie) is a junior at UTK double-majoring in Theatre and Political Science. She is very excited to be involved in her first CBT production! Aliah has been in many shows throughout middle and high school, including Willy Wonka, Annie, West Side Story, and Clue, and has been very involved in events and productions in UTK’s theatre club All Campus Theatre since coming to UTK her freshman year. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support, her professors, directors, and cast mates for helping her to learn and grow as an actor, and CBT for this opportunity!

ALANA MARA
(Tribe / Understudy - Leate) is a freshman at UTK and is making her Clarence Brown acting debut! Alana, a Chicago native, has spent the last 4 years in any musical theatre production that would have her, and has developed an unending passion for the arts. She feels honored to be surrounded by such amazing and talented individuals who she has shared giggles, jokes, and love with. This year has been a hard one for her, but, even so, she would like to thank all of her friends, near and far, and her family, all of which have showed endless love and support for her endeavors on stage and off. She would also like to thank her family for putting up with all of the belting, monologues, and auditions, which will, unfortunately, never end. Most importantly of all, she would like to thank YOU for letting her sunshine in. Enjoy the show.

AMBERLIN McCORMICK
(Tribe / Understudy - Steve) is a fourth-year MFA Acting candidate at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Amberlin’s credits include: Viola in Twelfth Night (National Black Theatre Festival), Eurydice in Eurydice (Warehouse Performing Arts Center) and Avigail in The Unusual Tale of Mary and Joseph (River and Rail Theatre). Amberlin would like to thank the wonderful instructors at UT, family,
and classmates!

McKINLEY MERRITT
(Hud), a UT theatre alumni and Nashville native, is excited to be a part of Hair after a long time away from the Clarence Brown stage! Her favorite roles include the ensembles of The Threepenny Opera, Monty Python’s Spamalot, Kiss Me, Kate and Sweeney Todd, as well as Logainne in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a member of the Shakespeare medley, Will Power!, and Bec in 4000 Miles all at the Clarence Brown Theatre. You can often find McKinley interning at a cappella conventions, singing with her 90s cover band, Teen Spirit, and probably laughing too hard at something really silly. Stay healthy, be safe, and, most importantly, enjoy the show!

MICHAEL NAJMAN
(Margaret Mead / Understudy - Berger) Born and raised in Queens, NY, Michael moved to Knoxville to attend UTK's Master of Fine Arts in Acting program, and expects to graduate this semester. He appeared in the Clarence Brown Theatre's production of Trouble in Mind as Eddie Fenton, as well as in A Christmas Carol as Bob Cratchit. Other recent roles include Hector MacQueen (Murder on the Orient Express) and Greg (A Kid Like Jake). Additionally, Michael provided voice coaching for She Kills Monsters and voice, text, and dialect coaching for ACT's production of Twelfth Night. Watch him play Dungeons & Dragons with his actor friends Sunday nights at 6:30pm at www.twitch.tv/magicpodcasters

ETHAN GRAHAM ROEDER 
(Tribe / Understudy - Claude)he/him - Regional: All Is Calm (Boise Contemporary Theatre); A Christmas Carol, Edward Tulane (Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park); Coriolanus (Great River Shakespeare Festival); The Madwoman of Chaillot, A Christmas Carol, Urinetown, Mr. Burns, South Pacific, Titus Andronicus, The Threepenny Opera, Spamalot, CTRL+ALT+DELETE (Clarence Brown Theatre); Still Life (Iowa New Play Festival); Proof of Concept, All’s Well That Ends Well (First Take Co.). Directing: SOUVENIR (WordPlayers). Thanks to GB + fam. BA, MSIS: UT Knoxville. Ethan Graham is the founder of First Take Co., a new theatre company in Knoxville serving multi-hyphenate artists. Learn more: linktr.ee/EthanGraham.

BRIANNA RUBENS
(Tribe) is a senior at the University of Tennessee and is graduating in the Spring of 2023, majoring in Theatre and minoring in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Hair is Brianna’s first show with the Clarence Brown Theatre and she is extremely excited and grateful to be a part of this production. Brianna would like to thank her friends and family for continuously supporting her and encouraging her to pursue performance.

CHRISTINE SAGE
(Sheila) loves this show, this music, and this message; and she hopes that it touches your heart as much as it does hers. At the CBT you’ve seen her in Murder on the Orient Express, She Kills Monsters, Curious Incident, Blithe Spirit and A Christmas Carol for the last four years. She comes from Los Angeles, where she won an Ovation Award for blending Shakespeare and circus. She’d like to give a special thanks to her teachers here in the UTK MFA program. Thank you for the journey.

ABIGAIL SCHICHTMANN
(Tribe / Understudy - Sheila, Dionne) is so excited to make her Clarence Brown Theatre debut as Ronny in HAIR. She has most recently been seen as Olga in Knoxville Opera's The Merry Widow, as well as Prince Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus and Papagena in Die Zauberflöte with the UT Opera Theatre. Additionally, Abigail worked as an entertainer at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN for four seasons, specializing in children's theatre with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. She has also performed with Furman Lyric Opera as Ilona Ritter in She Loves Me and with the Furman Pauper Players as Paulette Bounafonte in Legally Blonde. In addition to these projects, Abigail performed as Clara in the premier performance of the musical, In The Silence, by friend and composer, Robert Cushing. Abigail will be graduating from UTK with her MM in Voice in May and can't wait to pursue more performance opportunities after graduation.

OWEN SQUIRE SMITH
(Claude) returns to CBT after graduating from UTK in 2020 with his MFA. Originally from Grand Rapids, MI, he received his BFA in Acting for the Stage & Screen at Azusa Pacific University in California. He would like to thank Casey Sams for this wonderful opportunity, the production team, cast & crew, former teachers, his family, Mom, Dad, Grandma, Tracey, Jade, and especially, Jesus Christ! He dedicates his performance in loving memory of Bishop Dr. Daniel J. Vassell Sr. @owensquiresmith

DEVON THOMPSON
(Tribe) is a four-year undergraduate student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville where he is majoring in Philosophy with a minor in Leadership Studies.  Devon is originally from Lawrenceville, Georgia, and has taken part in a variety of theatrical productions since the age of 7. Devon’s credits include: Kenicke in Grease, Kyle in Property Rites, Dennis in Rock of Ages (Peachtree Ridge High School). Along with those roles, Devon has choreographed a number of shows including Shrek The Musical (North Carolina Theatre). Devon is honored to be a part of this incredible production as a part of “The Tribe” and Dance Captain, and he hopes you “Let the Sunshine In”.

ALEAH VASSELL  
(Dionne) they/she - is excited to be back at UT! She is a Canadian born, Jamaican rooted, American singer, actor, and creator. They hold a B.F.A. from Samford University and an MFA in Acting from UTK. Along with being a performer, Aleah is Co-Founding Artistic Director of Hear Me Roar Theatre and creator of the new musical, MFAs: A Musical For Actors in School. Favorite roles include "Delores" in Sister Act and "Judy Haynes" at Charleston Stage, and Bunny in Detroit '67 here at UT. She dedicates this performance to one of her biggest past cheerleaders in life, her dad. www.aleahvassell.com

HOGAN WAYLAND
(Woof) Hogan is so excited to finally be on the Clarence Brown Stage. He has seen many shows at the CBT and has always dreamed of being up there. This is his first show with the Clarence Brown Theatre and it could not be a more perfect show. He must have a thing for “love-rock” musicals because he most recently portrayed Jesus in Godspell. Hogan is a sophomore here at UTK and is very grateful for this opportunity. He would like to thank his wonderful family and friends for always supporting him on his journey to bring love to the world

GARRETT WRIGHT
(Tribe / Understudy - Margaret Mead) Garrett, a lifelong East Tennessean, is proud to have his second performance with the Clarence Brown Theatre. He has previously worked with the CBT as a Puppeteer on She Kills Monsters as well as local theater companies in his hometown of Kingston, Tennessee such as the Three Rivers Theatre Company and the Tennessee Medieval Faire. Garrett is currently studying as an undergraduate senior at the University of Tennessee. He loves Knoxville, and is so excited to be back with his friends and classmates at the Clarence Brown.

MANAGEMENT
Assistant Stage Managers
.....Jackson Ahern
.....Belle Holmes
.....Blake Julian
.....Mayson Knipp
Dance Captian
.....Devon Thompson

COSTUMES
Assistant Costume Designer
.....Alex Heder
Wardrobe Supervisor
.....Amber Williams
Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor
.....Ariana Dotson
Wardrobe Crew
.....Conard Belitz
.....Kayla Moore
.....Emma Miller
.....Ella Trisler
.....Paige Victorson

SCENERY
Deck Crew
.....Kieran Byrd
.....Salar Hassan
Flight Crew
.....Alex Dally
.....Jacob Cottrell

LIGHTING
Assistant Lighting Designer
.....Mitch Wilson
Production Electrician/Swing
.....Phyllis Belanger
Light Board Operator
.....Joseph Coram
Spot Operators
.....Rachael Allion
.....Catherine York

PROJECTIONS
Projections Operator
.....Connor Hosford

SOUND
Sound Mixers
.....Allison Bucher
.....Amorie Perteet
Audio Technicians
.....Olivia Knowing
.....Keiry Tenorio-Vargas
Sound Board Operator
Reilley Chisolm

SWING CREW
.....Katelyn Mundt
Stage Manager Assistant
.....Emily Adams

ADMINISTRATION

Artistic Director/Department Head - Kenneth Martin
Managing Director - Tom Cervone
Business Manager - Tara Halstead
Accounting Specialist - Le Anna Jacobson
Administrative Specialist - Emily Pope
Marketing & Communications Director - Robin Conklin
General Manager - Vickie Carter
IT Specialist - Mark Spurlock
Graphic Designer - Julie Anna Summers

PATRON SERVICES

Manager of Ticketing and Sales - Sarah Burton
Box Office Manager - Callie Bacon
Lead House Manager - David Ratliff
Patron Service Associates - Faridat Akindele, George Bull, Desirea Burke, Julie Carter, Jordan Gatton-Bumpus, Diamond Leonard, Emma Massengill, Faith McManus, Anderson McNeil, Ariella Mingo, Whitney Priest, Brana Shankle, Emmy Sinclair, Savannah Smith, Lillian Snead, Justin Spinella, Emily Stone, Jenna Tiger, Avalon Trunzo and Sarah Wahrmund

ENGAGEMENT/DEVELOPMENT
External Relations Manager - Shelly Payne
Grants, Education, and Outreach Manager - Hana Sherman
Tours, Workshops - David Brian Alley
Summer Acting Workshops, Actor Talk Backs - Terry D. Alford

PRODUCTION
Production Manager - Susan L. McMillan
Rental Coordinator/Assistant Production Manager - Phyllis Belanger
Production Stage Manager - Patrick Lanczki

COSTUMES
Costume Shop Manager - Melissa Caldwell-Weddig
Cutter/Draper - Kyle Andrew Schellinger
Costumers - Elizabeth Aaron, Amber Williams, Ellen Bebb and Laura Clift
Costume Assistants - Alex Heder, MJ Hromek and Kaelyn Williams
Costume Maintenance Crew - Mahum Malik and Alana Mara
Wig Design - Siobian Jones

ELECTRICS
Electrics Shop Manager - Travis Gaboda
Lead Electrician - Jon Mohrman
Lighting Assistants - Kaylin Gess, Mitch Wilson, Caroline Bradley, Liv Jin, and Rachel Clift

SCENERY
Technical Director - Jason Fogarty
Assistant Technical Director - George Hairston
Lead Carpenter - Jerry D. Winkle
Senior Carpenter - Kyle L. Hooks
Scene Shop Assistants - Sophie Smrcka and Becca Stockhaus
Scene Shop Volunteer - Grace Bartoo
Scenic Charge Artist - Jillie Eves
Scenic Artist - Tessa Greer
Painter - Laura Cliff

PROPERTIES
Props Supervisor - Christy Fogarty 
Lead Properties Artisan -  Sarah Gaboda
Prop Assistants - Monica Gardiner, Jacob Leon, Michaela Lochen, Aliah Mahalati and Katie Stepanek

SOUND
Sound Supervisor - Mike Ponder
Sound Assistants - Allison Bucher and Amoirie Perteet

Artists Circle

James Alan Carmichael and Cynthia Moxley
Dr. Jeffrey and Virginia Eberting
Laura Kimsey Eshbaugh
Pamela and James Given
Michael Higdon
The Lederer Family
Theresa Lee and Jacob Love
Mrs. Townes Lavidge Osborn and Robert S. Marquis
Linda and Terry Tyler

Producer Circle

Jennifer Banner
Larry and Jeanie Brakebill
Sandra and Peter Campbell
Lisa Carroll
Dr. Jimmy and Ileen Cheek
Michael Combs
Elizabeth A. Craig
Kenneth and Jane Creed
Steve Drevik
Susan and Kent Farris
Drs. Joe and Jayne De Fiore
Drs. Nancy Duckles and Cameron Sears
Steve Drevik and Le Ann Rogers
Stanton and Alison Garner
Tara and Scott Halstead
Christopher and Kelly Herbstritt
Vickie Ellis and Joe Hoagland
Prof. Amy Morris Hess
John and Susan Hoffman
Julie Howard and Ted Flickinger
Susan and Jerry Kornegay
Robert and Brenda Madigan
Maureen Dunn McBride and Neil McBride
Mr. Arthur G. Mitchell
Margie Nichols and John Gill
Linda B. Norris
Hei Park
Meredith Peccolo and James Vaughan
Susan Sgarlat
Patricia Roux-Sharp
Jan and Mary Ann Simek
Donna Solod
Donald Thorne
Alice Torbett
Nancy Voith and Kenneth Stark
Donna and Terry Wertz
Wendy and Dale Wortham

Director Circle

Donna and Randall Riggs
Brooks and Karen Clark

Rising Star

Jeff and Laura Allen
Myrwood Besozzi
Will and Rebecca Brewer
Mr. John L. Butler, Sr.
Clay S. Davis, Jr.
Dr. Jeffrey D. Kovac
Dr. Samantha Murphy and Mr. Justin Roby
Sheena McCall
Sarah Phillips

Leading Player

Anne G. Armstrong
Amy Caponetti
Jane Bruce Casey
Leann and James Dickson
Dr. Stuart B. Elston
Cynthia Gibson
Dennis F. Hayward
Lyle and Trish Irish
Herbert Kupfer
Michael and Nancy Lofaro
William and Virginia Morrow
John D. North
Vladimir Protopopescu
CortneyJo and Calvin Sandidge
Robert Trigiano
Georgiana Vines
Alexander Oaks Waters

Priscilla Bright
Constance Burnett
Steve Drevik
Vickie Ellis
Mardel Fehrenbach
Virginia Kerwin
Susan Kornegay
Jerry Kornegay
Sharon Kreis
Stephen LaVie
Maureen McBride
Sheena McCall
Margie Nicols
Linda Norris
Sarah Philips
Donna Riggs
Fran Scheidt
Helen Sirett
Alice Torbett
Terry Tyler
Linda Tyler
Georgiana Vines
Donna Wertz

Julie Howard, Chair
Margie Nichols, Immediate Past Chair
Steve Drevik, At-Large
Alexander Waters, At-Large

Jennifer Banner
Larry Brakebill
Will Brewer
Amy Caponetti
Lisa Carroll
Jeff Cheek
Brooks Clark
Katharine Pearson Criss
Leann Dickson
Steve Drevik
Danielle Ely
Pamela Given
Amy Morris Hess
Julie Howard
Erica Lyon
Maureen Dunn McBride
Margie Nichols
John North
Sara Phillips
Vladimir Protopopescu
Lee Riedinger
CortneyJo Sandidge
Susan Sgarlat
Pedro Tomás
Alice Torbett
Bob Trigiano
Robin Turner
Terry Tyler
Georgiana Vines
Alexander Waters
Donna Wertz
Melanie Wood
Wendy Wortham

Emeritus

Charlie Brakebill◊
Joe De Fiore
Susan Ferris
Townes Lavidge Osborn
Jan Simek

Ex Officio

Kenneth Martin
Tom Cervone
Holly Jackson-Sullivan
Stephanie Wall

◊ Deceased