Hair is Here!

ReVision Theatre takes off - and takes it all off - in Asbury

By Steven Froias

TriCity News
August 7, 2008


ASBURY PARK - We can't think of a better way to add an exclamation point to a comeback summer on the Asbury boardwalk than an event musical staged in the newly restored Carousel building.We can only picture it in our mind's eye, however. But ReVision Theatre of Asbury Park can see it through from concept to execution. And that's exactly what's happening right now as they gear up to present their next production, a staging of HAIR in the Carousel opening Friday, August 15 and running through Sunday, August 31. It's certain to add a dash of bold creativity to the scene with it's uncompromising artistic commitment to the original intent of the show - which contains strong language and full nudity - and what's certain to be ReVision's own unique take on this timeless, but timely, piece of theatre. We're not surprised that ReVision isn't afraid to cross new cultural terrain in the triCities. We interviewed the directors back in May and were impressed with their street cred.The guiding lights of the company are Stephen Bishop Seely, David E. Leidholdt, and Thomas Morrissey. The trio first came together in New York at ReVision's precursor, Genesius Guild years ago. After many successful seasons in the Big Apple, they found themselves swimming in critical acclaim but suffocated by New York's tight space and notoriously high operating costs. So they began to search for a new home in which to base their evolving group, which they began to envision as a regional theatre company which would provide opportunities for actors, directors and the like, as well as develop new material for Broadway or Off-Broadway bound productions.They chose Asbury Park and the triCity region - simply fell in love with the possibilities this area afforded them. As we wrote back in May, it's a win-win situation; for Asbury, and the triCity region, it's an opportunity to claim ownership of an organization that could bring national cultural attention to the area.Before planning the coming week's production of HAIR in the Carousel, they set up shop in our funky, little city by establishing an office in the VFW building on Lake Avenue, held acting classes and readings, and laid the groundwork for realizing their potential by staging a few special performances."DayDreaming: Channeling Doris Day" held June 1st at Mattison Park was one. The enthusiasm generated that day helped propel them to their next event - in the most expansive sense of the word. That was a one-night only musical concert of Richard Skipper as Carol Channing in "Hello, Dolly" at the Paramount Theatre on June 14th. It was, both in our view and in the opinions we heard by many in the audience that evening, the night magic returned to that venerable stage. Now, ReVision Theatre is poised to work their spell on another historic Asbury venue. As with everything they've done and everything we hope they'll do, it's an informed and inspired choice - just like the selection of HAIR itself as their next production.Stephen Bishop Seely tells us that he and the other directors of ReVision literally hopped in a car with representatives from Madison Marquette and went on a tour of available performance spaces on and around the boardwalk. But it was a short trip; the marriage of tribal rock musical and the siren call of the somewhat gritty, raw space of the Carousel was a pitch perfect match. Stephen calls the opportunity to stage HAIR there "environmental staging."He says they settled on HAIR as their next project, after initially planning to select and stage an original work, because he and the other directors felt the excitement generated by Asbury Park, particularly the boardwalk, demanded an 'event' show.HAIR is certainly that event - for the times, generally, and for Asbury Park now specifically.Born 41 years ago in another - at the time - somewhat scrappy space, Joe Papp's Public Theater in lower Manhattan, HAIR burst onto the theatrical scene a year later on Broadway pulsing with freshness and vitality. Though the summer of love is 40 years gone, many of the same issues - war, racism, sexism and sexuality - are churning beneath the surface of our society today. "HAIR is more relevant today than in any other time during the past 30 years," Stephen says.ReVision solicited resumes for the directing chores from all over the country and settled on Andy Goldberg, an up and coming theatrical talent who has already made a mark in Berlin, Germany with Boney M., a tribute show to the Australian answer to ABBA, Daddy Cool. Andy tells triCity that he concurs with Seely. "HAIR isn't a museum piece," he says. "The present day will creep into this production, more by implication than by beating people over the head." He leapt at the chance to help re-invent the musical, which coincidently is also being revived in New York this week. It's a testament to the tenacity of the ReVision team that they were able to secure the rights for this production, a mere 60 miles away. It's that determination to push the envelope that Asbury should embrace. Just as it should the more controversial elements of HAIR, including its full frontal nudity. With the success of Asbury's boardwalk this summer comes danger - the danger of creeping conformity. We've always hoped this city would never fall into that abyss. And ReVision Theatre - as all good artistic endeavors should - is helping to prevent that from happening. It's a challenge Asbury should accept gratefully."The cast is excited to take their clothes off!" Stephen told us. Which probably isn't surprising since Andy told us that while they've been rehearsing up in New York City, they're steeping themselves in the time period of the 60s. That's when the raw energy of the young was channeled into a cultural war of their own choosing and making in an effort to effect.change.How much - and how little - has changed from 1968 to 2008 in the country, and in Asbury Park.Hats -and everything else - off to the exuberance of youth. And ReVision Theatre. HAIR will run August 15 through August 31; Thursdays & Fridays at 8:00 pm; Saturdays at 7:00 pm & 10:30 pm; and Sundays at 7:00 pm. At the Carousel on the Boardwalk, 700 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park. All Tickets $35, General Admission. Buy tickets online at www.ReVisionTheatre.org.