A New Age

TheaterMania joins Will Swenson, Audra McDonald, Jonathan Groff, Julie White, Christopher J. Hanke and more for the opening night of Hair. Plus: Broadway's kids bake for charity!

By Tristan Fuge,Brian Scott Lipton • Aug 8, 2008 • New York

The Age of Aquarius officially dawned again on Thursday night with the opening of the Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park production of Hair. And while the skies opened up during the finale -- "Let the Sunshine In" -- the downpour didn't dampen the spirits of first-nighter Audra McDonald and star Will Swenson, who plays the hedonistic Berger.

At the show's after party, Jonathan Groff, who currently stars as conflicted hero Claude, caught up with good pal Christopher J. Hanke, who'll take over the role from August 17-31 while Groff films Ang Lee's Taking Woodstock.

Here's Allison Case, who sings the delicious "Frank Mills," with director Diane Paulus.

Cast member Saycon Sengbloh hung out with Hair co-author James Rado at the party.

Tony Award winner Julie White brought daughter Alexandra to the opening.

On Wednesday, Broadway Kids Care (BKC) held a bake sale at Midtown's Fireman's Park to benefit UNICEF/Pampers One Pack -One Vaccine Program. Here's producer Kelly Gonda, BKC's founder, with some of the event's volunteers.

Kelly Sullivan, who recently took on the role of Inga in Young Frankenstein, was on hand to show her support for the youngsters.

Finally, here's Guy Barfield of The Lion King and Henry Hodges of Mary Poppins.

For TheaterMania's review of Hair, click here.