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Diane Paulus to Direct NBC’s “Hair Live!” in May 2018

JUL 24, 2018

NBC announced today that A.R.T. Terrie and Bradley Bloom Artistic Director Diane Paulus will co-direct “Hair Live!”, the original rock musical that is celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year. Paulus will be joined by Emmy Award winner Alex Rudzinski, who will serve as the live television director as he did for “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.” “Hair Live!” will on air Sunday, May 19, 2019 before a live audience.

Director Diane Paulus with the cast of Hair and Diane Lane at the 2009 A.R.T. Gala.

Neil Meron, Diane Paulus, James Rado, and Craig Zadan.

Paulus directed the 2009 Tony Award-winning Broadway revival of Hair shortly before beginning her tenure as A.R.T.’s Artistic Director—the 2018/19 Season marks her 10^th at the helm. At A.R.T., Paulus has staged numerous acclaimed musical productions including The Gershwins�� Porgy and Bess (Tony Award, Best Revival), Pippin (Tony Awards, Best Director-Musical and Best Revival), and Waitress (Tony Award nomination, Best Musical). Her world premiere production of Jagged Little Pill, inspired by Alanis Morissette’s groundbreaking album of the same name, recently completed a record-breaking engagement.

Audra McDonald and the cast of The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess at A.R.T.

In November, she will direct ExtraOrdinary as part of the 2018/19 A.R.T. Season. This journey through memorable musical moments from past productions will feature a roster of A.R.T. artists from Diane’s tenure. Tickets to ExtraOrdinary are currently available in subscription packages; single tickets will be available later this fall.

Update 8/22/18: “I am devastated and totally bereft at the news of Craig [Zadan]’s passing. He was such a champion of the musical theater and the artists he worked with. All love and support to Neil Meron and Craig’s family.” – Diane Paulus, on behalf of The A.R.T. Family

Diane Paulus (Director), Alanis Morrisette (Music and Lyrics) and members of the Company

Image Credits

Diane Paulus with the cast of Hair and Diane Lane at the 2009 A.R.T. Gala. Photo: Karen Snyder.

Audra McDonald and the cast of The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess at A.R.T. Photo: Michael Lutch

Neil Meron, Diane Paulus, James Rado, and Craig Zadan.

The cast of Pippin at A.R.T. Photo: Michael Lutch.

Diane Paulus (Director), Alanis Morrisette (Music and Lyrics), and members of the Company of Jagged Little Pill at the opening night performance. Photo: Liza Voll.