Arts & Entertainment

'Hair' Cast Stages Surprise Performance at The Rust Belt Market

The Detroit Actor's Theatre Company promotes their production scheduled June 27-June 29 at the Ferndale First United Methodist Church during the "Change Is Good" fundraiser for public art.

Protesters burst into The Rust Belt Market in Ferndale on Friday evening chanting "Peace now, freedom now! Peace now, freedom now! Black, white, yellow, red! Copulate in a king size bed!"

The slogan was inspired by the Broadway show "Hair" and the protesters were performers from The Detroit Actor's Theatre Company promoting their production of the musical, which continues Thursday, June 27, through Saturday, June 29, at Ferndale First United Methodist Church.

The actors – clad in peasant skirts, bandanas and bell bottoms – broke into a joyful rendition of "Let the Sun Shine In" as a delighted, if confused, crowd at the "Change Is Good" fundraiser for public art watched.

Performer Nick Innis of Algonac said "Hair," a musical exploring the cultural revolution during the Vietnam War-era, is about everyone coming together.

"No one's black, no one's white. There's no male, no female," he said. "Everyone just has a soul. No one's judged."

Jillian Hoffman of Rochester said acting in the musical has given her a new perspective.

"I can definitely say it's a life-changing show as well as an eye-opening show," she said. "I know we've all been changed by it."

If you go

  • When: 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, June 27-29; doors open at 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: Ferndale First United Methodist Church, 22331 Woodward Ave., Ferndale
  • Cost: Tickets cost $20 ($15 for students and seniors) and are available at thedatc.org or at the door.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here