As we approach opening night, join us every Thursday for our special TRIBE MEMBER THURSDAY feature! Each week, obviously on Thursday, you can join us for a little Q&A with some of the cast!
In this edition of TRIBE MEMBER THURSDAY, we hear more from the infamous Claire Wilcher!
Claire Wilcher
Q: Tell us about your character Sheila!
Sheila takes being a hippie pretty seriously. She has her silly moments, but I think that’s sort of out of character for her. For Sheila, being a head and spreading the tribal message isn’t just because it’s fun and free – it’s her calling and purpose. Sheila is the most “real” person I have played in a while. For being such a free spirit, she’s rather realistic and grounded. It’s nice to actually sing in Claire’s voice for a change. She’s not a caricature at all – I can play her from a more genuine place.
Q: What about HAIR will surprise Indianapolis audiences?
That it’s still relevant. It still just makes sense. The hippie lifestyle may not make headlines like it did in the 60s, but its general philosophies are still very dear to many people. The messages of peace, of fear, of boldness are loud and clear and will resonate with theater-goers.
Q: After HAIR, what’s next on your calendar?
I’m writing a Fringe Festival show with Three Dollar Bill Comedy, the sketch group I helped form. It’s a musical all about Indiana and its quirks. After that, I’m going camping out west with a good friend. We’re gonna hike the Grand Canyon and just be outside for a while. It’s going to absolutely rule.
Q: Who do you think should come out to see HAIR?
People who don’t need to see a kick line or a spotlight to know that it’s a good show. People who want to witness real sharing and appreciation for our fellow tribe members. People who have lost touch a little bit with the world around them. People who stare blankly at the news when they get home from work. People who are mature – and I don’t mean a certain age. I mean a certain ability to see what’s going on onstage and understand that it’s not frivolous or shocking.
Q: What’s it like doing a show set in a time period long before you were even thought of?
It’s magical. I’ve been very interested in the 60s, the hippie movement, the whole scene for a long time. I grew up on all the folk/protest music and it’s still my favorite thing to listen to. It was such a time of transition and question for everyone, parents and children, governments and citizens. And it wasn’t that long ago – that’s what’s so crazy.
Q: For fun, what’s the last thing you do before you go out onstage?
Usually I’ll say a sweet little word to my Pop and then slap someone on the ass.
Tickets available online and by phone (317-280-0825) for HAIR!
