Paulini and Hugh Sheridan join cast for 50th anniversary production of Hair the musical

Fifty years ago, Hair was shocking for its depiction of sex, drugs and nudity. Hugh Sheridan, the star of the 2019 revival, says nothing much has changed. But will he be stripping?

Hugh Sheridan is a yes, Paulini is a no to stripping down for Hair’s controversial nude scene when the famed 60s rock musical returns to Australian stages in August.

The 2019 revival marks the 50th anniversary of the original Australian production which starred a 16-year-old Marcia Hines in her first role here alongside actors John Waters and Reg Livermore.

Sheridan said Hair remains as socially and politically relevant now as it was when it introduced the Age of Aquarius to the world in 60s against the backdrop of civil rights marches and anti-Vietnam War demonstrations.

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Paulini and Hugh Sheridan will star in a new production of the musical Hair. Picture: Richard Dobson

It was one of the original Broadway stage productions which introduced 60s counterculture, from long hair to drug use, to mainstream theatre audiences and incited plenty of backlash from conservative commentators.

“Fifty years on and it’s exactly the same issues. We still have major issues with racism and gun control, we are still at war … and even women’s rights, which we are still talking about 50 years later,” he said.

The former Packed to the Rafters star has enjoyed a long connection to Hair, forming a friendship with its original Broadway benefactor Michael Butler while living in Los Angeles.

Family friends of Sheridan were also involved in the original Australian production, promoted by the late Harry M. Miller, which ran for two years in Kings Cross before moving to Melbourne.

A 16-year-old Marcia Hines (right) in the first Australia production of Hair in 1969. Picture: Supplied.

The Australian cast recording of Hair was banned in Queensland at the time because of language issues.

After making the switch from pop star to musical theatre with her roles in The Bodyguard and then Saturday Night Fever, Paulini comes to Hair with a fresh slate.

She didn’t know too much about the controversial musical when she auditioned but was quickly brought up to speed about the optional 20-second nude scene during Let The Sunshine In.

“Ask me again in a few weeks when I’m shredded,” she said, laughing. “But I think it would be too weird for my parents.”

Hair will kick off at His Majesty’s Theatre in Perth on August 22 and will tour to Geelong Performing Arts Centre from September 4, The Art House, Wyong from September 19, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, Wollongong from September 25, Sydney Opera House from October 3 and Home of the Arts, Gold Coast from October 11.