EXCLUSIVE: Burkhardt to Succeed Swenson in London's Hair

By Andrew Gans
and Adam Hetrick
21 May 2010

Steel Burkhardt
Steel Burkhardt

Steel Burkhardt, an original company member of the Broadway production of Hair who is currently appearing in the ensemble of the West End production of that Vietnam War-themed musical, will take over the role of Berger at London's Gielgud Theatre later this month.

Burkhardt's manager told Playbill.com that the singing actor, who also made his Broadway debut in Hair, will begin performances as Berger May 31 at the London venue. He succeeds Will Swenson, who created the role in the Broadway and London revivals and was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance.

The London production of the Tony Award-winning revival of Hair, featuring members of the 2009 Broadway cast, officially opened in London April 14 at the Gielgud Theatre.

Hair began previews in the West End April 1. Tony-nominated Broadway director Diane Paulus repeated her duties for the production with choreography by Tony nominee Karole Armitage.

Featuring book and lyrics by the late Gerome Ragni and James Rado and music by Galt MacDermot, the 2009 Broadway revival of Hair earned the 2009 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical.

The original Broadway design team includes set designer Scott Pask, costume designer Michael McDonald, lighting designer Kevin Adams and sound designer Acme Sound Partners.

The London production is being produced by the Public Theater with Cameron Mackintosh and Broadway Across America.

For tickets visit HairtheMusical.co.uk.