Christopher J. Hanke to Replace Jonathan Groff During Hair Extension

Christopher J. Hanke will play the leading role of Claude for the final two weeks of the Public Theater's Central Park production of Hair, replacing Jonathan Groff. The musical revival had recently announced a two-week extension August 17-August 31 at the Delacorte Theatre, and Groff has a "previously scheduled work commitment that precludes him from continuing with the production," according to a press statement. Directed by Diane Paulus, Hair began previews on July 22 and will open on August 7.

With a book and lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni and music by Galt MacDermot, Hair became the first off-Broadway musical to transfer to Broadway after opening at the Public in 1967 and eventually ran for 1,873 performances.

Hanke most recently appeared in the Broadway production of Cry-Baby and has appeared on Broadway in Rent and In My Life a show that featured Groff as an understudy. Other New York theater credits include Golden Age a reading of Indian Blood at Lincoln Center Theater and The Story of My Life at Manhattan Theater Club's 6@6 series. He has played lead roles in the national tours of Deaf West's Big River and The Full Monty. His regional credits include The Matchmaker.

The cast for Hair includes Ato Blankson-Wood Tribe, Steel Burkhardt Tribe, Jackie Burns Black Boys Trio/Tribe, Allison Case Crissy, Lauren Elder Tribe, Allison Guinn Tribe, Anthony Hollock Tribe, Kaitlin Kiyan Tribe, Andrew Kober Father/Margaret Mead, Megan Lawrence Mother, Nicole Lewis White Boys Trio / Tribe, Caren Lyn Manuel Sheila, Patina Renea Miller Dionne, John Moauro Tribe, Darius Nichols Hud, Brandon Pearson Tribe, Megan Reinking Black Boys Trio / Tribe, Paris Remillard Tribe, Bryce Ryness Woof, Saycon Sengbloh White Boys Trio / Tribe, Maya Sharpe Tribe, Kacie Sheik Jeanie, Theo Stockman Tribe, Will Swenson Berger, and Tommar Wilson Tribe.

Hair features scenic design by Scott Pask, costume design by Michael McDonald, lighting design by Michael Chybowski, sound design by Acme Sound Partners and choreography by Karole Armitage.