Columbus Dance Theatre and Hair Theater are joining forces to present “Love is in the Hair,” a musical-comedy ballet which will open Columbus Dance Theatre’s fall season and serve as Hair Theater’s annual fundraiser.
“Love is in the Hair” is one of 10 existing Hair Theater episodes written and performed live by Pat Wynn Brown, 56. In her live performances, Brown tells true stories of her unusual and comedic love life experiences told through the evolution of her hairdos since birth. The performances are full of storytelling, acting and singing, and encourage audience participation.
“Love is in the Hair” adds a twist to Brown’s typical show by including ballet dancers.
Photo courtesy of Hair TheaterPat Brown performs one of her many shows that tell real-life love stories and focus on the evolution of her hair styles. A portion of the profit helps buy wigs for cancer survivors.“When she approached me about the concept of including dance in her show, I thought it was a great idea,” Veach said. “She discusses her life and history through the show, so the dancing kind of travels a little bit through different periods of time in terms of dance styles. I think it’s a really good match.”
The show has been in the works since June and involves 10 of Columbus Dance Theatre’s professional ballet dancers, a pianist and Brown. The show will also feature 12 volunteers who help with the show, called “Hairnettes,” and three “Chippenhair” male dancers who will act and dress like Chippendale dancers and try to persuade women to donate to the Hair Theater Fund.
The Hair Theater Fund at the Columbus Foundation assists cancer patients with buying wigs and hats after hair-loss from chemotherapy. A portion of the show’s proceeds are donated to the fund, as well.
The wig fund has helped 506 women receive wigs or hats in central Ohio since 2001.
“Wigs are about $350 each, so it’s a really pricey thing,” Brown said. “And our needs have increased dramatically with the economy.”
Brown, a cancer survivor, said she has made it a personal mission to spread laughter, raise money for the wig fund and raise spirits.
“I always guarantee this: Everybody there will look like they’ve had cosmetic surgery because of all the laughter and joy at the show,” Brown said.
Brown, who stresses that the show is not about cancer, still likes to include a message in every show encouraging women to visit the doctor regularly.
“I like to say that during every show, we save a life,” Brown said. “That, to me, is worth everything because if it wasn’t for early detection with me, I’d be dead.”
Veach said he enjoyed working with Brown because of her vibrant presence and creativity, he said.
“She’s one of the most energetic people I’ve ever seen,” Veach said. “It’s very inspiring to work with her.”
Brown created Hair Theater in 2000 when she saw her hairdresser make clients feel like the movie stars they wanted to look like.
“Love is in the Hair” will be performed 8 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Saturday at Columbus Dance Theatre at 592 E. Main St. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students.
Kristen Duwe can be reached at [email protected].
