On October 23, Joe’s Pub at The Public hosted the long awaited Celebration of the Life and Work of James Rado, who passed away in June 2022.
Mr. Rado (born James Alexander Radomski), was an actor, director, playwright, and composer, best known for his collaborations with the late Gerome Ragni. Together, the pair wrote Hair, a seminal hit that ushered in a new era for the American musical.
The musical memorial featured performances from many of Mr. Rado's collaborators, and various cast members that have performed in Hair, including Kacie Sheik, Caissie Levy, Sasha Allen, Darius Nichols, Allison Case, Lauren Elder, Andrew Kober, Paris Remillard, Anthony Hollock, Kaitlin Kiyan, John Moauro, and Michael Messer.
Speakers included Diane Paulus, Kenny Ortega, Merle Frimark, Dale Soules, Marjorie Lipari, Steve Margoshes, and Mr. Rado’s family. The evening was organized by The Public Theater, Merle Frimark, and the Rado Family.
Check out photos from the memorial below: