First performed in Australia in 1969, Hair the tribal love-rock musical opens in Sydney this weekend after a successful Melbourne 2025 season. Stepping into the role of Tina is Phoenix Jackson Mendoza.
The Scoop sat down with Phoenix ahead of opening night. Phoenix talks all things Hair, including the full circle significance of joining the cast, the rehearsal room vibes and what audiences can expect. Read the full interview below.
For those who may not be familiar with the world of Hair, can you tell us a bit about the musical and how your character, Tina, fits into the story?
Hair has been referred to as the original rock musical, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a story about a tribe of young people navigating identity, freedom, love, community and what it means to stand up for what they believe in during a time of enormous social change.
Even though it’s set in the late 1960s, its themes unfortunately still feel incredibly relevant today. I play Tina, who is one of the Tribe members. What’s beautiful about Hair is that the Tribe almost functions as one collective heartbeat throughout the show. Everyone brings their own personality and perspective. But together they create this incredible sense of belonging and community.
I also have the privilege of singing Aquarius, which I believe is arguably one of the most iconic songs in musical theatre history, with its ability to push through to the mainstream.
The phrase “Age of Aquarius” became a symbol of hope, peace and a new way of thinking during the counterculture movement, and the writers brilliantly used that idea to open the show. It sets the tone for everything that follows.
Every night, I get to help invite the audience into that world from the very first note, which is pretty special.
How did it feel getting the news that you had been cast? What was your first reaction?
I found out while I was on holiday in Brussels, which is a pretty fantastic backdrop for receiving such great news! For so many reasons, I was absolutely thrilled, but also quite emotional because this show has a very personal connection for my family.
My mum, Rebecca Jackson Mendoza, my uncle Aaron Mendoza, my auntie-in-law Karinda Mutabazi and my godfather Kurt Kansley all performed in the 2002 Australian production of Hair.
I’d heard stories about the show for years and knew how much it meant to them, so there was something incredibly full circle about getting the chance to join the Tribe myself. It genuinely felt like a family legacy being passed on.
What do you think audiences might be surprised to discover about the story, beyond those iconic songs?
I think people are often surprised by how emotional it is. Most people know the songs before they know the story. Aquarius, Good Morning Starshine, and Let the Sunshine In have become part of popular culture. But beneath those joyful, celebratory moments is a story with enormous heart.
The show explores friendship, identity, protest, love and the cost of standing by your beliefs. It asks some really big questions while still being funny, vibrant and full of life. I think audiences come expecting a great soundtrack and leave having been genuinely moved.
What’s the vibe been like in the rehearsal room?
Honestly, it’s been one of the warmest rehearsal rooms I’ve ever walked into. Because I’ve been based in London for the past year, I joined the process quite late and only had about a week in the rehearsal room before heading into tech, which could have been quite daunting.
Instead, everyone has been unbelievably generous. From day one, people were checking in, asking if I needed anything, helping me catch up on material and making sure I felt included.
That spirit of community feels very fitting for Hair because the show itself is all about connection and belonging. It’s been such a supportive environment. I’m incredibly grateful for that.
This is a show that has touched multiple generations of performers and audiences. How does being part of that continuing legacy feel special to you?
It feels incredibly special. My earliest memories of Hair were watching my family performing in it, so there’s something quite surreal about finding myself in the same musical years later. It’s rare to get to step into a show that already has such a personal history attached to it.
Beyond my own family connection, Hair remains such an important piece of theatre because it encourages us to think about empathy, community, freedom and the courage to challenge the status quo.
Those ideas are just as important today as they were when the show first premiered. To be part of a production that has resonated with audiences for decades and continues to find new meaning with each generation is a real privilege.
You’ve played some iconic roles on stage, SIX being one of them. Are there any roles or musicals on your bucket list?
Absolutely. Playing Catherine of Aragon was already a huge bucket list tick! Another role that’s always on my list is Mimi in Rent. She’s such a beautifully complex character, and that score is one of my all-time favourites.
At the same time, some of the projects that excite me most are actually new works. I love the idea of being involved in the creation of a musical from the very beginning and helping build a character from scratch.
There’s something incredibly exciting about discovering a role alongside the writers and creative team and helping shape who that character becomes. As much as I love the iconic roles, the idea of originating a role and helping tell a brand-new story is something I’d love to do in the future.
Phoenix Jackson Mendoza appears in HAIR:The Tribal Love-Rock Musical. It is presented by the Australian Shakespeare Company and runs from 6 June 2026. Theatre Royal Sydney, 108 King St, Sydney NSW 2000.
Tickets are on sale here.
Website: https://www.hairthemusical.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/hairmusicalau/ and https://www.instagram.com/phoenixjackson/
Hero image: Phoenix Jackson Mendoza with the 2026 cast of HAIR. Photo by Daniel Boud
