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Gavin Creel and cast of ‘Hair’ wrap up their California adventure

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When we last heard from Gavin Creel, it was R&R poolside for the cast of ‘Hair’ at the Sheraton Universal City. But California sun time was short lived for the 50 members of the cast and crew of the Tony-winning Broadway musical. Soon it was back to the studio to tape ‘Hair’ and ‘Let the Sunshine In’ for ‘The Tonight Show,’ then off to an event in support of marriage equality. During the rally in West Hollywood, Public Theater artistic director Oskar Eustis announced that the production would go dark on Oct. 11 to allow cast members to participate in the National Equality March in Washington. After a long day, it was time to head home.

Here’s Creel’s final rundown of what went on behind the scenes:

4:42 p.m.: Time to get into costume … again. I can still smell the pool water on my skin — I love this town.

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The crew from our press house, O&M Co., popped in to give us the rundown on our next event (more on that later) and to remind us that we have to wear Levi’s to it (apparently there will be a “butt check” to make sure we all have red tabs).

We’re getting dressed in a makeshift space on the Universal lot, and the wall is filled with photos of famous car scenes from Universal movies. I love that car from ‘American Graffiti.’ Apparently, in L.A., there’s traffic even in the dressing rooms!

6:09 p.m.: Just got offstage. I can’t describe the thrill of performing on ‘The Tonight Show’ in Conan’s new digs — what a studio. They told us it was the first standing ovation for a performance here. Really? No love for Cirque du Soleil?

6:43 p.m.: Out of costume … again. Scarfing down a little dinner (thanks for the grub, Conan), and preparing my remarks for yet another gig: the next item on this whirlwind agenda.

Oskar Eustis and the Public Theater have canceled our Oct. 11 matinee so we can participate in the National Equality March in Washington, D.C. We are heading to a venue in West Hollywood to announce this, alongside the legendary Cleve Jones and Dustin Lance Black, RIGHT before heading to the airport.

8:07 p.m.: We are buzzing. I am so proud to be in this show. We just pulled away from the press conference. How amazing that we flew to L.A. to appear on ‘The Tonight Show’ in this musical about activism, and in the same trip our lives totally imitate art as we stand up for equality by joining the fight. It was a tiring day, but we were there, singing and chanting: ‘Equal rights, right now, equal rights right now.”

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9:32 p.m.: On the plane. Cannot believe we did it. Everyone looks totally beat but totally happy. The plane is a lot more chill this time. From the private plane to the poolside drinks to “The Tonight Show” to the press conference. This was a great adventure. I love this show and I love this bunch of insane hippies.

Bye bye, L.A. It’s time to head back to New York. After all, we have a show tomorrow.

Related coverage: Gavin Creel and cast of ‘Hair’ get a taste of Hollywood

Gavin Creel of Broadway’s ‘Hair’ details whirlwind trip to L.A.

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