THE BASICS: Musicalfare presents HAIR from September 17 – October 4 at Shea’s 710 Theatre, 710 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14202. MusicalFare is on the web at www.musicalfare.com, Ticket reservations may be made by calling 716-839-8540 or online at www.musicalfare.com or www.sheas.org
THUMBNAIL SKETCH: The groundbreaking Tony Award-winning hit 1960’s tribal love rock musical remains relevant as ever as it celebrates community, identity, politics, peace, relationships and what it means to be a young person in a changing world. Featuring classic hit songs such as “Aquarius,” “Easy To Be Hard” and “Let The Sunshine In.” Book & Lyrics by Gerome Ragni & James Rado, Music by Galt MacDermot.
RUNTIME: Two hours and twenty minutes with one intermission
THE PLAYERS, THE PLAY, AND THE PRODUCTION:
I go ‘way back with HAIR having seen the original Broadway production in the late 1960’s. In spite of the fact that the plot and characters in HAIR are loosely constructed, HAIR can be a very moving experience for the audience. The score is super, but it’s the heartfelt spirit of the actors, the improvisational element, and the welcoming of audience participation that really get to you. The feeling of authenticity matters. You want to believe that these are real kids and they are having a great time expressing their deepest thoughts and feelings in public. The film version was a disappointment – studied and slick with a cast that looked too old – “never trust anyone over 30!”
The Musicalfare production has been Co-Directed by Alexandria Watts & Eric Deeb Weaver with choreography Eric Deeb Weaver. This is a well directed, high voltage HAIR with dancing that blends fluidly into the scenes. There is all kinds of wonderful freeing movement onstage. Snippets of popular ’60’s dance steps were included throughout (but don’t do The Twist – no self-respecting hippie would Twist. That was old school by 1968!). Waving arms, extending arms like flying, holding hands, running in a circle – yes! These are perfect for HAIR and the original production used a lot of creative dramatic movement as part of the rehearsal process. I was tickled to see members of The Tribe occasionally just jumping up and down, expressing pure joy. Directors Watt and Weaver have absolutely caught the spirit of the show.
There is stellar musical direction by Theresa Quinn. The singing is outstanding and the six piece live band is rockin’!
As for the cast — HAIR is an ensemble piece but Lily Jones as Dionne is a standout due to her glorious vocals and incredible stage presence. Nicholas Mastrodomenico is an appropriately brash and goofy Berger, Alex Reiser is perfect as the soulful Claud, Jalen Dalton is strong and dynamic as Hud, and Aaron Gabriel Saldana is amusing as Woof.
Sheila is a tough role to play. On the one hand, she is a strong person who is a leader of The Tribe, but, on the other hand, she is allowing herself to be trampled on in her personal life. I’ve never been able to figure out what Sheila sees in Berger. She is sensible and caring and he is maddeningly immature. Danielle Nodelman gives us a gutsy rendition of “Easy to Be Hard.” Somehow, I think her Sheila is going to get over Berger, go back to college, and become a lawyer for a nonprofit! You rock, Danielle!
I have never seen a production of HAIR where Jeanie was the comic lead but, this time around, Stevie Lou Kemp gives us a refreshingly daffy Jeanie and it works! In fact, we need those occasional lighthearted moments. Another welcome break from the action and angst is provided by Talia Rose Mobley and NJ Wingo IV with their beautiful singing of “What a Piece of Work is Man.”
My favorite character in HAIR has always been Chrissy. Emma Theriot is sparkly and vivacious and this is certainly a legit take on the role. Interestingly, the original Chrissy both off-Broadway and on Broadway, tiny gaunt Shelley Plimpton, took a totally different take on the role. As I recall, Shelley sang “Frank Mills” quietly and absolutely deadpan. It was breathtakingly poignant and real.
Doing a guest turn in the show is Bobby Cooke who is adorable and crowd-pleasing as Margaret Mead, studying the hippies. And rounding out the talented and energetic Tribe are Jasmine Fiero, Andrew Giandomenico, Brittney Leigh Morton, and Kendric Warrick.
Set and sound by Chris Cavanagh are fine, and his lighting is thrilling – vivid, varied, and bold.
There are lots of colorful period-referencing costumes by Kari Drozd with individual touches. The love beads were on the clunky side, but the leather sandals, bell bottoms, and headbands were totally groovy!
Long hair is critical to this show and Susan Drozd’s wigs worked very well. Claud’s blonde tresses were particularly realistic-looking and the Afro’s were believable.
I have to confess – I burst into tears during the opening number, Aquarius. I felt like I was coming home again. I hope this generation can finish the job that my generation started. Peace! Love! Freedom! Happiness!
There is sexual content (but not total nudity) and there are a lot of racial slurs in HAIR, so I recommend this show for teens and adults and not children. But this is an explosive and satisfying production and, hopefully, it will inspire Boomers to remember what’s important in life and inspire Gen Zers to get on board.