When it first appeared off-Broadway in October 1967—and on into its original Broadway run in 1968—the “American tribal love-rock musical” was a lightning rod for controversy, thanks to its counter-culture themes and full-frontal nudity. More than 40 years later, Hair still has the ability to rock conformist sensibilities.
Inspired by their friends and acquaintances in the hippie movements of the Vietnam War era, actors James Rado and Gerome Ragni created the alter egos of Claude and Berger to explore the sexual revolution and political activism churning through the time. Composer Galt McDermott added the music to songs that would become a soundtrack for the era: “Good Morning Starshine,” “Aquarius” and the title song, among others.
Plan-B Theatre Company’s Jerry Rapier directs a new production—with all the adult content, including nudity, intact—about a time in which favoring love and individual expression over war and traditionalism was a revolutionary act. Hard to imagine there’s any relevance for today …
Hair @ Egyptian Theatre, 328 Main, Park City, 435-649-9371, June 25-July 25, $22- $25. ParkCityShows.com