Consumed in boredom this winter break and tired of television, I was very much looking foreword to getting back to school. Not being much of a partier, I could not imagine another day of Netflix-induced “fun.” Then, a shining beacon of hope arose- a chance to go to Hollywood! Lights, energy, people! After being stuck in the suburbs for three long weeks, I needed this badly. I was invited to see the musical “Hair” at the Pantages Theater, of which I knew nothing about. The only detail I was told about the musical was that it was “really good.” With that in mind, “Hair” isn’t for everyone. It’s got nudity (unsuitable for those of innocent minds) and lots of sexual innuendos. That aside, it is a trip back to 1967, a time of turbulence within social and political matters. It’s a musical, to be honest, about hippies. Yes, the ones with the peace signs and tie-dye. “Hair” doesn’t rely however on the brighter side with the mantras of peace and love. Underneath the jubliant songs lies the deep current of going off to war and our identities as American citizens. Rather than feeling outdated, “Hair” manages to still be fresh after all these years.
Described as “the American Tribal Love-Rock-Musical,” the Tony-winning “Hair” combines the best theater has to offer. It has fun, upbeat rock-infused songs, a spectacular talented cast, and a poignant story. The opening number, “Age of Aquarius” is a great start to the show, and mimics the fun to be had. Actors jump around on stage, run through the aisles, and even arouse a few audience members. One of the leaders of the hippie pack, Berger, jumps off stage only to rip off his jeans, revealing a fringe loincloth below. While Berger represents the free spirit prevalent in the 60s, Claude is the deep moral conscience. His parents want him to be a soldier, to be honorable, but Claude is torn. He doesn’t want to go and die in Vietnam, but also doesn’t wish to disobey his parents. While the others carelessly burn their draft cards, Claude refrains, clearly struggling with his decision to go to war.
While drafts don’t pose a threat in 2011, “Hair” still resonates with the context of our war today. In war we are forced to face with reality, while enjoying life as it comes seems to be the fairer option. “Hair” chooses to focus on the latter with its infectious free sprit of music and well being. It is an uplifting, sad, and rambunctious musical all wrapped into one. In the end Claude, now rid of his long hair and frayed jeans, lays across an American flag clad in his army uniform as the euphoric “Let the Sun Shine In” plays in the background, refusing to go unheard. Amid the drugs, sex, and love for world peace, “Hair” defines an era that became known as the turbulent sixties. The sixties did have peace and love, but also spirituality, sexual freedom, drug use, and pacifism. To sum up all the bits and pieces of the musical, I have one word for you- hair. Whether worn loose and wrapped in a braid, hair, oddly enough, represents the freedom of 1967. The freedom to speak your mind and protest what you believe is wrong.
