“Let The Sun Shine” on 410 West 42nd Street
“Hair” The American Love-Rock Tribal Musical – a compelling, truly engaging trip back in time to the early 70’s! Though falsely presumed to lack sincerity and professionalism because of its “off- Broadway” character, it is a production that undoubtedly outshines most of what we are offered “On Broadway” these days.
On September 9th, the young actors and actresses of the Real Theater Company seemed to have put every last bit of their undying passion for the theatre and evident affection for the ensemble into the final performance of “Hair” at the Acorn Theatre on West 42nd Street, to create an experience for their audience that was nothing less than breathtaking. The Acorn Theatre transformed from a sophisticated public theatre into a 1970’s Hippie joint filled with enthralling 70’s sounds like “Let the Sun Shine”, drugs, free-love, dance, neon colors, nudity, actors swinging off of platforms and most electrifying of all, the audience was involved in every aspect of it.
Virtually there was no line drawn between cast and audience. As one entered the theater, one gladly found a member of the “Black Foot Tunkashila Tribe” on their seat, passing out flower seeds and flower stickers. Instantly the audience was encouraged to take an active part in the show. Actors were crawling over seats and dancing through the rows, finding their way to the stage as the first song, “Aquarius”, started. While the professionalism during the songs, reflected in the strong vocals sung by many quite young actors and actresses, was certainly evident, the compelling portrayal of the mentality and atmosphere, that was unique for the Hippie movement in the early 1970’s, was striking. Sitting in the audience space, one completely felt put back into a time where the expressing of free love, the empowerment of the people and the drug-abusive, carefree mentality shared by most followers of the Hippie movement were defining. To the sophisticated, more critical audience’ favor many serious political and social issues, which are surely relevant today, were included as well.
The social and political issues of the 1970’s were defining for the time period era – indisputably something that could not have been left out of the story. One witnessed the tormenting consequences on of the major characters, Claude, beautifully performed by Logan Hall, the draft for the Vietnam War had on him and his relationship to his fellow Black Foot Tunkashila Tribe members. The racial and gay material that was included in the show and continuously brought up throughout, open one’s eyes to the newly found freedom of expression and acceptance many people found during this stimulatory period. After all “Hair” is a show with many facets. It’s a political piece. It’s a period piece. It’s a big, bang up rock musical. It’s a dramatic piece, that, if done right, is truly moving. This production was certainly done right!
“Hair” is one of those musicals that any theatre lover should add onto their repertoire. It is a riveting show that both entertains and educates. During the almost 2 and a half-hour long performance, I cannot recall one single moment where I wasn’t connected to the story or drawn in by the outstanding performance of the 22- member ensemble. Confidently I would recommend the off-Broadway production of “Hair” to anyone who is on the hunt for a refreshing, entertaining theatre experience in which one is welcome to let loose, have fun and spend two hours to experience what it was like to be a member of the Black Foot Tunkashikla Tribe in the raving 70’s! Though unfortunately September 9th was the final performance of “Hair”, the Acorn Theatre hosts many acclaimed shows and venues throughout the season. “The NY Musical Theatre Festival” running now through October 7th might be worth peaking in, if it is even slightly similar to its antecessor “Hair”.
September 23rd, 2007 at 5:34 pm
“Hair” certainly sounds like an exciting and interactive performance. I would have loved to have seen it. I remember just how much I wished I could have sat on the stage, as a select few were allowed to, at Spring Awakening. In this musical, the whole audience is allowed that experience.