Who needs billionaires like Bezos and Branson getting richer by sending people into space when you can watch Claude, Berger, Hud and the rest of the 1968 gang “walking in space” on earthbound stuff like marijuana and hashish – and singing while doing it?
The Old Globe Theatre, stopped by the pandemic from producing an indoor version of the old hippie musical “Hair” last year, finally got the show on the boards of its outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Stage last night, which had all the ancient hippie dippies like me in the audience in heaven and singing along (behind our masks). The show has already been extended through Oct. 3, but don’t wait to get those tickets.
James Vásquez directs a fabulous cast, several new to me but with Broadway, other New York or London credits, joining many of our favorite local performers. The setting, with the park’s trees in the background, actually adds to the pastoral hippie interests of opposition to the Vietnam War, astrology, togetherness and trying to get in touch with nature. Aiding in these adventures, of course, are the mind-blowing effects of the favored drugs of the period.
The cast plays to the audience by running up and down the aisles now and then to sing or point out what’s happening onstage. And to give us a closer look at those fabulous, colorful costumes by David Israel Reynoso.
One of the major plot points is what the guys will do when those draft notices arrive in their mailboxes. Claude gets the first one. Will he go or burn the draft card?
The political relevance doesn’t stop there. The prevalence of recreational drugs, the attempt to cooperate with (rather than trying to conquer) nature and larger considerations like what really matters in life are all considered here, with humor and sometimes even grace by Galt MacDermot’s music, augmented by the book and lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado.
It’ll keep your toes tapping, if not your voice humming along beneath that mask.
Kudos to this bravura cast, every one of whom adds to the joy of the celebration going on here.
Nyla Sostre’s Dionne opens the show with a lovely rendition of “Aquarius,” setting up the astrological interests of the group.
Tyler Hardwick is excellent as Claude, the leader of the tribe, who insists on using a fake British accent and pretending he’s from Manchester, England when he’s really from Flushing, Queens.
Jaygee Macapugay’s Jeanie just wants a normal life, meaning she wants to marry Claude even though he’s not the father of her soon-to-be-born child.
Alex Joseph Grayson’s Hud is a militant African-American who declares himself to be the “president of the United States of Love.”
Andrew Polec is the free-spirited Berger “looking for my Donna.” Storm Lever’s Sheila is the NYU student and committed activist.
Angel Lozada’s Woof is the agrarian of the bunch who likes to “grow things” (presumably some of them pharmaceuticals), and young Crissy is looking for a boy named Frank Mills.
Kudos to choreographer Mayte Natalio, who keeps everybody moving to some often-astonishing dance steps.
Bravo also to orchestra conductor Angela Steiner and her seven stalwart musicians, who play from various parts of the stage.
These are all people and situations we’re familiar with. And everybody’s looking for something. If you’re looking for a great night of theater, give “Hair” a try.
“Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical” has been extended through October 3, 2021. Prices start at $37.
Tickets available at www.TheOldGlobe.org
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