Find harmony in MTS’ ‘Hair’
It’s been 50 years since “Hair” let the sunshine in.
In 1968, the “tribal rock” musical shocked Broadway with an infamous nude scene, biting satire, profanity and a counterculture soul. Its songs became anti-war anthems that crossed over into the pop charts.
At the time, the country was politically divided as the streets erupted in violent protest.
“It criticized war, violence, racism, discrimination of all kinds, sexual repression, pollution and corruption of power,” director Jonathan Dunski said.
Musical Theatre Southwest is reviving the show starting Friday, Nov. 2. It runs on weekends through Nov. 25.
“At the time, audiences had never seen anything like it,” Dunski said. “Not only was it a psychedelic journey and a look at the counterculture; it was not a feel-good musical. It was full of satire long before ‘Saturday Night Live.’
“What’s disturbing is now we’re all more polarized than ever. It’s not only relevant; it’s essential.”
“Hair” tells the story of the “tribe,” a group of politically active, long-haired hippies of the “Age of Aquarius” living a bohemian life in New York City and fighting against the Vietnam War.
“It’s all about the decision the central character Claude has to make –– whether to enlist,” Dunski said.
“All the characters are essentially underwritten, so the actors have to dig in a lot,” he said.
“The rock music was really
more like funk. There’s some rockabilly in there and some good, old-fashioned ballads.” The nude scene remains intact. “It’s really quite a minor part of the trajectory of the show,” Dunski said. “It expresses rebellion and empowerment.”
“Hair’s” quick rejoinders and vignettes led to the creation of the TV show “Laugh-In” two years later, and then its progeny “Saturday Night Live,” Dunski said.
“It is a barrage of lyrics,” he said. “It was the first musical for people with ADD,” he added, laughing.
“Hair” won the Tony Award for best musical in 1969.