If the Broadway musical “Hair” has you as a Savemart shopper, you can easily get the “Wink-Wink” (the code for “Yes, I’m over 55”) Tuesday discount upon request.
But this production, a powerful, passionate pursuit of peace, love and freedom, remains forever fresh, especially when performed by Sierra Repertory Theatre’s young, engaging, earnest, vibrant and, needless to say, talented cast. The show runs through Sunday, September 29, at Columbia State Historic Park’s Fallon House Theatre.
The musical was released in 1968, a tumultuous time of anti-Vietnam War protests, the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., and the continuing civil rights movement, and was truly groundbreaking, designed to shock and awe.
Sierra Rep’s production still features a fair amount of swearing, but director Jerry Lee has opted to keep the revealing scenes to a minimum (a character’s darkened buttocks in a loincloth) rather than have the entire cast bared, as has been the case in various stage versions over the years. The disclaimer that the show is “recommended for adult audiences and audiences in their late teens with parental supervision” comes as no surprise, as SRT is known for presenting a number of family-friendly productions.
Photo by Matthew Herman
Cast members in Sierra Repertory Theatre’s production of Hair, running at Fallon House Theatre through September 29, 2024.
Created by James Rado, Jerome Ragni and Galt McDermott, Hair was Broadway’s first true rock musical, spawning a soundtrack of iconic songs of the time, including “Aquarius,” “Hair,” “Good Morning Starshine,” “I Got Life” and “Let the Sunshine In.” Powerfully written and boldly performed, the musical showcased social commentary and an exploration of identity, equality, values and activism. In these tumultuous times of social unrest, its ideas and messages remain as poignant, moving and uplifting as ever.
The story follows “The Tribe,” a group of 12 young hippies living in defiance of traditional social norms by embracing free love, unity, self-expression, diversity and music as they explore identity, activism and the search for meaning in a confusing, changing world of conflicting values.
One of the central characters, Claude, is played by the captivating Miguel Laguerre Wilson (most recently seen in SRT’s Route 66, Cinderella and CBS’ The Blacklist). His world changes when he receives his draft card and he is torn between wanting to burn it down like the rest of his group or following his parents’ wishes and serving even if it means killing or dying for his country. His friend and nemesis, Burger, is well played by Collins Rush (most recently seen as Robert in SRT’s The Drowsy Chaperone).
Taylor Tveten (SRT’s “Elvis: The Musical,” “Jersey Boys,” “Sunday in the Park with George”), who plays the flower child Jeannie, is a force of nature with her stage presence and piercing voice weaving nearly every scene like threads of a luminous tapestry. Other ensemble members of a wonderful, diverse and spectacularly cast Erica C. Walker, Tanya J. Simmons, Trey Adair, Kyle Moses, Jackie Thompson, Cameron Chan, Alex Arensalon, Destiny Denee Ellis and Alex Figueroa colorfully showcase their own talents to round out the group and spice up the already psychedelic set.
It’s fun to watch the characters grow and inspire each other, and the singing and dancing is top notch. “We weren’t trying to copy the original — that’s impossible — but we were definitely inspired by the youthful energy, the unapologetic message and the pure magic of it all,” explains SRT Artistic Director Jerry Lee.
Lee said he believes the message in the play is surprisingly deep, spiritual and patriotic, explaining that the characters’ stories and actions depict the spirit of young Americans finding and using their voice.
He added that the show was meant to celebrate life and to remind us that our limited time on earth is a gift that should be spent happily.In fact, at the end of the show this reporter attended, the audience was up in their seats, dancing and singing along with the performers.
Show times through September 29 are noon Wednesdays, 2 pm Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and 7 pm Fridays and Saturdays. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit sierrarep.org.
