THE AGE OF AQUARIUS
RETURNS TO PALM SPRINGS

A vibrant production overcomes a frustrating book

Palm Canyon Theatre’s (PCT’s) productions are always top-notch, with excellent singing, dancing, and acting. Hair, which opened last weekend, is no exception. The musical is a rollicking celebration of the hippie movement of the 1960s which took the theatre world by storm in 1968 because it had given a palatable, exuberant and tuneful voice to the contentious counter-culture revolution (just as Rent and Hamilton did). I do, however, warn people that this was — and to some extent still is — a controversial show.

Confession: I intensely dislike Gerome Ragni and James Rado’s book and lyrics, although Galt MacDermot’s music is fabulous. It frustrates me that there is no real story presented onstage until well after intermission; most of the show consists of a musical revue, albeit an energetic and tuneful one. To the extent that Hair focuses on young people turning on, tuning in, dropping out, getting high, and rebelling against the United States, it can seem dated. Today, activists can be any age, rebellion is largely done online, and smoking marijuana has become mainstream. Those burning flags in the 1960s — assuming they had a flash into the future — would not have understood today’s protesters who carry the flag, often upside down. I also congratulate director Luke Rainey for showing respect for the flag, despite the disrespect of the era depicted. Attitudes have changed significantly since Vietnam — and especially since 9/11 — and most Americans have different views about the flag today.

Leaving aside the weaknesses of the book and lyrics, this is a production many people will want to see — either to relive their youth, to be relieved they have left their youth, or, for those currently in their youth to witness the ridiculous things their parents and grandparents did as youngsters (however, they may relate to the angst that comes with inheriting a societal mess from know-it-all parents). As I said above, this is a fine production. The pacing, courtesy of director Rainey, is perfect. The live musical combo — under the direction of Steven Smith — is a pleasure to hear.

Tegr Powell’s choreography and the execution are also excellent. Powell uses the expert dancers to perform complex routines involving lifts and jumps, while other members of the company execute circles and box steps. It all looks terrific when put together.

The costume designs (courtesy of Derik Shopinski, Virginia Sulick, and Colleen Walker) and prop designs (Jackson Ensler and Se Layne) are fabulous as well. At first, I wondered why there weren’t bell-bottom pants and peace pendants onstage, although there are plenty of floppy maxi dresses, psychedelic patterns, and headbands atop long hair to evoke the sixties. The modern touches are apparently deliberate choices that make the show accessible to younger audiences, who might not immediately recognize the symbols of the 1960s. I loved the projections — a cross between the psychedelic designs of the era and steampunk.

I’m sure most readers are wondering about the famous (or infamous, depending on your point of view) nude scene. It is indeed there at the end of Act I, with most of the performers participating. The stage is darkened, and it is not really possible to see much. It is probably only the cast members who get an actual look at each other. The comedian who once asked a companion at an early Broadway performance whether he noticed if any of the men were Jewish would be quite disappointed here.

So what’s not to love about Hair? Most attendees will indeed get turned on by this exuberant production, and for many it will bring back memories of youth, both good and bad. Despite my complaints about the book and lyrics (I am just one grouchy person), this outing is very fun (you can always let Stage and Cinema know what you think). Go and clap along. Everyone else is.

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photos by Tara Howard

Hair
Palm Canyon Theatre
538 North Palm Canyon Drive, at the corner of Alejo Road
Thurs at 7; Fri and Sat at 7:30; Sun at 2
ends on March 1, 2026
for tickets ($20-$46), call 760.323.5123 or visit Palm Canyon Theatre

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