HAIR EXPLODES WITH ECSTACY AT SIGNATURE
The 1967 “American Tribal Love-Rock Musical” Hair, currently at The Signature Theatre through July 7 and directed by Matthew Gardiner, is an explosion of emotion, iconic music, dance, and nostalgia.
Amanda Lee (Dionne), Jordan Dobson (Claude) and the cast (Daniel Radar)
The timing of the show is impeccable. Over half a century after the hippies of the 1960s were protesting the war in Vietnam, the world is now embroiled in protests over horrific wars in the Middle East and the Ukraine. So not too much has changed. Or has it?
Noah Israel (Woof), Mason Reeves (Berger), Keenan McCarter (Steve) (Christopher Mueller)
One of the glaring differences is the amount of hope and naivete in society at the time when Hair first made it to Broadway. While in the 1960s, young people believed in equality and love even while facing racism, sexual oppression, and the tight reigns of a conservative society, liberal youth of today are a bit more cynical in the wake of climate change, the uptick of authoritarianism, and gun violence.
Jordan Dobson (Claude) (Christopher Mueller)
Hair succeeds in bringing us back to a more innocent time, where indulgence in free love and expression, and yes, illegal drugs, made for a simpler, less complicated era. It was the Age of Aquarius, as the opening song goes. The dawning of a new age of enlightenment and a desire for collective change. “An age of harmony, egalitarianism and understanding following the Age of Pisces, which valued money, power and control,” according to the theatre’s program.
Olivia Puckett (Sheila), Jordan Dobson (Claude), Mason Reeves (Berger) (Christopher Mueller)
Signature’s production is incredibly joyful, despite the plot’s undercurrent of the realities of the mandatory draft into war. The characters sing and dance their way into our hearts; it’s only self control that keeps patrons — some of whom said they saw the original production on Broadway – from singing the lyrics out loud and tapping their feet on the floor. Galt MacDermot’s music remains infectious, robust and exceedingly harmonious, and the lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni still manage to be pleasantly stimulating and often poetic.
Noah Israel (Woof) (Daniel Radar)
The show begins even before the actors enter, with propaganda newsreels touting the benefits of being a soldier and one’s duty to serve (video designer Patrick W. Lord). Young men are seen traversing jungles in military garb with rifles and climbing over walls in basic training. Teens recite the Pledge of Allegiance and an announcer questions “What makes a man?” The answer, he implies, is serving your country.
The company of HAIR at Signature Theatre (Daniel Radar)
Only then does Claude (the outstanding and sensitive Jordan Dobson), complete with dreadlocks, step cautiously onto the stage; after he lights a cigarette, inhales slowly and blows out the smoke luxuriously. It is Claude’s battle to fight, even before he gets to Vietnam. His battle is an internal one — should he accept the draft or burn his draft card as do all his friends? Dobson is especially powerful in the soul-searching and soulful Act I closer, “Where Do I Go?” Jordan is the plot’s focus but doesn’t take away from the extraordinarily talented “tribe” of long-haired, peace-loving hippies with whom he associates.
Soloman Parker III (Hud) (Christopher Mueller)
Powerhouse singer Amanda Lee, as Dionne, belts out the first song, “Aquarius,” with smooth, formidable vocals that will give you goosebumps. Her first note lets you know what a dynamic performance you’re in for. Her a capella rendition of “Let the Sunshine” is equally mesmerizing.
Mason Reeves (Berger) (Christopher Mueller)
Another strong lead is the mesmerizing Mason Reeves as Berger, one of Claude’s best friends who promises to smuggle him to Canada to avoid the draft; he’s going to deal with everything by “just staying high.” Reeves’ commanding presence is lovable, as he rips off his pants, reveals a loincloth, and refers to himself as a “psychedelic teddy bear.” His energy and acting prowess is electric.
The company of HAIR at Signature Theatre (Christopher Mueller)
Of course these tribe members lived their own contradictions, as shown in the beautiful and iconic song “Easy to Be Hard” (made famous by Three Dog Night). Berger hurt his girlfriend Sheila’s feelings and she, played by the talented vocalist Alex De Bard, sings out “How can people have no feelings/How can they ignore their friends? … Especially people who care about strangers/Who say care about evil and social injustice/Do you only care about the bleeding crowd/How about a needy friend/I need a friend.”
Mason Reeves (Berger) (Christopher Mueller)
What made Hair so controversial in the late 60s – its profanity, its depiction of the use of illegal drugs, its treatment of sexuality, its irreverence for the American flag, its nude scene, and its racially integrated cast – is less controversial now. But although the ways we fight against injustice today may have changed, the fights for “the bleeding crowd” are just as important. Hair is just as relevant today as it was 57 years ago.
Hair
Signature Theatre
MAX Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave in Arlington, VA
ends on July 7, 2024
for tickets, call 703-820-9771 or visit Signature