“Hair”

***** For those who recall the “Sixties”, and I am one of them, it was a time that brought protest to the world. It was during that period that “Hair”, the American tribal love-rock musical with a book and lyrics  by Gerome Ragni & James Rado, with music by Galt MacDermot, It was a turbulent time with an unwanted war ( Viet Nam) and many of us being sent to battle in a war that we did not believe was “ours to fight”. It was a time of protest and perhaps the very beginning of true protest marches and exploring  the development of a counterculture.

While “Hair” is classified as a musical play ( over 30 songs), it is more of a concert with more music than actual words. In fact, one might call this a “rock opera”. The characters in “Hair” are young men and women who have chosen to band together, forming a type of community or family where they feel safe and comfortable. Burning draft cards and bras as well as the American flag, was almost a weekly routine. Directed by Brennan Urbi one can feel the tension in the air as one enters the Chopin Theatre. It is different!

The theater ( mainstage) has been rebuilt. It doesn’t look like a theater, but instead walls, levels and unique seating areas, allowing some patrons to be in the action while others clearly observe it. Seeing as “Hair” was indeed a protest musical, they are creating a more modern version as they ask the audience to participate in writing their own protests on the walls and tables, and at the end of the first act, look for some protest signs that will make you think about how our world today relates to that time in our history.

I know that many people will be anxious to see how they handle the end of the first act, but I want you to know that what they do is special, very special and thought-provoking.

There are some 20 cast members in this slick production and it seems that every one of them is featured at one point or another.The main ones to the story are Berger (Zac Richey), Claude (Gavin Rhys),Sheila ( Catherine Rodriguez O’Conner), Crissy ( Amy Yesom Kim),Dionne (Chosen Mitchell) , Woof (Stone TeSelle, Jeannie (Nicki Rossi) and Hud (Joshua Emmanuel). The ensemble members ( I hope I have them all, as they were dynamite) are Diana Marilyn Alvarez, Caitlin Dobbins, Shayla Florence, Isadora Coco Gonzalez, Wolfie J , Mateo Palm, Quinn Simmons, and Kijani X. I have seen many of these performers in other ensemble roles over the years, and one even doing children’s theater, and was witness to a different side of their talent in this production.

The technical aspects of this production are powerful with lighting (G.”Max” Main IV) and sound ( Matt Reich) that play a great role in bringing focus where Urbi wants your eyes. The costumes are very 1960’s, and the band, conducted by Kara Olander, brings the sounds of the 60’s to life. Rachel Sypniewski’s costumes are also right on! I graduated from high school in 1960, and there was a period in my life when I dressed a bit as they do in this show. Lauren Ramos handles the props. For those of you who might come for the nudity, there is a different twist, and yes, there will be a little. You want to come for the music:”Aquarius”, “I Got Life”, “Good Morning Starshine”, and of course “Hair”. Just think, over 60 years later you can see how history can repeats itself ( or not), in this slick production that Kokandy Productions has dusted off for our viewing pleasure.

“Hair” will continue thru September 13th with performances as follows:

Thursdays   7:00 p.m.

Fridays        7:00 p.m.

Saturdays    7:00 p.m.

Sundays      5:00 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased by going to kokandyproductions.com 

or bit.ly/HairChicago

or call box office at 773-278-1500

The Chopin Theatre is located at 1543 West Division Street ( Milwaukee Avenue/Division/Ashland)

There is street parking and a few dining spaces in walking distance of the theater, where beverages are available.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up, and click on “Hair”.