Hair Apparent (Page 2/2)
I have a few clear (well, kind of clear) memories of that production of Hair:
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It started with the lights low. Some of the actors
made their way down to the stage through the audience by stepping on the
arms of the chairs. Others climbed down cargo netting to the stage.
Then the opening strains of Aquarius could be heard. It was very
magical.
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I also remember the nude scene. I remember this mainly
because, given all of the controversy and hype, I was surprised to find out
how tame it was. At the end of the first act the actors went under a
parachute and disrobed. As the music ended they emerged from openings
in the parachute and stood quietly facing the audience on the dimly lit
stage. Then the lights went down and the act ended. The
controversy was definitely much ado about nothing.
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At the end of the play I remember an exuberant performance
of Let the Sun Shine In. The actors filtered out into the audience and
some of the audience took the stage. Some of the women were walking
through the aisles hugging and kissing members of the audience.
Fortunately, I had an aisle seat and made sure that I wasn't left out.
Of course, 2009 is not 1970, and I'm 60, not 21. Despite
that, last night's performance did not come off as a parody, but was a
well-executed production that was faithful to the spirit of the original.
It didn't have the magical start of the 1970 show and there was no nude scene,
but the songs were performed very well and the actors were into their roles.
We all had a great time.
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