Hair Review
I was convinced that I wouldn't like Hair: The American Tribal Love Rock Musical. The original production was before my time and I somehow missed the revival in Central Park. When I asked friends what Hair was about, they made it sound like a bunch of hippies standing around singing in tie-dye and fringe (and like that was a good thing).So as I sat in the orchestra section to watch one of the first performances of Hair on Broadway, as the first few hippies came out in their tie-dye and fringe and started singing, I resigned myself to a long evening.
But it only took a few numbers before the talented cast of Hair totally won me over and pulled me into the story of youth, rebellion, love, and war.
Will Swenson as Berger and Gavin Creel as Claude are mesmerizing as the lead players in the central story of love and friendship. The entire Tribe of performers are high-energy, big-voiced, and engaging. There isn't a weak link in the ensemble.
I almost forgot to gawk at the famous nude scene because I was so caught up in the story and the performances.
The cast members literally jump off the stage to dance in the aisles, climb on the seats, and serenade and pet the audience members. At the end of the show, they pull audience members on-stage to dance with them. If you've wondered what it would feel like to dance on a Broadway stage, this could be your chance.
And then there's the music. At least half of the people in that theater were singing along with every word (including my friend Margot on one side of me and a 60-something suburban housewife on the other). The classic songs hold up after 42 years and will continue to win over new fans every night on Broadway. I'm not a bit surprised that Hair recently won the Tony Award for Best Musical Revival. If you're looking for a night of high-energy Broadway theater, fantastic music, and tie-dye, you can't go wrong with Hair.
See Hair on Broadway
- Get Hair Tickets: Ticket prices range from $37 (for rear mezzanine seats for Sunday evening and Wednesday matinee performances) to $122 and up.
Standing room tickets are just $25 and available at the box office on the day of the performance for shows that are sold out. You can also win $25 seats by participating in the "Be-In Box" Lottery. To enter, show up at the theatre 2.5 hours before the show and add your name to the drawing.
Buy tickets online, via Telecharge by calling 212-239-6200, or by visiting the box office (see address below). - Hair Theatre Location: Al Hirschfeld Theatre, 302 West 45th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues, (212) 239-6200
- Directions: Take the A,C,E to 42nd Street/Port Authority
- Performance Schedule: Tuesdays at 7pm, Wednesdays at 2pm & 8pm, Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm & 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm
- Running Time: 2 hours and 25 minutes, including one 15 minute intermission
- Not for the Kiddies: Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical may not be appropriate for young theatergoers under the age of 13. The production contains scenes that briefly depict profanity, full-frontal nudity, simulated sex acts and simulated drug use. Parental discretion is advised. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre.
