Hair (musical)

Introduction

Hair is a rock musical that emerged out of the hippie counterculture movement in the late 1960s. It tells the story of a tribe of politically and socially conscious young people who are searching for love, peace and the ultimate high through sex, drugs and rock n’ roll.

Plot

The plot revolves around a young man named Claude, who is about to be drafted into the Vietnam War. Claude is torn between his loyalty to his country and his desire to end the war and pursue a life of peace and love. Along the way, he falls in with a group of hippies who show him a whole new way of living.

Characters

The show features a diverse cast of characters who embody the ideals of the hippie movement. There’s Berger, the charismatic leader of the tribe who loves to get naked and play pranks. There’s Sheila, a political activist who dreams of a better world. And there’s Jeanie, a pregnant flower child who sings about her love of marijuana.

Music

The music of Hair is an eclectic mix of rock, pop, R&B and even a touch of psychedelia. The show’s most famous songs include “Aquarius”, “Let the Sunshine In”, “Good Morning Starshine” and “Hair”.

Legacy

Hair was a groundbreaking show that pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable in musical theatre. It featured nudity, drug use, and profanity, which was shocking to many audiences at the time. However, it also had a profound impact on the musical theatre world, paving the way for other shows to explore more controversial subject matter.

Criticisms

Although Hair was well-received by many audiences, it was not without its critics. Some felt that the show was too politically charged and didactic, while others found the nudity and drug use to be offensive. In addition, some have criticized the show’s treatment of women, as many of the female characters are objectified and portrayed as submissive to the male characters.

Conclusion

In the end, Hair is a product of its time that continues to be a beloved classic of musical theatre. Its message of peace, love and acceptance is timeless, and its vibrant music and colorful characters continue to inspire new generations of theatre-goers. So let your freak flag fly, put on your bell bottoms and get ready to groove to the sounds of Hair!