Let the Sunshine In!

To commemorate the first post of the blog, I decided to look at a favorite musical of mine that has just started previews today! The Al Hirschfeld Theatre's newest resident is the revival of HAIR: The American-Tribal Love Rock Musical.

With book & lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado and music by Galt MacDermot, HAIR is the defining story of a generation in the 60's dealing with many issues including personal identity, teenage pregnancy, and the Vietnam War. And that is just the beginning. Though not to sound like a show that drags on the sorrowful lives others, HAIR is filled with a vibrant spirit at the dawning of the Age of Aquarius.

The revival of HAIR was first performed over the summer of 2008 in Central Park with free admission. These tickets prices led to people from all over flocking to the park and camping outside all day to receive tickets, which led to many extentions until the end of the summer. And though I (sadly) have never seen this show, I have seen the movie, and have listened to the soundtrack, AND have watched as many videos on the internet as legally possible. This yearning that I have to it extends to many people as this musical is very extensive in reaching my generation, as well as the hippies of 40 years ago. Seeing this connection makes one wonder if this show will help the life of the theatre during these economic times. It is very well known that shows have been closing because of this, and some say the newer shows are "fluff shows" with no internal meaning and therefore ruin the value of broadway. This can be debated (with shows ranging from "Legally Blonde: The Musical" to "Shrek: The Musical"), though the matter of saving broadway can still be questioned. And having this musical, as one that will speak to many people and connect them, is something that will do just that. Save the life of broadway.

Hair started preview today, and will open March 31 with an open-ending. Prices range. GO SEE IT!


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