Last night was a trip. I attended the opening of "Hair," the American Tribal Love Rock Musical taking center stage at the Palace Theatre in downtown Cleveland through January 29.
As I sat in an audience filled primarily with fellow boomers, it didn't take long for the show to become a colorful sojourn back to my youth. When "Hair" debuted on Broadway in 1968, it radiated a spirit that clearly defined us, the children of the '60s. The litany of songs from the show we fervently memorized back then ("Aquarius," "Let the Sun Shine In," "Good Morning Starshine" and, of course, the title track) set us apart from previous generations who just didn't understand the messages our music pulsated with: anti-war, pro-peace and environmental awareness — along with plenty of free love!
And it's clear that some 40 years later, many of the views the lyrics express still ring true. Before the show, I chatted with cast member and Kent State University alum John Moauro, who believes in "Hair" as much as my generation did. In fact, before going on tour with the show, he spent six years playing a member of the "Hair" tribe on Broadway and in London's West End.
"The story touches my spirit," the 29-year-old actor says. "The show's messages — those of peace, understanding and never discriminating against anybody — never go out of style."
Heartwarmingly, the torch has been successfully passed.
For "Hair" show times and ticket prices, call 216/241-6000 or log on to
playhousesquare.org.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 by Judy Emmerich
Hi Linda!!!! Went this past Saturday to see "Hair" with my 18 year old grandson. When he found out last month that I was seeing this play, he begged me to get him a ticket to attend if there was an extra. He may not be from this era, but he thoroughly enjoyed ths show as Kathy Whitmore can attest to this as he was dancing and joining in with everything that the crowd was doing.He had seen the movie also and loved it and wanted to see this show also. He may be from the younger generation, but as John Moauro - stated this is something that never goes out of style and the torch has been successfully passed on to the younger generation.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 by Kathy Whitmore
Hair is well worth the trip .. both to the Palace and back to the era it represents.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 by Darleen Koskinen
Nice job, Linda! I can't wait to see it Friday night and introduce the message and music to my young daughter and my son-in-law!