Hair (musical)

Hair (musical)
source
Name	Hair
Subtitle	The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical
Music	Galt MacDermot
Lyrics	James Rado, Gerome Ragni
Book	James Rado, Gerome Ragni
Productions	1967 Off-Broadway, 1968 Broadway, 1968 West End, Numerous international and revival productions

Hair (musical). Conceived by James Rado and Gerome Ragni with a groundbreaking score by Galt MacDermot, *Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical* is a landmark work of the counterculture of the 1960s. Premiering in 1967, it became a defining cultural phenomenon for its celebration of the hippie movement, its frank exploration of sexuality and drug use, and its vehement opposition to the Vietnam War. The musical is widely credited with revolutionizing the Broadway form, introducing a new, integrated rock-based sound and establishing the "rock musical" genre, while its iconic songs and themes of peace, love, and personal freedom left an indelible mark on global popular culture.

Background and development

The musical was born from the collaborative vision of actors and writers James Rado and Gerome Ragni, who were immersed in the Greenwich Village scene and sought to capture the spirit of the emerging hippie generation. They brought their ideas to producer Michael Butler, who secured financial backing, and composer Galt MacDermot, whose eclectic fusion of rock and roll, soul, and rhythm and blues provided the revolutionary sonic palette. After initial workshop presentations, the show premiered Off-Broadway at the Public Theater under the direction of Gerald Freedman. The production later moved to the discotheque Cheetah before a radically revised version, directed by Tom O'Horgan, opened on Broadway at the Biltmore Theatre in April 1968.

Synopsis

Set in New York City, the musical lacks a traditional plot, instead presenting a series of vignettes centered on a tribe of politically active, long-haired hippies. The central conflict involves Claude Hooper Bukowski, who receives his draft notice for the Vietnam War and must choose between his pacifist ideals, encouraged by his charismatic friend Berger, and the expectations of his conservative parents from Flushing, Queens. The tribe, which includes figures like the pregnant Jeanie and the exploring Sheila, engages in protests, experiments with drugs like marijuana and LSD, and explores themes of free love, racial integration, and environmentalism, culminating in Claude's symbolic and tragic decision.

Musical numbers

The score by Galt MacDermot features an array of now-iconic songs that transcended the theatre to become anthems of the era. The exuberant opening number "Aquarius" sets the show's utopian tone, while "Let the Sunshine In" serves as a powerful finale. Other standout songs include the rebellious title song "Hair", the lyrical "Good Morning Starshine", the sensual "Black Boys"/"White Boys", the poignant "Easy to Be Hard", and the anti-war ballad "The Flesh Failures". These numbers were popularized internationally by the 5th Dimension and a successful concept album released by RCA Records.

Productions

Following its successful Broadway run, *Hair* spawned a hugely successful West End production at the Shaftesbury Theatre and numerous international productions across Europe, Asia, and Australasia, often facing censorship battles. A major Broadway revival was staged in 1977 at the Biltmore Theatre. The musical was successfully revived in 2009 by the Public Theater in Central Park's Delacorte Theater, a production that subsequently transferred to the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on Broadway, winning the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical and a Drama Desk Award. This revival also toured major venues like the Hollywood Bowl and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Critical reception and legacy

Initial critical reception was divided, with some reviewers from publications like The New York Times criticizing its lack of narrative, while others hailed its vitality and cultural relevance. Its legacy is profound; *Hair* is considered the first rock musical, directly paving the way for shows like Jesus Christ Superstar and Rent. It broke taboos regarding nudity, language, and subject matter on Broadway, expanding the boundaries of the art form. The musical's integration of a racially mixed cast and its potent anti-war message during the height of the Vietnam War solidified its status as a crucial document of 1960s social upheaval. It has been honored with entries into the Grammy Hall of Fame and continues to be studied and performed worldwide.

Adaptations

The most famous adaptation is the 1979 film directed by Miloš Forman, featuring performances by John Savage, Treat Williams, and Beverly D'Angelo, though it presented a significantly altered narrative. A documentary film, *Hair: Let the Sunshine In*, chronicled the 2009 revival. The musical's songs have been extensively covered by artists across genres, and its influence is frequently cited in works about the 1960s. In 2019, a filmed version of the concert staging from the Hollywood Bowl was broadcast on PBS as part of the *Great Performances* series.

Category:American musicals Category:1967 musicals Category:Rock musicals