In 'Hair,' hippies can change the world, one song at a time

There is no better way to kick off a Spring Weekend celebration than with some singing, dancing, world-changing hippies.

Last night the Connecticut Repertory Theater put on a riveting and exciting performance of the rock musical Hair, directed by Gabriel Barre with music by Galt MacDermot.

The musical first made its groundbreaking debut in 1968, right in the midst of the Vietnam War, and became a voice that reflected the actual opinions and events of the 60s. The show is about a tribe of hippies who all have unique qualities, ideas and beliefs about life, but who all unanimously seek change in their world.

The musical follows these characters through their struggles, choices, and fears as they explore their individuality and sexuality, and try to create change in the world.

The production of the musical was incredibly well done. The cast chosen to portray these peace-loving hippies was a talented group.

Made up of mostly theater studies majors, these students sang with power and emotion, and maintained a lasting vivacity that made the show come alive.

Laura Primus, an 8th-semester psychology major, agreed, saying that "the singing is pretty amazing. There is a lot of talent on that stage; it's great."

In addition to the power of the singing, the spectacular array of sounds, color and smoky atmosphere helped create the vision and mood that were important throughout the performance.

The variety of colors emitted from the lights and costumes created dazzling imagery that was also appealing to the eye. Even more incredible was the powerful message that the play evoked.

It is, most of all, a play about a group of young people going through changes in their lives and dealing with the effects that the war has on the country.

Director Gabriel Barre writes, "The characters in this show...are committed truth tellers...[who] believe in the common good...They are bravely and courageously willing to isolate themselves from their families and society to stand up for what they believe in."

They express themselves through protests, by smoking and even by stripping nude.

"It was really interesting," said Jamie Morris, a 2nd-semester exploratory major. "I like musicals so I came to this one, and it was a little confusing ... about the nudity, but I guess it's part of their personalities."

The play is about a movement and it addressed issues that were very real to teenagers in the 1960s: being drafted for war, the red scare, the discrimination against blacks and homosexuals. These are issues that they attempted to comprehend.

Although it's set in the past, the musical is just as relevant today. It reminds everyone of war and young soldiers dying for their country. Teens still rebel against authority. The theme of trying to find one's place in the world is a universal one.

"There is a theme of togetherness, standing up for what you believe in and being true to yourself," said Carolyn Cummings, an 8th-semester theater studies major who portrayed "Crissy" in the show.

"I guess that's what I loved about the show, that everything seems to arise from them all being together and all of us being so close also," she concluded.