‘Hair’ unimaginably astounding

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By Aimee Pitre

Audience members, prepare to be blasted to the past.

Swine Palace’s 40th anniversary “Hair” production may be the best performance at LSU yet.

“Hair” is a sensational production that focuses on the youth of the peace and love movement. The play follows Claude, a young hippie with blond flowing locks, and his friends in the tribe.

As Claude faces the upcoming draft for the Vietnam War, the audience is taken back in time to New York City in 1968. Though the production lacks no true, set plot, it perfectly displays the trials and tribulations much of America’s youth faced in the 1960s. Steven Young’s portrayal of this historic Broadway phenomenon is right on the money. In addition, the costumes, music and set truly added to the “Hair” world of sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll.

The cast of “Hair” did an outstanding job. The audience was blown away from the beginning with the opening song, “The Age of Aquarius.” The talent in both acting and musical ability was unexpected and greatly appreciated. Before the play even began, actors interacted with the audience within the seats and on stage.

It was easy to imagine a world far beyond Baton Rouge. With issues including racism, homosexuality, cross-dressing and severe drug use, the cast never skipped a beat. The dancing as well was perfectly integrated with both storyline and set design. The choreography, by Molly Buchmann, was wonderfully pleasing.

Musical numbers were back to back to back and covered every square inch of the venue. Colors and actors were moving all over the place throughout the entire performance. It is impossible to see everything “Hair” offers without going to see the play at least a second time.

In addition, the musical ability was easily one of the strongest attributes of the “Hair” cast. Besides the live band located beyond the set, several cast members played many different instruments throughout the musical numbers. The singing was both breathtaking and poignant.

The costumes and accessories were appropriate and aided in setting the scene for the “Hair” world. Picket signs, incense and light effects were only a few of the effective aspects that facilitated the success of this amazing production.

Potential audience members should be warned. The production includes drugs, racial slurs, religious insults and nudity. Again, these features only add to the entire scene of “Hair.”

This “Hair” production cannot be missed. The cast, director, costumes and musical energy is integrated flawlessly. Sure to be a favorite by all who see it, Steven Young’s rendition of “Hair” may be the best performance LSU has ever offered.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.swinepalace.org, by calling (225) 578-3527, or by stopping by the Swine Palace during the day. Ticket prices are $12 for LSU student, $19 for LSU faculty/staff and senior citizens and $28 for adults.

Show Dates and Times:

4/23, 4/24, 4/25, 4/26, 4/29, 4/30, 5/1, 5/2, 5/3 at 7:30 pm

4/27, 5/4 at 2:00 pm

Originally Published: Issue 605 - April 23, 2008

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