[NEohioPAL]Berko review: 'HAIR' (Cain Park)

[Roy Berko]

‘HAIR’ at Cain Park, more affect then effect, but
audience pleasing

Roy Berko

(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)

--THE TIMES NEWSPAPERS--

Lorain County Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News
Times--Olmsted-Fairview Times	


When ‘HAIR,’ now in production at Cain Park’s Alma
Theatre, opened on Broadway in 1968, it was the
musical that best mirrored the life and times of the
60s...the anti Vietnam war movement, free love, the
hippie crusade, nudity, breaking of traditional
values, anti-establishmentarianism and the rise of
rock and roll.  It mirrored a generation that would
not blindly be led, who burned draft cards and bras in
order to express their views of what was wrong with
the U. S. political and social system. In fact, it was
subtitled, “The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical.”  

The book and lyrics for ‘HAIR’ were written by Jerry
Ragni and Jim Rado with music by Galt MacDermot.  
Memorable music it is.  The score contains such hits
as “Aquarius,” “Donna,” “Hashish,” “Manchester,
England,” “I Believe in Love,” “Air,” and  “Good
Morning Starshine.”

The original production was directed by Lorain-native
Gerald Friedman, who at one time served as Artistic
Director of the Great Lakes Shakespeare (Theatre)
Festival.

The show challenged many norms held by Western society
at the time. It caused controversy.  Much publicity
was provoked by the Act I finale which included
nudity. (The Cain Park production does not contain
that misunderstood scene.)  Many thought the nudity
was included as a shock factor.  It achieved that, but
its purpose was much more.  It was a statement of
exposure.  It allowed the cast, as the characters, to
express the statement of being exposed...exposed to
the controls of the time.  The were living restricted
lives where they were forced to go fight a war that
they didn’t believe in, living lives according to
customs they didn’t like,  including that they should
not have long hair, needed to wear conservative
clothing, had their political voices taken away from
them (they were too young to vote, but old enough to
be drafted.)  It was Ragni and Rado’s tool for
shocking societies’ sensibilities into an awareness of
the limiting of a free voice, the freedom to do and
act as each person wanted.

Because of the show’s burning of the American flag
(omitted in the Cain Park production) and the course
language used (included in the Cain Park version), a
case against the production went all the way to the U.
S. Supreme Court.  The court’s decision not to censure
the show ended many of the rules of censorship. 
(Ironically, the flag burning issue has again
surfaced.)

The show actually has a weak book.  The major story
line, which concerns whether Claude, who has received
his draft notice, will go into the service, doesn’t
enter the production until late in the first act.  The
first part of the show lays exposition to the
politically-active views of a group of long-haired"
Hippies of the Age of Aquarius."  Ultimately, Claude
goes to Vietnam and is killed.

There have been revivals of the play due to what many
feel are its parallel message to the war in Iraq and
the comparable political deviousness of the Nixon and
Bush administrations.  A thoughtful evaluation,
however, reveals some parallels, but great
differences.  There is no universal draft today. 
There is no above or underground movement to overthrow
the administration, as was the case in the 60s.  There
have been no Kent State riots, mainly small peaceful
demonstrations.  It is also probably why, there is a
disconnect in the Cain Park production.

The Cain Park cast, though the actors are filled with
enthusiasm, don’t seem to “get it.”  They play
characters, they do not populate the roles.  Only
Mitch McCarrell, as Claude, seems to have a real grasp
of the implications of what the characters are doing,
what their actions represent…a total dedication to a
cause.   This generation doesn’t have the experiences
of being parts of “causes.”  They haven’t put their
physical and emotional lives on the block like the
anti-war activists, the freedom fighters, and the
women’s libbers did.  

Now, don’t get me wrong.  The production, as directed
by Victoria Bussert, is an audience pleaser due to its
fine musical sounds, enthusiasm and creative settings,
but it misses the message mark.  It is a production of
affect, not effect.  It looks great on the surface,
but fails to develop the underlying message of the
times it represents.  This may not be obvious to the
average audience member, many of whom didn’t live
through the
put-your-life-on-the-block-rebels-with-a-cause years. 
 Those who look at theatre as a means of
entertainment, not as a means to teach and reflect
important messages, will love the show.  Others will
be troubled by the lack of message depiction.

Janeice Kelley-Kitely’s choreography is outstanding. 
There are no dance numbers, per se.  Instead the
scenes are movement segments.  Highlights are “Black
Boys,” “White Boys’ and the intriguing “Walking in
Space.”  

The cast puts out full efforts.  Phil Carroll, makes a
strong physical presence as Berger.  Benji Reid
handles the role of Woof well.  Libby Servais, is
plaintive as the pregnant Jeanie.  Kayce Çumming’s
vocal version of “I Believe in Love” is strong though
her “Good Morning Starshine” lacks the needed vocal
texturing.  The chorus sings well. 

Jeff Herrmann’s set and lighting designs work well. 
Matthew Webb’s musical direction is excellent. 
Charlotte Yetman’s costumes are generally era correct.


CAPSULE JUDGEMENT: ‘HAIR’ is an audience pleasing
production which has all the veneer needed to
highlight the show’s songs, but misses the mark in
keying the emotional and historical impact of the play
as it represents the era from which it comes.

“HAIR’ runs through August 20 at the Alma Theatre in
Cain Park.  For tickets, which call 216-371-3000.  
The show is likely to sell out so don’t delay in order
seats.


Roy Berko's web page can be found at www.royberko.info.  His theatre and dance reviews appear on NeOHIOpal, an on-line source.   To subscribe to this free service via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.fredsternfeld.com/mailman/listinfo/neohiopal.

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