[NEohioPAL] LAND OF CLEVE REVIEW: 'Hair' at Blank Canvas Theatre is a Harmonious Gathering of Talent

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LAND OF CLEVE REVIEW:
'Hair' at Blank Canvas Theatre 
Offers Peace, Love, and Understanding 
in a Harmonious Gathering of Talent


Hair exploded on the theatre horizon 47 years ago, and it is surprising how this psychedelic show from the Sixties still resonates in today's turbulent times. Director Patrick Ciamacco and his creative team at Blank Canvas Theatre have once again delivered a triumphant and thought-provoking production in their 78th Street Studios venue. He collaborates with choreographer Jessie Cope Miller, costume designer Luke Scattergood, music director Brad Wyner, and assistant music director Lawrence Wallace to weave a seamless tale that transports us all back in time to the flower-power era.

The dynamic director has also cast the show to perfection, much like he did with the group's last offering, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Each performer in Hair is charismatic, compelling, and completely credible as a rebel with a cause. Scott Esposito is alternately tender and tormented as Claude, whose decision whether or not to dodge the draft becomes the focal point of the show. Nicky Belardo goes "balls to the wall" as wild and woolly Berger, always pushing everything (and everyone) to the limit. Jessie Cope Miller sparkles as Sheila, the assertive yet sensitive female caught between the two, and her "Easy to Be Hard" solo is definitely a highlight of the show.

Hair is so rich and thick with songs that each ensemble member gets their moment to shine. The talented Tribe includes Tonya Broach as Dionne, Devon Settles as Hud, Becca Frick as Jeanie, Trey Gilpen as Woof, and Neely Gevaart as Chrissy, along with Wesley Allen, Andrea Belser, Roderick Cardwell II, Venchise Glenn, Shannon Hubman, Joanna May Hunkins, Jillian Mesaros, Kate Leigh Michalski, David Turner, and Joe Virgo...





Read the full review at:


http://inthelandofcleve.blogspot.com/2014/08/cleve-review-hair-offers-peace-love-and.html

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