Give me down to there – HAIR!
A review of
Peregrine Theatre Ensemble’s
production of
I first fell in love with “HAIR the Musical” (with its famous nude scene) when I saw it at the Aquarius Theater in Los Angeles about 6 months after the Broadway production opened – I was 13, recently Bar-Mitzvahed, but looking so much older that no one stopped me from going in to see it.
Over the years I have seen many a production of “HAIR” – including that weird film version – and most recently the last Broadway revival (twice) and so I consider myself a bit of a #HAIRMAVEN.
Peregrine Theatre’s production of “HAIR the Musical”, now playing thru September 7th 2018 at FISHERMEN HALL (inside Provincetown High School) is one of it’s finest shows to date.
This productions stars a group of unknowns (listed below) who mingle with the audience before the show and during intermission while managing to stay in character as the 60’s hippies they portray.
Director/Choreographer Kyle Pleasant has molded his actors into a ‘Tribe’ rather than a cast which is evident as they move about the audience introducing themselves and being the flower children that their roles portray. Using choreography that feels more organic and spontaneous than rehearsed the piece flows seamlessly from song to song.
Being more of a musical journey than stage musical has always been one of “HAIR’s” greatest distinctions. This 50th Anniversary version’s Musical Director, Matthew Hougland has proved that with musical numbers that evoke the feelings of the 60’s (I was there!) which was an era of free love, psychedelic drugs, rock & roll, draft dodging, draft card burning, and an anti-war/anti government sentiment not dissimilar to today’s politically charged times.
“HAIR’s” cast is the aforementioned group that Peregrine’s creative’s have brought in to be the tribe. Each and every one of the principle cast members shine in their performances as does the Ensemble.
In addition, Gifford Williams’ Lighting Design, Chad Hayduk’s Makeup Design, and Carol Sherry’s Wig Design, are all quite professional and impressive
My only criticisms are technical in nature; Christopher Heilman’s sets are a bit too High School musical for my taste, and the auditorium’s sound system is in desperate need of an upgrade (I am told that this coming year will bring some improvements – donors take note!).
So, dress in your hippie finest, don your peace symbols, put on a flowered hairband, and go see Peregrine Theatre Ensemble’s production of “HAIR the Musical”. It’s as fine as entertainment gets.
HAIR
Book and lyrics by James Rado & Gerome Ragni
Music by Galt MacDermot
DIRECTED BY: KYLE PLEASANT
Musical Direction: Matthew Hougland
July 10th – Sep. 7th 2018
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!
Director/Choreographer Kyle Pleasant
Musical Director Matthew Hougland
CAST
Claude Kevin Lagasse
Berger Jeffrey Kelly
Shelia Daisy Layman
Dionne Rhetta Mykeal
Jennie Lexi Tobin
Chrissy Rebecca Zeller
Hud Nigel Richards
Woof Brendan Williamson
Featuring
Melissa Zeller
Michael Whitty*
Carly Cherone
Alexander Tan
Landon Ebuna
Kelly Hooper
LeVane Harrington
Meridien Terrell*
Julia Solecki
*Dance Captain
The Production team includes: Christopher Heilman Scenic Design; Seth Bodie Costume Design; Gifford Williams Lighting Design; Chad Hayduk Makeup Design; Carol Sherry Wig Design; Brenna Hull Production Stage Manager; Molly Rocca Assistant Stage Manager; Alyssa Krinsky Intern & Social Media; Dusty Cohen Intern & Prop Master; Chanthoeun Hart Varon-Collins Intern and assistant to production; Patron Saint of Peregrine and front of house Carolyn Collins; Artistic Director Ben Berry; Executive Director Adam Berry
