GOOD MORNING STARSHINE

The opening night of Hair at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood was like attending the most energetic, love-filed performance in which there was nothing but mutual love between the cast and audience.  The cast led by the charismatic and uber-talented Steel Burkhardt (Berger) and Paris Remillard (Claude) knocked every number out of the park sparking enthusiastic applause and cheers from the audience. 

The Hair “tribe” is energetic, unifying and strong.  The energy they emit whether they are onstage in “Oh Great God of Power” or dancing amongst the audience in “Hair” make the show not only entertaining but interactive as well.  Members of the tribe who make their appearance at the Pantages include original Broadway-revival cast members: Burkhardt, Remillard, Allison Guinn (Mother/Buddhadalirama), Kaitlin Kiyan (Chrissy), Josh Lamon (Margaret Mead/Dad), John Moauro (tribe), Darius Nichols (Hud) and Kacie Sheik (Jeanie).

Despite being a feel-good musical that elicits feelings of hope and love, Hair actually tackles some very serious issues like sexual identity, draft card burning and drug use – issues that were seen more than 40 years ago when it first debuted on Broadway.  The essence of the show continues to be relatable and prevalent in 2011 even though some of the details of the issues of today are slightly different.

Pictured: Hair National Tour Company/Joan Marcus

Visually, Hair was a stunning celebration of bright colors, light and staging seen in the dance, costume and choreography under the direction of Diane Paulus and choreographed by Karole Armitage.  This was only enhanced by the music of Galt MacDermot and book/lyrics by Rames Rado and Gerome Ragni (“Aquarius,” “Let the Sun Shine In” and “Good Morning Starshine”). 

There is nothing but high praise and deep appreciation for the Hair tribe in bringing their love-filled-emotional show to LA audiences.  The Pantages Theatre on opening night of Hair, was nothing short of a captivating two and a half hours of an intoxicating love-filled performance (a musical certainly not to be missed).  You will leave the theatre with a silly grin on your face feeling happy and naturally high, and if you don't...keep going back until you do!

Now Playing through January 23, 2011 at the Pantages Theatre (6233 Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles).  For tickets or more information: Broadway L.A., 1-800-982-ARTS (2787) or Ticketmaster Outlets. ($25-$90)

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Gavin Creel (original Broadway revival, Claude)

The touring cast of Hair also continues to support the cause of marriage equality that the Broadway cast supported in the spirit of love and peace.  In virtually every touring city, the tribe stages a fund-raising “be-in” of music and performance and they donate 100% of the proceeds to Broadway Impact to support their efforts in the fight for marriage equality.  The Los Angeles “be-in” will be held Monday, January 10 with shows at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. at Show at Barre (1714 N. Vermont, Los Angeles). General Admission tickets are $25 ticket and a $50 VIP ticket gets first row seating and a signed poster.  For tickets or more information to this “be-in” check their Facebook event page.