As you arrive at Civic Theatre for its production of “Hair, hippies cavorting on the sidewalk greet you. Inside the theater, more hippies casually dance and swirl on the stage before the show and at intermission, immersing the audience in the iconic 1960s youth culture.
Then the band starts playing the notes of “Aquarius” and Makenna Copeland offers up her soaring voice on the familiar lyrics “This is the dawning of the age of Aquarius,”and the audience is swept away to another time.
Playful, bold, very cheeky and, at times, brutally serious, Civic’s “Hair” is a giddy ride that demonstrates some things have changed, but many have not in the last six decades. Its themes of protest, identity, and unity remain relevant today.
Civic Theatre presents “Hair: The Tribal Love-Rock Musical” through July 5 at the 19th Street Theatre, 527 N. 19th St., Allentown.
The show follows a tribe of young people searching for truth and belonging amid war, protest, and cultural upheaval.
The show is at it’s most joyous when “The Tribe” are singing, dancing and interacting freely (which is a good part of the show!)
At the center is Liam Thompson’s conflicted Claude, who is drawn to the free-spirited life of the tribe, but has received his draft notice and the threat of violent military service hangs over him.
Thompson’s Claude is appealing and rebellious. He sings gleefully on the iconic title song “Hair” and is truly touching on the harrowing “Where Do I Go?”
Anthony Rizzuto’s Berger is unapologetically brash and cocky as the leader of the tribe and his energy is palpable.
As the visibly pregnant Jeannie, Rachel Kemmerer is sweet and intuitive, often suggesting a wisdom beyond her years. Her “Air” is devastating.
As Sheila, August Fegely is powerful on “I Believe in Love” and “Good Mornig Starshine,” as well as vulnerable on “Easy to Be Hard.”
Melody Portnoy delivers a delightfully kewpie-voice “Frank Mills” and Sarai Misic and Jayden McFaddin are outstanding dueting on “What a Piece of Work is Man.”
Dylan Miller is a lanky Hud whose “Colored Spade” reclaims ownership of racist labels, while Andy Van Antwerp’s goofy Woof extols the virtues of sexual practices in “Sodomy.”
Also nicely done is the sexy, sly trios of Copeland, Arlo Guzman and Nneoma Akpunonu on “White Boys”and Julia Brown, Alyssa Weber and Maiajoy Saldini on “Black Boys.”
As Margaret Mead, Tanner Sheridan delivers a humorous and subversive performance of “My Conviction.”
The tribe’s final scene of “Let the Sun Shine In” is heartbreaking and uplifting.
bold, electric celebration of connection, individuality, and resistance.
William Sanders’ direction provides the right balance of freedom and coherence and music director Steve Reisteter effectively leads the rocking band.
Free-wheeling choreography by Rose Fortkamp and Misic feel right for the era and Rigby Maitico’s costumes perfectly recall the 1960s hippie fashion.
Audiences are advised “Hair” contains mature content, including brief nudity, and is not recommended for audiences under 16. Patrons under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or adult.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. June 26, July 2 and 3; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. June 27; 3 p.m. June 28 and July 5; and 2 p.m. July 4.
For information, call 610-433-8903, or go to civictheatre.com/.