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How I let My Inner Hippie Loose
1-Nov-2009
Written by: Robert Grandinetti
My mom recently told me, “You definitely would’ve been a
hippie if you were around during the 60’s.” She said, she based
this on my “curious nature” and “the way you think.” I always
saw myself with long hair, participating in protest marches and
embracing the ideas of the love generation.
“Hair” allowed me to get in touch with my inner hippie. I can’t
think of a better time to bring a show back that celebrates
freedom and individuality. Face it; everyday our ideals are pitted
against each other whether it’s about how we live or think. The
characters aka the Tribe reminds us that it’s our differences that
makes us unique. They also remind us that it’s OK to be ourselves
even when we’re not understood by those around us.
I always knew that “Hair” would come back to Broadway. I
didn’t imagine a war would be going on at the same time. The
biggest difference is there are few protests against the current
war. Now, we express our views through the Internet or on talk
radio. I chanted, “Peace now, freedom now” along with the Tribe
as they protested against the Vietnam war. I chanted louder as I
thought about every soldier who has been killed in Iraq and
Afghanistan.
The show’s relevant themes of sex, drugs and race are one
of the reasons behind its current success. They’re issues that are
still being dealt with by today’s youth. Another, is watching how
the Tribe express themselves. I would like to be as carefree as
the tribe’s leader, Berger or as in-your-face direct as the black
militant, Hud. I related mostly to the main character, Claude.
He’s looking for someplace to belong and struggles to make the
right decisions in life. I’m not the only one who has felt this way,
because we all go through this when we’re young and even as we
get older.
I’ve seen “Hair” three times now and it remains the ultimate
theatrical experience for me. Hearing people sing James Rado
and Gerome Ragni’s lyrics and watching them sway to Galt
MacDermot’s music reminded me how music can bring us
together. Then, there’s the cast. They have a special presence
and a contagious energy that is felt by everyone in the theater.
By the end, the walls have been broken down between us
and them and we’ve become one.
I’ve danced on stage during the finale each time I’ve seen the
show. The first time was surreal, the second tine was liberating,
but the third time was special. It was the first time that I looked
at everyone’s faces as I danced through the crowd and they all
smiled at me in return. I saw people of different ages, races
and orientations having the time of their lives. It’s as if the
Tribe expanded in only a couple of hours.
I wish I could’ve been the hippie my Mom envisioned, but
at least I was part of a tribe of them on three separate occasions.
“Hair” openly deals with drugs and sexuality, but that’s not what
I took away from the show. Its powerful final moments reminded
me to always let a light shine through lives darkest moments.
That’s what helped me get through any crisis since and will help
me get through the ones in the future.
“Hair” is now playing at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. 302
West 45th street, New York, NY 10036. Tickets can be
purchased at the theatre’s box office, online or by phone
at (212) 239-6200.
http://www.hairbroadway.com/
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