Date seen: 3/21/09 Matinee
Understudies: Jay Armstrong Johnson (Claude)
I haven't updated this blog in over a year, but visiting New York this weekend prompted a review- the Saturday, March 21 matinee of Hair was an unforgettable experience, and I decided to spread the love, especially with the opening night approaching.
I was not very familiar with the show going in, as it originated with my mom's generation. I feel, however, that the show is extremely relevant in the time of change that we have right now, and I was moved by the characters as they told this very important story. I also had not seen the production of Hair over the summer, so this was my first experience with the show.
The songs, of course, were classic and executed very well. There was the perfect balance of power ballads and upbeat numbers that made you want to dance in your seat. The cast as a whole worked together so well and brought to the stage a real feeling of love. I could tell as an audience member that they all connected well on stage and off, and they gave the production such a sense of community and pride that by the end of the show, I just wanted to be friends with each and every one of them. The sheer talent in this group is enough to draw a crowd- the voices are spectacular, the acting seamlessly believable.
I saw Jay Armstrong Johnson, an understudy, as Claude. At first glance to my playbill, I was a little disappointed that I would not be seeing Gavin Creel, who I'd heard good things about. But all of my doubts were pushed aside immediately, because Johnson did a fantastic job with the role. It was apparently his first day on, which I could not believe. He was so perfectly cast and brought tons of energy and heart to the role. Will Swenson as Berger was both hilarious and heartwarming, a definite favorite. Caissie Levy, who I'd seen in Hairspray, had great vocals and was a really good fit for the part. I was kept laughing by Bryce Ryness playing Woof, who I saw in Legally Blonde over the summer. He was genuine both in character and as himself when I met him both at the stage door and during the show's finale- which I'll get to a little later. Kacie Sheik as Jeannie was also a great performer, bringing both comedy and seriousness at the right moments. The entire group was fantastic, but the standout to me was Allison Case playing Crissy. Even in group numbers, I found myself watching her because of the energy and passion she gave to every moment of the show. She brought the innocence of the character alive and her perfect rendition of "Frank Mills", the only song from the show I was previously familiar with, was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.
I couldn't do a review of Hair and not bring up the nudity, if only for those who are considering that as a factor of whether they should see the show. As a teenager, it wasn't the most comfortable scene, but as an actor, I applaud them for being very tasteful in their execution. It was a powerful moment in the show that I didn't think was awkward or unnecessary; It gave the scene the magnitude it needed. I wouldn't recommend it for young children, of course, but I saw some between 12 and 14 who didn't seem uncomfortable with it.
Of course, there was audience participation. From Berger asking an audience member for money to the cast handing out flyers and flowers as part of their protest, I felt a part of their very energetic and powerful world. I don't want to ruin the ending for those who haven't seen it, but let's just say that "Let the Sunshine In" was the best part of my Hair experience- and was (as I choose to believe) my Broadway debut.
Overall, this is a show that I think is needed right now, and an experience I will never forget. By the end of the last number, I felt so much gratitude towards the cast for bringing the story alive and inspiring the audience. It's a show I would see a million times if I lived in New York, especially because this particular cast has such a sense of ensemble and support towards one another. It is definitely worth the ticket price, for any kind of theatergoer. If you have the chance, take a trip over to the Hirschfeld- it's an experience you will never forget.
