Gimme Hair

There are some shows that simply seem larger than life. They are the calling cards of a generation, a captured moment in history, expanded and exaggerated for dramatic effect and used to call people back to a different place and time as though time had never marched forward. The 1960s rock musical "Hair" is just this type of show and it is spreading its message of peace, love, and flower power from the stage once again beginning on August 7, 2008.

The hippie musical won't be coming to the Great White Way, but has a scheduled appearance in the Big Apple off-Broadway at the Delacorte Theatre. It's preview shows began on July 22nd, but its official opening is actually slated to occur on August 7th in Central Park.  The run will be extremely limited, with a closing already set for August 17th, so those looking for a chance to journey back in time should secure their tickets as soon as possible.  

This latest rival of the cult classic is true to the original in more ways than one. It is making its first performances at the same place the original did, and it is still hoping that its anti-war message will carry a least a little bit of a punch today as men and women continue to serve tours of duty in a foreign, and war-torn, land.  Perhaps a little bit of distance will show us that "Hair" relied heavily on shocking its audience rather than providing innovation to the theatre. But as an anthem sung by an entire generation, it is certainly worth a second peek.