The groundbreaking production of "Hair" begins Wednesday April 29th, at Memorial Auditorium.
When the words flower power, free love, and rock musical fuse, we get the trailblazing of production Hair, which started its run at Montclair State on April 29. Set in the 1960s, the musical bridges generations and contrasting viewpoints, depicting American culture at a crossroads. From politics to personal expression, the production deals with politically active characters struggling with identity and social activism.
As a benchmark of 1960s hippy counterculture, Hair is well known for its musical numbers “Aquarius” and “Good Morning Starshine” and also for its controversial nude scenes, but the production was selected to challenge student actors and audiences alike. “We chose this musical because we strive to create an eclectic program for our students, to explore many genres, especially because the musical is so relevant to present day,” says Professor Clay James of the Department of Theatre and Dance.
James, who served as production supervisor, not only worked to fully immerse students as actors portraying characters living in 1968, but as scholars learning about the era. The student actors studied the era’s political climate, from the U.S. military’s institutionalized drafting to the demonstrations against the Vietnam War. Because the musical handles these themes with great detail, it was crucial that the students have a solid understanding of the period. For this reason director Gary John La Rosa also prepared students extensively with historical background materials well before rehearsals even began.
Theatre student McGregor Dalton who plays Berger, "the tribe leader," felt that the research study was essential in preparing for the role. "Along with reading and watching documentaries of that era, I also thought of social and political issues of today that fire me up personally, and translated that into my character," says Dalton. As an actor, he found the role of Berger at times challenging because the character is so outrageously outspoken and impulsive, but it "has changed my point of view because I am just a freshman getting to play alongside some seasoned upperclassmen. Seeing how professionally and efficiently my older peers work, has pushed me to do the same," says Dalton about his experience in the cast.
Director La Rosa and choreographer Patrice Dlugos had full license to work without restrictions in regards to the subject and material, giving students the opportunity to work in a production free from creative limitations. La Rosa, who is directing the musical for the first time, had “always been fascinated by it because of its drive and energy” as he described it, where “a challenge was to bring the production to life, to prevent it from feeling nostalgic or a like period piece.” He worked with the company of 29 student actors to approach the musical with passion, and asking them to to feel as though they were living as citizens of the era.
In keeping current with the original production, the scenes of profanity and nudity “were handled respectfully,” says James, where characters were consistent in demonstrating their freedom of expression and political views in response to the political turbulence they saw around them.
Because the musical possesses a strong quality of spontaneity, students also performed within an atmosphere that both reflected their extensive preparation and practice, as well as acting “in the moment.” From the look of the stage and set, to the movements of the actors and the songs performed, the production is meant to capture the vibrant energy and spirited essence of the 1960s.
Another key element in cultivating the themes and captivating the audience was to develop deep trust among the cast of actors, particularly because of the musical’s strong themes and content. “As a teacher and a director, it’s very important we create a bond and a feeling that everyone is important and special,” says La Rosa, where working with Montclair State students is “enjoyable because they’re students passionate about creating art, and love working in theatre.”
