What If? Productions latest musical ‘Hair’ is a magical celebration of life and love
By Mark A. Leon
Film and theater have a social responsibility and a cinematic platform to bring to life the essence of existence in all it spectral layers. It brings us to the trenches of tears, the heights of happiness, the infectious virtues of laughter and the heartbreak of want and loss. This medium has touched our soul and the latest production by What If? Productions is no exception.
What If? Productions, in partnership with Queen Street Playhouse have brought to Charleston a personal celebration honoring the 50th anniversary of the release of ‘Hair’. This play takes place in the turbulent 60’s in New York City when the country was turn between love and war. The 1960’s were a decade of division fueled by protest, calls for change and violence. Struggles existed centered around war, drugs, segregation and equality. In the heart of this madness spurred a motley group of friends that chose peace, love, sexual openness and acceptance. At the time, they were categorized as the counter-culture.
During the heart of the Vietnam Conflict, they banded together to restore faith and a sense of community centered around the idea of choosing love over war.
The play is filled with uncertainty and compromise as each character faces their own truths and challenges fighting the establishment to be the people they want to be. This sex charged musical production brings the crowd to moments of ovation and cheer. As the pronounced anthem states in the beginning and to its hauntingly beautiful end, “Let the sunshine in…”. From the very beginning, the audience is brought in as part of the journey.
The poignancy of this production goes deeper than the beautiful lyrics, dialogue, costumes, sets and direction; the heart of all this is the message of true love as our guiding force.
In theater, life and art can bleed together. During rehearsals, stars Rebecca Weatherby (Sheila) and Michael Okas (Claude) became engaged in real life and that true embrace of love showed so clearly during their interactions on stage.
Xan Rogers, as Berger, shined with transparency, humor and a zest for all things. His prominence on stage defined his role as the community leader. Though flawed and often vulnerable, Berger showed a level of empathy that drew all to him.
Complimented by an ensemble cast whose embraced and became part of the culture of the 60’s, ‘Hair’ is a declaration of love.
50 years later, we still struggle to find goodness in mankind. We long for moments of kindness and extraordinary sacrifice. Deep beyond the media and sensationalism are stories of humanity, virtue and kindness. These stories, though not touted, are the backbone of existence.
Kyle Barnette, in his spirited direction, exposes those moments of goodness. Even in tragedy, love does rise once again from the ashes and teaches us that alone we are wandering without direction, but together, there is hope for a better today.
‘Hair’ at its core, is a celebration of unconditional acceptance; of lifestyle, belief, tenderness and love. It is the core of peace; the cornerstone of meaning and the one thing that will always conquer the mighty weapons of man.
Go see ‘Hair’. Not for just inspired performances, the beautiful voices in musical harmony, the incredible costume design, but the message of hope.
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Photos Courtesy of What If? Productions
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