Aryn Sanderson
arts@mustangdaily.net
Does a futile war, a disappointed younger generation and an outrageous anti-establishment movement sound a little too familiar? “Hair” — a groovy musical jam-packed with sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll — will hit the Christopher Cohan Performing Arts Center tonight.
“We have found a much younger audience coming to see this production of ‘Hair,’ so we are especially thrilled to be coming to San Luis Obispo,” national marketing director of “Hair” Anne Dailey Meyer said.
“Hair” tells the story of politically active youths bent on sticking it to “The Man.” The Tony Award-winning musical follows a group of flower children as they rebel against Vietnam conscription, their parents’ conservative ways and societal norms.
“This is the original rock musical,” director of Cal Poly Arts Steve Lerian said. “It’s a fantastic period piece and almost an anthropological look at a time in our history.”
Prudes, be warned. This is not your grandma’s musical.
“Hair” is a whirlwind of hippie counterculture and sexual debauchery. During the course of the performance, characters smoke marijuana, take hallucinogens and allude to orgies. Hype and hoopla also surround “Hair” for featuring moments of full-frontal nudity.
“It needs to be performed in its original form,” Lerian said. “It will not be censored. It’s not a huge deal, but it’s definitely not for kids.”
But don’t assume this musical is all raucous radicalism, joint hits and free love. “Hair” gave voice to a controversial social movement, and several of the songs became anthems of the anti-Vietnam War peace movement.
Though “Hair” sprung from a different generation, many of the issues it addresses are still relevant today. While topics such as homosexuality are less taboo than when “Hair” debuted on Broadway in 1968, the musical’s central message — make love, not war — remains applicable.
Psychology freshman Olivia Einbund saw “Hair” with her family when she was in seventh grade.
“At first, I thought it was just about a bunch of hippies with chill hair, but then I realized it had a deeper meaning,” Einbund said. “It touches upon the struggles of war and the effects of the draft. The modern world is still grappling with issues like war and peace and government versus society.”
“Hair” will take attendees on a trip through the psychedelic ’60s, highlighted by recognizable tunes “Age of Aquarius” and “Let the Sun Shine In.”
The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and is currently sold out. Student rush tickets will not be available. However, Lerian said students might be able to buy discounted tickets at the door.