Rousing 'Hair' revival a snapshot of an era

“Hair” does not rank among the world's great musicals. Influential, yes. Where would “Rent” and its bohemians be without “Hair” and its Tribe? Popular? Absolutely, some of its tunes have earned places in the pop music canon. But great? Not so much.

And yet the Broadway tour of this 2009 Tony Award winner for best musical revival that opened Wednesday at Chicago's Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre is a truly great time.

Credit for the rousing, multifaceted revival of the loosely plotted 1967 “American Tribal Love-Rock Musical” by Gerome Ragni and James Rado (book and lyrics) and Galt MacDermot (music) lies squarely with Diane Paulus' savvy, expressive direction and with the untamed, earnest performances of a charismatic young cast led by Paris Remillard and Steel Burkhardt.

The narrative lacks cohesion. No well-crafted story underscores the show whose song lyrics one critic reportedly described as laundry lists. It's an accurate criticism: Verse after verse of 1960s pop culture references don't equal worthy sociopolitical commentary.

Yet in the telling “Where Do I Go?” (whose 30 seconds of nudity is absolutely central to its meaning), the poignant “Easy to Be Hard,” the anthemic “Aquarius” and the ever-jubilant titular tune, Ragni and Rado have crafted some real gems. Paulus makes them gleam. Under her direction, the silly “Good Morning Starshine” acquires depth as a strained expression of denial, while the haunting “The Flesh Failures” becomes a simple yet gripping example of the consequences of our choices. Bravo.

Moreover, as a theatrical snapshot of an era, Ragni and Rado are spot-on in depicting the idealism, fear, frustration, egoism and passion that characterized the late 1960s, as expressed by the young, lithe members of the show's culturally diverse group of hippies and anti-Vietnam War activists. The duo also captures the raw intensity and youthful uncertainty of a young man struggling to define himself and wrestling with a life-changing decision.

That young man is Remillard's eloquently conflicted Claude, who receives his draft notice and must decide whether to grow up and go to war or grow up and resist.

Burkhardt plays the free-spirited, sexually charged Berger, who balances offhand carelessness to his fellow hippies with enduring compassion for his best friend, Claude.

They spend their time protesting the war, experimenting with drugs and teasing the tourists alongside other members of the Tribe, including student activist Sheila (Caren Lyn Tackett), whom both men love; Hud (the deliciously defiant Darius Nichols); gentle Woof (Matt DeAngelis); and pregnant Jeanie (the disarming, multidimensional Kacie Sheik). Also deserving mention are Josh Lamon and Allison Guinn for their top-notch character work as representatives from another generation who make contact with the Tribe.

There is an urgency and spontaneity to the performances, which find the actors frequently breaking down the fourth wall to engage audience members, one of whom responded to Berger's request for change by stuffing a $10 bill into his fringed leather loincloth.

Their stories unfold against the iconic sunburst that set designer Scott Pask incorporates as a backdrop. It's as colorful as Michael McDonald's vivid, fur- and leather-accented costumes and as vibrant as Karole Armitage's gleeful 1960s choreography.

Ultimately, this “Hair” rests upon the able shoulders of the ideally cast Remillard and Burkhardt. Their emotions are deeply felt, and the affection between their characters is genuine — a palpable expression of friendship and love.

<b>“Hair”</b>

★ ★ ★

<b>Location: </b>Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago, (800) 775-2000 or <a href="http://www.broadwayinchicago.com" target="_blank">broadwayinchicago.com</a>

<b>Showtimes: </b>7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday; 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday through March 20. No 7:30 p.m. show March 20

<b>Running time: </b>About 2 hours, 30 minutes with intermission

<b>Tickets: </b>$27-$80

<b>Parking: </b>Paid lots nearby

<b>Rating:</b> For adults, contains mature subject matter, strong language, nudity, simulated sex