Arts & Entertainment
Flower power revival
Keegan’s ‘Hair’ is youthful, fun and solid
Inez Nassara and company in ‘Hair.’ (Photo by C. Stanley Photography; courtesy Keegan)
‘Hair’
Through April 27
Keegan Theatre
1742 Church Street, NW
$37-42
703-892-0202
With Keegan Theatre’s Helen Hayes Award-winning production of the Broadway musical “Rent” several seasons ago, company artistic director Mark A. Rhea and his wife Susan Marie Rhea rendered a glimpse into New York City bohemia in the ‘90s, insightfully tackling the show’s big issues like homelessness, AIDS and art. Now the co-directors have turned their attention to another era with their version of “Hair,” the groundbreaking rock musical also set in Manhattan but in the turbulent late ‘60s.
When “Hair” premiered in New York in 1967, its depiction of a counterculture youth was novel. Never before had bisexuality, interracial relationships, drug use, full frontal nudity and a strong antiwar sentiment been set to a beat you could dance to. Times were changing. Though less shocking today, “Hair” remains relevant, and so does Galt MacDermot’s timeless music (with book and lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragini): a score that includes “Aquarius”/“Let the Sun Shine In,” “Hair” and “Easy To Be Hard” doesn’t languish on the shelf.
“Hair” is shaped more by a mood than a storyline. The plot is simple: A tribe of hippie kids pass the time dropping acid and making love in New York City. They’re content. But then Uncle Sam upsets the adolescent idyll with invitations to Vietnam, and suddenly the band of merrymakers is forced to make a decision: burn your draft card or go to war.
The show’s central relationship is a bisexual love triangle involving the tribe’s puckish leader Berger (Josh Sticklin), Sheila (Carolina Wolfson) a socially conscience college freshman, and Claude (played with heartrending honesty by Paul Scanlan), a young guy from working class Queens with a faux British accent who’s working out where he fits in Vietnam-era America. The original “Hair” featured a new kind of physical affection between men, opening up the way for future onstage portrayals of relationships and sexuality.
James Rado, co-creator and original star of “Hair,” has commented on his relationship with collaborator Gerome Ragni who died in 1991. Their relationship inspired the characters of Claude and Berger.
Like youth itself, “Hair” is filled with anguish and joy. Overall, the directors have embraced the darker side of the show. Set designer Matthew Keenan has followed suit opting for dreary realism with a squat-inspired two-tiered functional set. An old made over washing machine makes a tired salute to flower power.
Keegan’s ensemble-generated “Hair” features a full voiced, 20-plus person cast accompanied by an onstage nine-piece orchestra led by Jake Null. It’s a busy stage. While Rachel Leigh Dolan’s choreography celebrates the fun of communal living and a well-attended protest, it also functions as crowd control.
Made up mostly of diverse local talent, the show’s full-voiced cast is young and energetic. And though they look at home in their fringy vests, striped bell bottoms, granny skirts (compliments of costume designer Chelsey Schuller) and wild hair, they surely had to be familiarized with references to Spiro Agnew and others. While some of the acting, especially comedy, is lacking, their singing is largely on point — they do the familiar songs justice. Standouts include Jade Jones who demonstrates a big soulful voice and comedic flair. And Christian Montgomery is terrific as Woof, a gay hippie boy who insists he’s straight yet carries a very public torch for Mick Jagger.
As with Keegan’s previous musicals, “Hair” offers a solid opportunity to see the work of area actors early in their careers.
The Victory Fund held its National Champagne Brunch at the Ritz-Carlton on Sunday, April 27. Speakers included Tim Gunn, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Gov. Wes Moore (D-Md.), Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.), Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) and Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.).
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Music & Concerts
Tom Goss returns with ‘Bear Friends Furever Tour’
Out singer/songwriter to perform at Red Bear Brewing Co.
Singer Tom Goss will bring his “Bear Friends Furever Tour” to D.C. on Sunday, June 8 at 8 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing Co.
Among the songs he will perform will be “Bear Soup,” the fourth installment in his beloved bear song anthology series. Following fan favorites like “Bears,” “Round in All the Right Places,” and “Nerdy Bear,” this high-energy, bass-thumping banger celebrates body positivity, joyful indulgence, and the vibrant spirit of the bear subculture.
For more details, visit Tom Goss’s website.
Friday, May 2
“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 2 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at P.F. Chang’s. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 3
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
LGBTQ People of Color Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgment free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events for LGBTQ People of Color, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, May 4
“The Chateau Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Chicatana. Enjoy fabulous Mexican food and cocktails while being entertained by a rotating cast of the DMV’s best drag performers. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
“The Bubble: Queer Brooklyn Comics in DC” will be at 5 p.m. at As You Are. Queer comedians Charlie Flynn, Evan Lazarus and Keara Sullivan are coming down from NYC for a night of fun as they split an hour of standup comedy. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Monday, May 5
“Center Aging Monday Coffee & Conversation” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Tuesday, May 6
Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, May 7
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older queer women can meet and socialize with one another. We will have discussion, activities, and a chance for you to share what you want future events to include. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 8
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fair with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga with Sarah M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breath work, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
South Asian Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. The peer support group is an outlet for South Asian-identified LGBTQ individuals to come and talk about anything affecting them. It’s a secure, judgment-free environment to discuss relationships, sexuality, health, well-being, identity, culture, religion, or anything that is on your mind. For more details, email [email protected].
PHOTOS: Victory Fund National Champagne Brunch
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