Hair! The Rock Musical Woodstock Celebration - Forestburgh Playhouse

Production of Hair at Forestburgh Playhouse

We are entering the 50th anniversary of Woodstock, the iconic music festival that changed lives and, on a much larger scale, a society. This event inspired people from all walks of life to be creative and stand up for what they believe in.

Hair, the Musical

One of the inspirations from the well-documented “summer of love” is the ever-popular Broadway smash Hair. Written by Gerome Ragni and James Rado, it’s off-Broadway debut in 1967 came with much controversy; not only for its anti-government content but a nude scene that shocked audiences enough to make Hair a regular conversation piece for decades.

What’s Hair About?

Hair, although written decades ago, covers many hot-button issues that endure today. Based in an anti-Vietnam war America, the poignant theatrical piece talks about non-conformance, rebellion, and the free spirit of the late 60s. With songs like “Age of Aquarius” and “Hair,” this rock musical is known to bring out the bohemian in all of us. It focuses on the feelings of the disenfranchised youth of the 60s; many emotions that still feel relevant in today’s society.

Hair tells the story of a group of friends, or “tribe.” They are politically active hippies living in New York City. The protagonist, Claude, must decide whether to resist the draft while also balancing conservative parents, the sexual revolution, and society as a whole. With the help of his friends, he finds his own path in an age where no one is quite sure what is right or wrong.

Woodstock’s 50th Anniversary

Hair is one of the most celebrated shows in existence. Its ability to portray the emotions of a younger generation in a time where “free love” was as much frowned upon as it was commonplace is considered groundbreaking. The country was at war; not only with Vietnam, but with each other. Its explicit language and partial nudity make it not for the easily offended, but perfect for those who want to rebel against the usual status quo.

Woodstock was an example of the long-hair, “fight the man,” nonconformist ideals that made parents cringe, while also changing the minds of the entire world. The emotions expressed in that weekend are still valid now, 50 years later. People want to feel free, loved, and respected for being themselves. With Hair, you don’t have to spend two days in a muddy field to experience the joy and freedom that Woodstock inspired.

Forestburgh Playhouse is Honoring Woodstock: 50 Years Later

Not only are Forestburgh Playhouse opening a very real, raw, and honest production of Hair on July 16, but they are also producing “Summer of ‘69: Celebrating Woodstock.” You can enjoy all of the feelings of love, rebellion, and freedom in one convenient place.

Interested in reclaiming your youth? Or perhaps exploring ideas that you have never dared to before? Contact Forestburgh Playhouse at www.fbplayhouse.org. Founded in 1947, we are New York’s oldest continuously operating professional summer theatre. We’ll see you at the dawning of the Age of Aquarius! Peace.