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Hair
In the midst of another questionable war, Fritz Theatre brings to San Diego the ultimate make-love-not-war anti-Vietnam musical that takes us back to the Age of Aquarius – a “Stoned Age” of drugs, sex, a desire for peace in the world and among races, and a lot of really big Hair. In case you’re more familiar with the film version, the stage production of Hair is mostly a musical revue with little plot or storyline. The musical score includes such top hits as Aquarius, Hair, Good Morning Starshine, and Let the Sun Shine In, blasting war and pollution while having crystal visions of a better, less violent world where people are truly free. Sometimes that personal freedom is represented by being completely free of clothing, so the show is suggested for mature audiences only! Director Duane Daniels has drafted a young, exuberant cast for the show who throw their hearts, minds, and bodies fully into the production. Ruben Mier as Berger, Joel Rieke as Claude, Darrell Allbritton as Hud, and Erick Sundquist as Woof are the male leads who throw us right into the counter-culture and civil rights slant of the show with such numbers as Hashish, Sodomy, and Colored Spade. Not a lot of minced lyrics in there. Chrissy Burns in the lead role of Sheila soon sparks the free love fire with her big I Believe in Love piece that transitions the show from its mostly edgy beginning to its more optimistic, lighter, freewheeling side. The ensemble opens it with Aquarius (featuring Danielle Quispe with some great lead vocal work). Other standouts include Lisa Christensen thanking industry for their pollution, Bethany Smith for her especially impressive talent for talking out of her butt (and sneezing too!), and Trevor Peringer as the anti-counter-culture diva Margaret Meade. Ginger Harris adds her psychedelic lighting effects while projection designer Andy Cameron includes some vital background images including its powerful ending. After slides showing rows of flag-draped coffins, big-hair Berger is shaved and thrown into action, the army nonchalantly tossing a flag over his head and pushing him off a wall into oblivion, the cast responding with a moving, bittersweet, determined-to-overcome rendition of Let the Sunshine In.Performed through September 25, 2005.
Rob Hopper ~ Cast ~ Danielle: Danielle QuispeBerger: Ruben Mier Woof: Erick Sundquist Hud: Darrell Allbritton Margaret Meade/Trevor: Trevor Peringer Claude: Joel Rieke Darwin: Darwin Johnson Leti: Leti Carranza Sheila: Chrissy Burns Jeanie: Lisa Christensen Crissy: Bethany Smith Tori: Victoria Roze Ashley: Ashley Claire Montgomery Marcus: Marcus Cortez Brian: Brian Hammond Rineka: Rineka Robinson Matt: Matt Whiffen Director: Duane Daniels Musical Direction: Jim Mooney and Brian Hammond Choreography: Chrissy Burns and Duane Daniels Set Design: Duane Daniels Light Design: Ginger Harris Costumes: Kat Stallons Sound: Robin Whitehouse Projections Designer: Andy Cameron |