Oakland’s excellent production of ‘Hair’ gives dose of nostalgia

July 28, 2013 at 12:00a.m.

By LORRAINE WARDLE

Youngstown

The stars have aligned at the Oakland Center for the Arts. The Age of Aquarius is dawning.

The Oakland’s current season comes to an end with the iconic musical “Hair.” Friday night, the musical opened to a sold-out house and gave the audience a performance to remember.

In the 45 years since its Broadway debut, “Hair” has become famous — for its music and subject matter – and infamous — particularly for its use of nudity. Today, “Hair” is considered a nostalgic, fun-filled hippy romp, but the show has significant political and philosophical undertones that make it a work of art.

“Hair” tells the story of “the tribe,” a group of hippies in 1968 New York City. The many songs that make up the play introduce the audience to the different characters within the group.

Claude is the unofficial leader, a dreamer who is faced with a difficult decision when he receives his draft card. Berger, his best friend, is a goofy and irreverent free spirit who spreads love and drugs to everyone he meets. Berger’s girlfriend, Sheila, is an activist, dedicated to protesting. Jeanie is a pregnant girl who falls in love with Claude.

Each member of the tribe gets a chance to introduce themselves as they sing the fun, silly songs about drugs, love and sex that made “Hair” famous.

Director John D. Holt has assembled a cast of professional-caliber actors and actresses. Holt and musical director Matthew E. White have created a finely-tuned, beautifully staged production that showcases the talent of the many cast members.

As Claude, Joey Pascarella gave an impassioned and emotional performance. Jason A. Green’s Berger was both funny and poignant. Lauren Wenick and Jessica Schmidt both created realistic and empathetic characters as Sheila and Jeanie. Medford Mashburn’s Woof was a perfect piece of comic relief while Nikita Jones set the tone for the evening with her amazing solo in the opening number, “Aquarius.”

Every member of the large cast was an excellent singer and dancer. Each stood out with his or her solo performances, including Rosie Jo Neddy, Anthony Madison, and Susan Prosser.

The cast impressed in the large chorus numbers, filling the theater with a powerful, full sound and beautiful harmonies. The production could benefit from the use of microphones, however, because the soloists were often drowned out by the powerful chorus and professional band.

Leslie Brown created a gorgeous set design with bright, psychedelic images and which utilized every inch of the space. Ellen Licitra’s lighting design complemented Brown’s set perfectly, filling the set with colorful, mood- evoking light. The costumes, designed by Liz Nalepa, fit the production perfectly.

In case you weren’t sure, “Hair” is full of adult-themed songs and language, so it may not be appropriate for younger audience members. For the rest of us, it is an entertaining and emotional piece of theater that shouldn’t be missed.

“Hair” continues at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Aug. 9 and 10 at the Oakland Center for the Arts, 220 W. Boardman St. in Youngstown.

For reservations, call 330-746-0404.