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Tuesday, July 31, 2018

GUEST REVIEW: 'HAIR' is Joyous Blast from the Past from Centenary University’s NEXTstage Repertory

by Rick Busciglio (www.njfootlights.net)

The revolutionary 1960’s anti-Vietnam war musical Hair is now on stage in an exceptional joyous, high energy production at the Centenary Stage Company featuring members of Centenary University’s NEXTstage Repertory. Amazingly, it is 50 years since this very first rock musical moved from Off-Broadway to Broadway. Reviews were mixed, but audiences loved the show. (Top: Brandon Conti, center)

Unlike most rock musicals of today, the lyrics were understandable! It also means they shocked with words and actions never seen or heard before in an uptown theater, e.g., full cast nudity at the end of the first act, but omitted in this version. It was also ground breaking for the slim plot. Manhattan high schoolers and drop-outs are protesting the war and the universal military draft. Hatred of the war was exacerbated by the extensive nightly television coverage of the carnage in the jungles of Vietnam. The core of the plot is about Claude a pacifist  who unsuccessfully attempts to resist his draft notice.

Director/choreographer Lea Antolini-Lid has assembled a marvelous highly talented diverse cast of about 30 young people. Actually, with most of the cast on stage in spirited movement for the entire play, it might be more accurate to identify her as ‘ringmaster’ in place of ‘director.’ Regardless of the name, the multi-talented Lea Antolini-Lid has “mothered” an exciting, first class theater production equal to many now playing across the Hudson.

Hair is the creation of  Gerome Ragni and James Rado (book and lyrics) and music by Galt MacDermot. Three of the songs have become classics: Aquarius (the anthem of the entire national hippie movement),Let the Sunshine In, and Good Morning Starshine.

Not only did Ragni and Rado create Hair, they starred in the initial Off-Broadway run as Berger and Claude. In this production, Berger, the leader of the “tribe,” is impressively played by Brandon Conti. His opening First Act turn is a powerful audience grabber that sets the high energy tone for the rest of the play. The key role of Claude, the nice Polish boy from Queens who is about to be drafted, is played to perfection by Andy Martinez. He drips “sincerity.”

Other ‘spot on’ memorable performances are by: Megan Schmiedhauser (below, left) as Sheila, Berger’s girlfriend and roommate to the two boys. She is high energy blessed with a fine powerful voice. Standout songs are I Believe in Love, Easy to be Hard, and the classic Good Morning Starshine with Alyssa Ramsey; Jesse Bush is Woof, an over the top Mick Jagger fan; Julie Ullmann is the lovable Crissy; Nicole Boscarino is Jeanie; Brianna Javis is Ronny (wonderfulAquarius); Saquan Williams is Hud (has fun with Colored Spade).

Other cast members are Joe Anthony, Nick Bettens, Lisa Kosak (terrific as Claude’s mother), Sean C. Fowley, Dominick Garatino, AJ Lewis, Ryan Robert Washington, Allen Marchioni, Zack Clark, Jake Jackson, Mollie Gash, Cina Gabel. Liz Kent, Mariel Letourneau, Lily Randall, Jibril Scott, Stephanie Rosario, and Najee Esmond. (Above: Andy Martinez & Brandon Conti)

Special ‘tip of the hat’ to the outstanding musicians: keyboard and conductor Greg Paradis; guitar Rick Merino; Ben Weiss; bass Nate Lienhard; drums Justin Kemp. The band is positioned on the right side of the stage on a platform fully visible to the audience and via their exuberant playing become part of the show.

The Creative Team: Director/choreographer Lea Antolini-Lid; stage manager/ assistant director James Russo; Co-choreographer Mariel Letourneau; assistant stage manager Victoria Pulido; lighting designer Ethan Newman; and costume designer Deanna DeGraff.

Four more chances to see Hair- August 2-5 at the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center:

  • Thursday, August 2 at 7:30PM
  • Friday, August 3 at 8:00PM
  • Saturday, August 4 at 8:00PM
  • Sunday, August 5 at 2:00PM

Ticket Pricing:

  • Fridays Evening = $27.50 Adult / $17.50 Child (-12)
  • Saturday = $29.50 Adult / $17.50 Child (-12)
  • Sunday = $25.00 Adult / $17.50 Child (-12)
  • *Thursday (BOGO) = $27.50 ALL SEATS

*BOGO OFFER: Valid ONLY in person at the CSC Box Office
SPECIAL OFFER: $5.00 RUSH TICKETS! Any Student/Any School. Valid only in person. Must present a current student ID when purchasing tickets.
*Discounts available for Centenary students, faculty & staff.