WLS Review: "Hair"

"Hair" is known as The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical. It tells the story of the "tribe", a group of politically active, long-haired hippies living a bohemian life in New York City and fighting against conscription into the Vietnam War. The show first opened on Broadway in 1968. A Broadway revival launched this past Spring and the show won the Tony and Drama Desk award for best revival of a musical. I can see why.

The current cast features the sexy Gavin Creel as Claude, who is unable to avoid the draft and is forced to serve in Vietnam. Creel and Will Swenson's Berger are the leading men of the ensemble which features a variety of sexual relationships throughout. Claude loves Berger as does Caissie Levy's Sheila. Berger seems to love them both. It seems like everyone is loving everyone at some point.

AS THE WORLD TURNS actress Vanessa Ray is currently playing the role of Crissy (until January) and passionately sings her heart out including in the solo number, "Frank Mills."

Other standout songs include "Aquarius," "Let the Sun Shine," "I Got Life" and, of course, "Hair."

I thought the story was a little slow in forming but the music, singing, costumes and production are top notch from the get go. Kudos to the cast as well as director Diane Paulus and choreographer Karole Armitage.

S.A.S.S. [Short Attention Soap Summary]

WHAT: “Hair,” starring an ensemble cast, which currently includes AS THE WORLD TURNS actress Vanessa Ray, at Al Hirschfed Theatre [302 West 45th Street], ongoing.

WHY SOAP FANS WILL LOVE IT: The themes in the music and story, originally developed in the 1960s, are more relevant than ever today.

BOTTOM LINE: If you're a fan of the primetime soap GLEE you will love "Hair" for its music, music and more music.

VERDICT: Hippies and non-hippies alike will enjoy this show. Click here for tickets.

EDITOR'S NOTE: You can read all the We Love Soaps theater reviews at WeLoveTheater.com.