If you’re looking for a pick me up, or something brilliantly funny and lively to do, I would recommend checking out the Stockton Civic Theatre’s play “Hair.” Now until Sept. 30, the Stockton Civic Theatre is hosting the cult favorite musical “Hair.” Written by Gerome Ragni, James Rado and Galt Macdermot, “Hair” has been around since the ‘60s and it has underlying messages that speak volumes to the issues and political climate this musical was written in. The musical follows a group of marijuana-loving teenagers who are for peace and against the Vietnam war. They also all revel in the newly founded sexual revolution in an unapologetic manner.
The very committed actors of the play stayed in character even before it started and their curiosity at our high tech cell-phones made it fun for every audience member.
“I think it’s really good. You can really tell that everyone is in it and really loves it,” said Myra Hansen, after seeing the show for her third time.
Another returning audience member, Artie Gago, also found this musical enjoyable and fun.
“I know most of the cast, actually. So, it’s really fun to watch them have fun on stage together,” he said.
In the play’s cast were San Joaquin Delta College students Brandon Masterson (Woof), Imri M. Tate (Dionne), Carly Davis (Tribe) and Bryce Huckaby (Tribe). Every actor showed such bravery and commitment because at least 10 of the cast members got completely nude from head to toe during the song “Where Do I Go” at the end of Act 1.
“We were very clear about what the message behind that was. Protests for peace rather than something sexual or too inappropriate. It’s like we make this message of anti war… but we know if we get naked, then they’re going to have to listen and be shocked. So having the message behind it helped (being nude) and practicing it a lot helped,” Huckaby said.
Tate found that she has strong opinions just like her character, Dionne. She also noted how the cast became very close throughout the show.
“Being nude in rehearsals is very different from being nude on stage … because everyone got so comfortable with each other and it felt like a very safe environment. Eventually, you get used to there being people there and especially when people come after the show and say they liked it,” Tate said.
Every cast member sang their hearts out and were never once off key. Stand out performances were from Masterson with his devilishly sex-driven character and well-timed facial expressions, Cole Bryant (Hud) with a singing voice that nearly blew the audience out of the theater and Ashlyn Kelley (Jeanie) who played a pregnant stoner so exuberantly.
Set and scenic designers Craig Vincent and Val Cichocki truly outdid themselves with detailed colorful, tie-dyed hypnotic set designs. From the classic Volkswagen van to the tire swing and painted walls, the audience truly felt transported back to the 1960s.
“Hair” is a don’t miss musical and runs until Sunday in the Stockton Civic Theater. Tickets can be purchased online at sctlivetheatre.com.
