Message of 1960's musical 'Hair' endures

As a child of Reaganomics, "Miami Vice," Izod shirts and Drakkar Noir, naturally I was wary of American Stage in the Park's production of the '60s-drenched "Hair." Would I be able to relate to the notions of peace, freedom and tribal love steeped in patchouli? Would the show be a tired toupee slapped on the balding heads of nostalgic ex-hippies?

Happily, the production far exceeded my Generation Xpectations.

In 1968, when Gerome Ragni, James Rado and Galt MacDermot premiered their counterculture rock musical on Broadway, America was knee-deep in the Vietnam War. "Hair" spoke out against the war, conservatism and prescribed reality. It pressed every hot-button issue in its purple-hazed celebration of individuality.

Many of these issues still abound and appearances are decidedly different now. It's true: the more things change, the more they stay the same. But if anything, "Hair" proves that looks don't matter, nor do the means people use to communicate a conviction. It's the message itself that withstands changing times and fashions.

Without sacrificing the era-specific vibe, director Eric Davis and his jubilant cast blurred the 40-odd years separating buckskin vests and Prada. The actors generated a genuinely happy, good-natured energy even before the show started. Darlene Hope, who played Dionne, worked the crowd with hugs, flowers and peaceful greetings. She also smelled good.

During the performance, the actors dropped off stage and made contact with audience members. Berger (Jeremy Hays) gave his pants to one lucky lady, but she had to give them back. There was also hand-holding with the actors and flowers distributed randomly. The effect was startlingly welcoming, like a giant, collective, nonjudgmental hug.

Comparisons between earlier times and recent political and economic conditions were inevitable and ironic. For the number "Colored Spade," Hud (Clinton C. H. Harris) rattled off a list of stereotypes about African-Americans. But then he mentioned President Barack Obama, effectively thumbing his nose at those fallacies. It was a proud moment. Diane (Aleshea Harris) masqueraded as Abraham Lincoln. If she hadn't been African-American, the punchline would have fallen flat.

While Act I was overwhelmingly upbeat, ending with bare tushies and strategically placed pasties, Claude's (Jonathan Hack) battlefield death cast a pall on Act II. Feel-good grooviness succumbed to uncomfortable real-world horrors and the hard fact that flower power can only push so far. The show concluded on a rather sad note, with the affectionate actors urging - nearly begging - for better days with "Let the Sun Shine In."

IF YOU GO

"Hair"

WHEN: Through May 16; 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday

WHERE: Demens Landing Park, on the corner of Bayshore Blvd. S.E. and First Ave. S.E., St. Petersburg

HOW MUCH: $11-$27; call (727) 823-7529 or visit www.american stage.org

RUNNING TIME: 120 minutes