Reviewed by Shawn Maus for LCT
The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music’s (CCM)production of HAIR is an electric, visceral celebration of the spirit of rebellion and hope. Directed with a thoughtful hand by Vincent DeGeorge, this staging of the iconic rock musical pulses with life, protest, and communal energy—reminding us that the questions raised in 1968 haven’t lost their sting.
For those unfamiliar, HAIR follows a group of young people—”The Tribe”—in New York City navigating life, love, and resistance during the Vietnam War era. At the heart of it all is Claude (Sam Yousuf), a conflicted young man torn between submitting to the draft and staying true to the counterculture ideals of his friends. With a score that includes “Aquarius,” “Let the Sunshine In,” and the haunting “Where Do I Go?”, the show weaves psychedelic visuals with political protest and raw humanity.
Tune In, Turn On, Rock Out
The cast performs as a unified ensemble with an infectious energy that never wavers. Each performer brings individuality to their character while staying in sync with the ensemble’s movement—a testament to the exceptional choreography that blends modern dance with the raw, physical style of the era. In many numbers, each character radiates their own distinct vibe, adding a textured, kaleidoscopic quality that feels wholly authentic to the “tribe” dynamic.
While the ensemble operated as a tight, organic unit, a few performers definitely shined like a lava lamp in the dark. Sam Yousuf brought a quiet intensity and vulnerability to Claude, perfectly capturing a young man torn between loyalty and duty. Franco Valerga lit up the stage as Berger—wild, magnetic, and unpredictable, yet always grounded in truth.
Tomi Newman gave a stunning performance as Woof, embodying the free spirit of the era while navigating emotional crosscurrents between Claude, Berger, and her own upbringing—her line “I’m a Catholic” hits with poignant irony and layered meaning. Sean Polk II delivered powerhouse vocals that soared with control and soul, while Erin Morton was a chameleon on stage, fascinating to watch as she slipped effortlessly into multiple characters with boldness and nuance.
Make Love, Not War
DeGeorge’s direction smartly emphasizes the tension between the freedom-seeking idealism of the youth and the political weight bearing down on them. His staging of “Let the Sunshine In” particularly struck a chord—turning the song into a cry for light amid despair, rather than a simplistic anthem.
Set designer Regan Demdmore’s colorful, kinetic design is another triumph, transporting us straight into a late-‘60s dreamscape. A painted school bus center stage serves not only as a home base but transforms fluidly—from a cozy refuge to a polluted engine of war and industry. A puff of smoke during “Air” underscores the environmental message that, sadly, still resonates today.
All That Hair
Equally on point were Maura Kesterson’s costumes and makeup—think beads, fringe, flared denim, body paint, and of course, glorious “hair” in all its untamed beauty. Every look helped define character and era, grounding the audience in the show’s cultural moment.
That said, the evening wasn’t without its technical hiccups. Throughout the first act, sound balance was a frequent issue. With the orchestra tucked beneath the stage and Musical Director Stephen Goers conducting from the back of the house via monitor, vocals often struggled to break through. Patrons murmured about it during intermission, and they weren’t wrong—key lyrics were lost in the mix. Still, the cast’s expressive choreography and facial performances compensated, especially in numbers like “Black Boys” and “Where Do I Go,” where emotion transcended amplification.
Let the Sunshine In—Because It Still Matters
Despite the audio issues, HAIR at CCM is a powerful reminder of how much—and how little—has changed in the decades since its debut. The themes of identity, protest, race, war, and freedom remain uncomfortably relevant. This production doesn’t just revisit history—it asks us to feel it. And feel it you will.
Tickets to CCM’s HAIR
CCM’s HAIR is presented April 24-27, 2025, Patricia Corbett Theater, CCM Village, University of Cincinnati. CCM Box Office if you have questions: 513-556-4183.
Content Warning: This production includes profanity, sexual themes, depictions of alcohol and drug use, and themes of violence, racism and war.
