"Hair" stage show video

[Michael Thumm]

Posted: 5/3/20 at 3:57am

Is anybody aware of a good stage show video of the complete "Hair" musical?  

[g.d.e.l.g.i.]

Posted: 5/3/20 at 9:36am

Depends on which version you're looking for.

[Michael Thumm]

Posted: 5/3/20 at 10:33am

No specific one. Also an older production would be great. Thanks.

[g.d.e.l.g.i.]

Posted: 5/3/20 at 4:25pm

Well, I can't give you an actual older production, but I can provide an example of one that worked with a cast member from the older production. It comes really close to the 1968 original, with ad-libs intact, and it really benefited from that direct input. (There are some minor cuts, but other than that, it's fairly close.)

Try this one on for size.

It's very raw (a student-directed production at NYFA's California campus from about four years ago; they had a very small space, no bigger than a screening room or lecture hall, but they really used it well), but what it lacks in polish and resources, it more than makes up for in spirit and a certain rough charm that really packs a wallop, especially toward the end of the show. I find it a welcome antidote to the slickness of newer productions. The director had a dream to present an honest portrait of that era and I feel he did just that, at the same time honoring the original intent of the show's creators. The performers playing Jeanie, Claude, and Woof leave indelible impressions, and the relationship between Claude and Berger gains depth from not being overplayed.

Also, one thing the NYFA production really nails is something that revivals of many classic shows from that era and prior don't get: if the first half is played with a lighter tone (in this case, bringing the joyous element of the Sixties to balance the hatred of war), then there's a contrast between Acts One and Two. This makes the solemn scenes more solemn because the downward turn of events is greater. It never gets too dark in Act One, and you feel more for Claude in Act Two, as you should. The revival(s) got too dark too soon. Maybe that's a reflection of how today's sensibilities play against yesterday's material, I dunno, but that's just how I see it.

Updated On: 5/3/20 at 04:25 PM

[alex814]

Posted: 5/6/20 at 10:57pm

Here is a documentary of Hair's original London cast. It's not a complete recording of the show but it has lots of songs, scenes and interviews. Enjoy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oeerq9MFmUw

[Michael Thumm]

Posted: 5/7/20 at 12:46am

Thank you for the great links and explanations. If you have more like this I am very interested