Hair

by Nat Marcus

I was totally unfamiliar with the musical Hair until seeing it. I knew that there were hippies, a whole lot of flowers, and most obviously, a lot of hair. My preconceptions all turned out to be correct, but it was a musical that struck me in many more ways than just beautiful flowing locks.

The show follows a Tribe of young bohemians camping out in Central Park, practicing the ways of love, peace, and tolerance. Claude, the troubled leader of this group of hippies, serves as the narrator. The songs speak of the political and social problems the activist youth face in the 1960’s fighting against sexual and cultural repression, but also of the love that’s spread in the Age of Aquarius and the mind-opening hallucinogenics that are shared throughout the Tribe. As the pressure to join the army fighting in the Vietnam War increases and the Tribe begins to fall apart, Claude wonders if fighting for one’s identity at all times is better than having no identity at all. One thing that sets Hair apart from other musicals is the lack of dialogue between songs; instead, the plot is almost entirely moved forward by song. I enjoyed simply listening to the psychedelic melodies the cast sings to develop the story (and was spared from the agonizingly corny musical acting). One of the most unique about the show is the energy that the ensemble brings onstage and reatins throughout the whole musical. This energy is brought into the audience as well - during some songs, the Tribe comes down into the seats and dances with audience members, which adds a whole new layer of excitement to the performances.

Although Hair takes place more than 40 years ago, I can relate to the desire to fight against repression and fight for what I think is right. It is a show that I would recommend to anyone in the mood for an uplifting, funny, and powerful musical. Especially if you're not usually into musicals (like me), Hair will make you think differently.

HOW TO SEE THE SHOW: $25 lottery rush 2 hours before show; $25 student rush • Al Hirschfeld Theatre, 302 W. 45th St.

Vigil

by Nat Marcus

Vigil is a new Off-Broadway comedy that revolves around the relationship between a nephew and his dying aunt. Their shaded familiarity and endearing discomfort is examined in the simple setting of her bedroom. At first glance, the plot of this play sounds like a total snore, but the chaotic way in which the play unfolds and the heaping portion of bitter comedy makes me want to hang out at funeral homes.

The play opens with Kemp, the nephew, leaving his job and home in order to care for his ailing aunt, Grace. Although this seems like an incredibly selfless and responsible thing to do, Kemp is revealed to be a bit off-center as he is clearly only waiting for his aunt to die. Grace is strangely unfazed by his abhorrent behavior, even while Kemp continually talks about death and even plans her funeral. After Kemp and Grace pass a year together in this fashion, an elderly woman across the street passes away. Something uncannily links this dead woman to Kemp, and he realizes that he might have made a mistake.

The format of Vigil is very unique, with short rambling monologues from Kemp and many blackouts, making the play very fast-paced. Both actors portrayed their characters with specificity and nuance. Grace doesn’t speak at all until the end of the first act, and even in the second act, she only speaks a few times. I commend both for holding the audiences interest throughout the whole show, with one constantly speaking and the other hardly ever opening her mouth. The set is detailed and convincing, and the subdued madcap music reflects on the dark and hilarious nature of the play perfectly.

I would recommend Vigil to anyone looking for a sharp and witty play.

HOW TO SEE THE SHOW: $20 student rush tickets. DR2 Theatre 103 E. 15th Street. 

Coraline

By Nat Marcus

Are you…brave?

Coraline is a musical based on the children’s book of the same name. Although I never read that book, I still found this show entertaining.

Nine-year-old Coraline and her parents have just moved into a new apartment building full of quirky and puzzling residents. Coraline spends her time exploring the mysterious yard and creaky buildings, but nothing peaks her interest. One day she finds a door that leads her to an alternate reality and the life that she has always dreamed of: meals are delicious, toys can talk and nothing is ever boring. How­ever, Coraline soon realizes that this perfect life might be too good to be true and she might be trapped in this other world forever.

Jayne Houdyshell, at age 56, does an excellent job of portraying a nine-year-old. Her mannerisms and physicality perfectly reflect the mindset of a young antsy girl.

I would recommend Coraline to anyone in the mood for something different. It’s full of excellent performances, amusing music and an enthralling and unnerving story.

HOW TO SEE THE SHOW: $15 student rush • Lucille Lortel Theatre, 121 Christopher St. Visit www.mcctheater.org for more information.

Spring Awakening

By Nat Marcus

Spring Awakening is a musical about confused teenagers who are unsure of their role in a world that won’t speak to them honestly. Melchior, Wendla and Moritz are three adolescents who deal with conflicts still common to young adults today. Melchior wants to push everything to the limits and experiment, Wendla wonders about becoming an adult and Moritz is haunted by expectations.

The characters in Spring Awakening are forced to hold in what they need to say and do. The actors play their characters to the extremes, showing us the moody, fervent and very hormonal side of teenagers. These are characters that we can relate to. After all, aren’t we moody, fervent and very hormonal?

Spring Awakening is very relevant to young people today. Although there are fewer limitations on our free speech, our feelings, and our ideas today, there are still many teenagers who feel oppressed and downtrodden.

Spring Awakening is pure passion onstage. See this show to learn about yourself.

$27 Student Rush Tickets at the O’Neill Theatre, 230 W. 49th Street. For schedule and more info visit www.springawakening.com