STAGE REVIEWS : Cypress College Loses ‘Hair’ With a History Transplant

The program of Cypress College Theater and Dance Department’s production of “Hair,” the definitive ‘60s rock musical reads: “Book and lyrics by James Rado & Gerome Ragni.” But that’s not correct. Almost all of the lyrics are intact, though there are some very minor changes, but absolutely none of the original book is left.

The authors have often said that they don’t object to productions that play around with their admittedly loose script. But this is not playing around. Director Nan Harris has created a sort of historical pageant of political and social events of note, from John F. Kennedy’s election to the Los Angeles riots, with projected still photographs and recorded speeches. Some, but not all, of the songs from the original “Hair” are interspersed.

The history lesson, obviously aimed at making this classic musical pertinent, is sophomoric and simplistic, most of it probably old hat to a junior-high student. The same statements Harris wanted to make by eviscerating the original script were made by that script very well. The original was much wiser and more theatrical.

She also tries to bring the play up to date by having half the cast rooted in the protesting ‘60s and the other half as volatile ’92 punker types. It doesn’t work, and after a while it even looks a little silly, along with Harris’ skewed attempts to squeeze the songs into her agenda.

Even Ivan E. Hess’ good-looking setting, which looks like an Edward Hopper Depression-era main street, seems out of place for either the original play or Harris’ new script. Technically, Ron Voss’ lighting is stunning. It’s a shame he didn’t have the real “Hair” to work with. Diana Polsky’s costumes are also top-notch, as is the sharp, buoyant musical direction by Michael Henshall and the often inventive choreography by Kaye Ragland-Vergona.

Harris also does a disservice to the cast members from Cypress’ theater department, many of whom may go on to professional careers, in telling them that disrespect for text is an OK thing. It’s a wrong message.

For the most part, it’s the cast that rises out of the production like a phoenix. There is a lot of talent on the stage. Brenda Ivelisse Pacheco belts out several of the songs with fire, particularly the opening “Aquarius.” Richard Levine’s small but silken voice is effective in the jubilant “I Got Life,” as are the hard edge of Jenni-Lynn McMillin’s “Easy to Be Hard,” and Matt Arietta’s wrenching “Where Do I Go (Follow the Children).” Scott Ruiz provides a strong vocal line throughout.

The songs are alive, but the further Harris gets away from “Hair,” the duller she gets. She never waves an American flag, but she does bring on a bunch of very small children who prance about the stage during the finale. Cute. But pointless.

‘Hair’

A Cypress College Theater and Dance Department production of the James Rado-Gerome Ragni-Galt McDermot rock musical. Directed by Nan Harris. With Brenda Ivelisse Pacheco, Richard Levine, Scott Ruiz, Matt Arietta and Jenni-Lynn McMillin. Set: Ivan E. Hess. Costumes: Diana Polsky. Lighting: Ron Voss. Choreographer: Kaye Ragland-Vergona. Musical director: Michael Henshall. At the Campus Theater, 9200 Valley View St., Cypress. Performances Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m. $10; (714) 821-6320. Running time: 1 hour, 15 minutes.