in the raw

At long last, 38 years after it's controversial debut, I have seen Hair.

In some ways it was exactly what I expected. Daggy 60s outfits (where the hell did they find those skintight pink flares?), songs I knew by heart, bad hair, nudity, drug taking and lots (and lots) of language designed to offend/shock.

In other ways it was not as I expected at all. I know this might not be the reaction that such a famous musical should inspire but, quite frankly, at times I was bloody bored. It was way way too long. And, what the hell was the whole business of Australian actors doing the entire thing in (bad) American accents? It grated. (I can kind of understand the yankee accents for singers. They are trying to sell to an international market but, actors? In Australia playing to Australians? Blah)

Surprisingly, Nikki Webster wasn't all that bad but it still seems wrong her saying fuck and simulating fellatio on stage. This is our angelic little Aussie icon. She doesn't grow up.

Cosima was great. She's got an amazing voice (and, my god, can she hold a note for the longest time). So was Cle Wootten. And the bloke that played Claude (I forget his name) was outstanding.

I'm glad I have seen it at long last. I wouldn't choose to go again. The show is badly dated and, quite frankly, not all that well written. If the equivalent was produced these days I doubt it would get past some crummy local theatre group. The only reason Hair was such a success when it first came out was the whole shock value thing. They say fuck, they smoke dope, they take their kit off (for no obvious reason that I could decipher). There are some catchy tunes but also so some truly appalling ones.

IMHO, Hair became a hit because of controversy (and some damn good marketing) rather than through merit. It's current run here is hosting full houses because of nostalgia.

I am glad I have now seen it because I can lay that old grudge aside. I might have been terribly impressed by those exposed willies at 13 but my parents didn't deprive me of any great cultural event or social enlightenment.

The "before" party was fun. We caught up with some old pals and made some new acquaintances. We also got to nosh down some rather fine nibblies. Whether any of the cast were in the room or not, I am unable to say. We were pretty much packed in like the proverbial and, even if they had been there, I doubt they would have been able to circulate much.

We didn't go to the after party. It was after 11 when we got out of the theatre and we were both ready for home.

And, so, now I can say I've seen it.