Gerome Ragini and James Rando’s Hair approaches issues as relevant today as they were in during its writing in 1964. Sex, drugs, rock and roll (and nudity) are all prevalent in Mysterium Theater’s production directed by Marla Ladd.

The ensemble cast comes together to bring this story to life in a fun and visually-pleasing way. The set is interesting and interactive as the cast uses a large center platform and the stage around to create multiple levels in both blocking and choreography.

Joshua Adler is the standout star as George Berger. His acting choices and strong vocals bring the character, and the story, out in an interesting way. He really pulls the audience in so that you want to head on up and live alongside him with “harmony and understanding”.

Jennifer Harmon plays up the comedy as Jeannie and is a pleasure to watch in every scene. She draws the eye to her with all of her in-character reactions, especially in playing an obviously pregnant character, really honing in on the emotions and physical feelings of a woman in that state.

Nichole Whiter shares her pain with the audience as Shiela, pulling on heartstrings with her ballad about her love for Berger, though he does not return it and the audience has just seen is abusive toward her. Jessica Taylor’s Ronnie is spunky and energetic, moving with the music and belting out the well-known songs with passion and flare.

Other notable performers are Luis E. Ceja (Margaret Mead), Allan P. Cason (Hud), and Christine DePalmo (Crissy). Additionally and quite impressively, Frank Cope stepped last minute into the challenging role of Claude with only 3 rehearsals and presents an expressive performance. The entire cast does a wonderful job of working together to bring the incredible vocals to life.

Hair runs through May 19th and Mysterium Theater in La Habra, CA. Make sure to check it out while there’s still time! Have you already seen it? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!