When Andy Leahy first saw “Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical” in 1970s Los Angeles, there was nudity. Although he directs a nudity-free version, audiences have been cautioned about content.
“This show contains sexual content, depictions of drug use, racial slurs and adult language” states the warning for “Hair,” which closes The Drama Group’s 92nd season, from Aug. 2 to 11 at Milord Studio Theatre in Chicago Heights.
“Those words were used to shock people and to make people think. That still works,” said Leahy of Chicago Heights.
To help present the original script from a modern perspective, Leahy brought in Carolyn Strong, who describes herself as an educator focused on equity, anti-racist practices and culturally competent discipline.
“We talked through some of the issues and the words that are used,” said Leahy about Strong, who is dean of students at Thornton Township High School in Harvey and adjunct faculty at DePaul University in Chicago.
“There was some concern because we have a mixed cast. We have a number of African Americans and whites and especially the white young people were concerned about using the N-word, which does appear in the show. It’s in one of the songs.
“They talked it through. They understand that it’s not about what they believe about that word. It’s about what that song is trying to convey. It’s legitimate to use that word in context.”
“Hair” features book and lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado and music by Galt MacDermot. The composing trio and producer Andy Wiswell received a Grammy Award for best score from an original cast show album for the musical celebrating 1960s counterculture.
“The music is so powerful. There’s great music and the whole issue of anti-war is done very well,” said Leahy about songs including opener “Aquarius,” closer “The Flesh Failures (Let the Sunshine In)” and the duet “What a Piece of Work Is Man.”
“It’s a very powerful play. People sometimes forget that. They get caught up in the music and some of the other things in the show. It’s a really powerful statement about war. Also, it deals with pieces of racism and sexism, which continue to plague us.”
The crew for “Hair” includes residents of Crete, Chicago Heights, Homewood, New Lenox, Olympia Fields, Orland Park, South Holland, Tinley Park and St. John, Indiana, and intimacy coordinator Samm Hilger of Midlothian who is also a cast member.
“I knew (the cast) had to connect with each other because if they’re not connected with each other as actors, the audience will not relate,” Leahy said.
“(Samm) started out right away with community building and exercises dealing with how to touch each other because they have to be constantly in physical contact with each other. There were permission discussions of what can and can’t be done.”
The show’s cast includes Bradley, Burnham, Chicago, Chicago Heights, Crete, Flossmoor, Glenwood, Harvey, Homewood, Midlothian, Oak Forest, Park Forest, Steger and Tinley Park residents.
“We have a variety of talent — some very great singers, some terrific actors,” Leahy said.
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
‘Hair’
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2-3 and Aug. 8-10; 2 p.m. Aug. 4 and Aug. 10-11
Where: The Drama Group’s Milord Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights
Tickets: $25 adults; $23 ages 65 and older or military; $19 students
Information: 708-755-3444; dramagroup.org
