More than fifty years since it first shocked and electrified audiences, HAIR: The Musical still burns with the spirit of protest and liberation that defined a generation.
In this latest revival, director Glenn Elston has assembled a spirited cast and creative team who channel the show’s exuberant energy and ideals with enthusiasm, even if the overall production occasionally struggles to find a consistent rhythm.
Elston’s vision captures the essence of 1960s counterculture – peace, love, rebellion, and freedom — but his direction sometimes lacks a clear rhythmic throughline to connect the production’s many tonal shifts. The energy is undeniably high, yet transitions between the show’s moments of chaos and contemplation can feel uneven.
This is not helped by KASPA’s somewhat cramped staging, which compresses the action and limits the sense of tribal expansiveness that HAIR thrives on. As a result, the production’s visual and emotional flow occasionally falters, particularly in ensemble scenes that call for space and spontaneity.
Even so, there’s much to admire. Sue-Ellen Shook’s choreography infuses the stage with vitality and freedom, balancing the unstructured exuberance of the era with strong ensemble unity. Colin Snape’s musical direction ensures that Galt MacDermot’s timeless score – including Aquarius, Good Morning Starshine, and Let the Sunshine In — remains as infectious and uplifting as ever. The band’s sound, supported by Will Burston’s crisp sound design, pulses with authenticity.
Leading the tribe, Alex Cooper delivers a sensitive and searching Claude, torn between self-expression and duty. Maxwell Simon’s Berger is irreverent and magnetic, while Elizabeth Brennan’s Sheila lends the show emotional depth through both presence and voice. Clay Darius (Hud) and Rosie Meader (Jeannie) provide standout moments, and Zahrah Andrews’ Dionne radiates charisma with every line.
The supporting ensemble – Jackson McGovern, Tamara Foglia Castañeda, Maverick Newman, Teresa Moore, Grant Young, Linden Trescott, Larissa Teale, Bronte Horswood, Madeleine Somers, and Cameron Shook – perform with infectious commitment and warmth.
Karla Erenbots’ costumes dazzle with their riot of colour and texture, perfectly evoking the era’s psychedelic flair. Harrison Cope’s lighting provides vivid atmosphere, especially in the dream sequences that flirt between fantasy and reality.
While this HAIR may lack some cohesion in its storytelling rhythm, it compensates with heart, energy, and a sincere belief in the power of collective expression. Its message of peace, freedom, and love continues to resonate – even in moments when the staging feels restrained by its own limitations.
HAIR The Musical
Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins St, Melbourne
Performance: Saturday 1 November 2025
Season continues to 23 November 2025
Bookings: www.ticketmaster.com.au
For more information, visit: www.hairthemusical.com.au for details.
Images: The Cast of HAIR The Musical – photos by Ben Fon
Review: Rohan Shearn