What is ‘Hair’?
“Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical is a rock musical with a book and lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni and music by Galt MacDermot. A product of the hippie counterculture and sexual revolution of the 1960s, several of its songs became anthems of the anti-Vietnam War peace movement. The musical’s profanity, its depiction of the use of illegal drugs, its treatment of sexuality, its irreverence for the American flag, and its nude scene caused much comment and controversy. The musical broke new ground in musical theatre by defining the genre of “rock musical”, using a racially integrated cast, and inviting the audience onstage for a “Be-In” finale.” (Wikipedia)
Summary of the plot
“Hair tells the story of the “tribe”, a group of politically active, long-haired hippies of the “Age of Aquarius” living a bohemian life in New York City and fighting against conscription into the Vietnam War. Claude, his good friend Berger, their roommate Sheila and their friends struggle to balance their young lives, loves and the sexual revolution with their rebellion against the war and their conservative parents and society. Ultimately, Claude must decide whether to resist the draft as his friends have done, or to succumb to the pressures of his parents (and conservative America) to serve in Vietnam, compromising his pacifistic principles and risking his life.”(Wikipedia)
Would I want explore this musical?
I’m unsure whether I want to pursue ‘Hair’ for this essay as there is so much background research to look into for this. Having seen the revival multiple times, both when it was revived in 2009 on Broadway and when it transferred to the West End in 2010, it is an understatement to say this is a unique musical, as it is so much more. Although both an experience and a life-changing event, I will probably not cover Hair it means too much personally, while also being probably a too large subject matter. It is stated on ideas as it may have helped to cover the subject in preparation for my dissertation(which will revolve around how revivals affect the growth of theatre as a form).
Viewpoints that could be taken:
Hippies, Actor, Journalist from the 60s, Teenager today, theatregoer.
Resources
Books:
Hair: The Story Of the Show That Defined a Generation by Eric Grode
On my bookshelf: Includes images, reviews, profiles, history of the musical, profiles. May be bias as it is an official companion.
Articles/ Website:
http://www.hairthemusical.com/musical.html
Musical is briefly looked into on this website.
Possible:
Interview Gavin Creel if additional information needed.
Videos:
HAIR (Broadway) – “Hair” [LIVE @ The 2009 Tony Awards]
Use as example if chosen as final idea
“Hair,” with playwright/lyricist James Rado, composer Galt MacDermot, and actor Gavin Creel
Indepth discussion on the musical.
A quiet little pocket of a park. 
This sounds like a really exciting musical not only to see, but to research on it as well. Would love to see it, as it really sounds like an interesting life about New York hippies. Such a freedom!