Its debut broke ground in musical theatre, defining the genre of the rock musical, and remaining unapologetic in its depiction of ‘60s hippie counter-culture and sexual revolution.

Today, mounting the love-rock stage musical Hair is still considered daring, but a recent Broadway revival has proven the show has staying power.

Next Friday, July 10, Hair comes to Richmond. Students of University of Washington’s Underground Theatre Society bring the show to River Rock Show Theatre for one night.

The creation of Gerome Ragni and James Rado was first performed in 1967. The story focuses on a group of young hippies in New York City’s east village who band together to change the world.

The Richmond Review recently caught up with director Erin Hancock to talk about the show that’s already proven a success on campus.

Hair is an exploration of war, drugs, sexuality and individualism in the 1960s. How can we, in 2009, relate?

“What makes Hair such a relevant piece of theatre is the idea that it doesn’t need to be updated, rewritten, or manipulated for the audience to make the connection to contemporary issues.

“War and the fight for equal rights are issues Americans are dealing with currently and you trust that the audience will see the similarities. Although there are many clear social and political similarities for me the most moving element of this production is the story of Claude who is drafted to fight in the Vietnam War. For many it hits close to home and both older and younger generations can relate.”

The days of hippies and peace and love seem so long ago. After seeing this musical, will we all question society and its values?

“I think seeing the musical gives a new appreciation for progress and acceptance. More than anything I believe audiences will be influenced by the relevance of the message of love and peace.”

Tell me about the music, and does any one song stick in your head?

“The music of Hair is unlike that of any other musical theater production. Galt MacDermot’s score is completely unique and spans rock, pop, soul, and R&B genres. There is a reason so many of Hair’s original songs were adapted as famous chart topping singles. I love some less well known songs from the score like ‘Electric Blues’ and ‘Three Five Zero-Zero’ because of their amazing harmonies but I think my all time favourite song from Hair would have to be ‘The Flesh Failures (Let the Sunshine In).’ It is the last song of the show and is very moving. In the context of the musical the lyrics ‘Let the Sunshine In’ make perfect sense.”

This isn’t Peter Pan, but why has Hair been branded as controversial and provocative?

“Hair has elements that still may unsettle contemporary audiences. It has adult language including racial slurs, sexual themes, lots of drug use and references, and in some cases, nudity. Our production includes the nudity which originated in the 1968 Broadway production directed by Michael Butler.

“The nudity was about freedom and I left it up to the cast to decide what it meant to them and whether it was an appropriate expression of their own freedom. Often times Hair is labelled as ‘the play with nudity’ but once you see it the nudity seems just a small portion of an overall moving production.”

Who would enjoy this show?

“This show is not just for theater people or musical buffs; it is a completely universal and historical show that will transport you to one of the most influential eras in American history. Younger generations and older generations will enjoy this show.

“I have talked to college-aged men and women who have been moved by the story and music along with those who grew up in the 1960s who fondly remember the musical and the time. The show is probably not appropriate for young children because of the adult content but is something everyone should see once in their life.”

Hair: The Musical

•8 p.m. Friday, July 10 at River Rock Show Theatre

•Book and Lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado

•Directed by Erin Hancock

•Tickets, $22 to $35.75, at www.ticketmaster.ca or 604-280-4444