Reviews of HAIR
Critic Reviews
"This concert-like musical had the audience whooping and clapping ... Overall, HAIR is a huge amount of fun." —BroadwayWorld
“A delight for the senses.” —ShoutOut
“…this boundary-breaking show manages to tackle incredibly heavy content with a sweetness and joy that should feel incongruous but doesn’t.” —PDX Parent
“It’s a huge, joyous collective energy lift.” —Oregon ArtsWatch
"A gifted cast sings new life into the anti-war Vietnam-era musical" —Portland Mercury
"The connections between 1968 and 2023 are loud and clear." "{HAIR} embodies an aching hopefulness" —Willamette Week
Wigmaker, Jes, helps HAIR weave its own hirsute world at Portland Center Stage. —The Oregonian, interviews Jessica Miller, wig designer of HAIR
Audience Raves
"So glad we saw this. One of my favorite theater experiences ever. 👏👏👏"
"HAIR was 🔥, go see it."
"There's a reason I am still here- this show reminded me of it."
"So hopeful and full of love."
"Loved everything (except my husband's singing)."
"Exceptional!"
"Captured the essence of the first. So well done!"
National Reviews
“HAIR never took itself too seriously, but as the first of many rock musicals to come, it wormed its way into our permanent consciousness. And its anthems became part and parcel of its generation.” –BroadwayWorld
“Their musical perfectly captured the counterculture’s utopian dream. Our grim decade seems ripe for revived hippy happiness. HAIR is back — and alive and kicking.” –Your Observer
“HAIR is celebratory. It’s also satirical, fast-moving, a little raunchy. HAIR conveys its characters’ complicated lives in a unique way.” –Chester Telegraph
Triumphant, glorious, and breathtaking! Hair is a musical for the ages because it's a musical for the now." –New York Post
Tune in, turn on, and be prepared for an exhilarating ride. Hair is transcendent, with a scrumptious rock-candy score and a flawless cast!" –USA Today
“Before cell phones, the internet, and alternate forms of digital communication invited people to text and talk on a computer screen as an alternative to seeing someone in person, Hair highlights the value of in-person camaraderie, especially when things seem to be falling apart. Set in war-torn 1968 and focusing on a tribe of hippies that could possibly be drafted, emotionally and physically holding onto each other helps them cope in a world gone mad.” –The Sleepless Critic
“Sexual freedom and the courage to resist cultural norms exhilarate this tribe of hippies, draft dodgers, drug takers, interracial lovers, protesters, and free-love advocates.” –Seven Day SVT
"Raucous, powerful, exuberant and achingly timely, Hair finds a modern pulse of fury and hope." –Newsday
Current & Upcoming
Improvisation Classes for Beginners
Whether you're looking to get more confident in social situations, think quicker on your feet, or get in touch with your imaginative side, these "one-off" improv classes will set you on the path to success!
Adult Class : TWELFTH NIGHT, Before & After
Join veteran actor Joe Costa for a unique opportunity to take a “deep dive” into both Shakespeare’s text of Twelfth Night, and the PCS Production. Participants will read the play out loud as a group, with “intermissions” provided for lively discussion of themes and content. Interested participants will have a chance to act in selected scenes, guided by the instructor.
Improv Comedy: Love, Shakespeare
Witness the Magic of unscripted Elizabethan comedy! Step into the offbeat world of Love, Shakespeare, where seasoned Portland comedians attempt something audacious: performing a fully improvised Elizabethan play based on your suggestions!
Albina Music Trust presents A Brown Branch Christmas
Celebrate this holiday season with A Brown Branch Christmas at Portland Center Stage. Now in its fourth season, this two-night big band celebration features directors Domo Branch and Charlie Brown III guiding a heavy 15-piece lineup of regional and national musicians.
BIPOC Affinity Night DJ Party with ALoSo
Join us for a double feature BIPOC Affinity Night, featuring a live DJ set by ALoSo, plus holiday craft market vendor tables, art exhibits by Albina Music Trust Wall to Wall Sound and Jason Hill's Favorite Things, with complimentary select drinks provided by Multnomah Whiskey Library and Deschutes Brewery while supplies last.
Winter Teen Academy: Scene Work
Calling all teens! Are you looking to expand your acting skills and be the best scene partner you can be for your fellow actors? In this class, we will dig deep into scene study, character motivation, and active listening, while learning the necessary questions to ask in every rehearsal situation. You'll develop fuller characters and deeper relationships on stage by partnering in scene work — and have lots of fun too!
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