Hair: Let the Sun Shine in

by Eric Grode

Originally conceived by actors James Rado & Gerome Ragni, with music by Galt McDermott, 'Hair' brought the radical hippie counter-culture lifestyle, that was synonymous with New York's East Village in the 1960s, to Broadway & the rest of the world. This title tells the history of the musical, from its original conception onwards.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Theatre, Musicals

160 pages, Hardcover

First published November 9, 2010

Reviews

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love HAIR. I love anything to do with HAIR. This is a great history of the original production and what's happened to the play since. The author dismisses the Milos Forman movie version, which tacked an absurd narrative onto the play. But there's a lovely mention of Keith Kennedy's production of HAIR at Memphis State in 1970. Great photos too.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Hair. I love learning about it. My only real complaint is that I wish Grode included more interviews with cast members and creatives. I would have particularly liked to have read more about the experiences of those involved in international productions as well as the most recent Broadway revival.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love HAIR, as it is my fave musical- and read much of this while working on a production. (Previously in 2014 performed IN the show while in 2026 worked production side). Such insight and history and background in this one. Highly reco.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice overview of the history of the Broadway musical Hair. It’s a good starting place for anyone who is interested in, arguably, one of the most important cultural events of the Sixties.

[Kate Ly Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Repeats info

[Debs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ridiculous confession time: I almost cried twice while reading this history of HAIR. This is a gem of a book. It's always great to find a book about something you love elegantly crafted by someone else who loves the same thing. The book is beautifully designed and contains numerous photos and documents pertaining to the shows myriad incarnations; I'd call it a must have for any fan.

[Emily Donnelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love love LOVE the musical HAIR and damn I just can't get enough of it. I found this book for only one dollar at chapters because they only had 2 copies left and so OF COURSE I bought it. LOVE IT.

So many nice photo's of revivals and the original! Love the fun facts AND the lyrics included.

A must have for HAIR lovers.

[Beth Younge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit of a disappointment for me. I'd seen this book before and was so excited to learn the history behind this amazing musical. It was lacking in something and i wish i had never read it. Star Rating: Two and Half Stars

[Caroline Boyll · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book, especially for fans of the revival because this book went into great depth about original production. Lots of beautiful photos and interviews, just a great book! <3 <3

[Jeff Siperly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read about one of my all-time favorite musicals. Didn't realize there was an album out there called DisinHairited - songs never/barely used in performances through the years. Very cool.