Galt MacDermot Books

This review is for the first printing of the 1969 HAIR: THE AMERICAN TRIBAL LOVE-ROCK MUSICAL book. I found it used and in good condition through an Amazon third-party seller. The vintage paperback, published by "Pocket Books," is written in play format, featuring dialogue with stage directions, and the song lyrics in all-caps to differentiate them from the dialogue. The story is rooted in the 60s counter-culture hippie movement, focusing on a group of friends known as a "tribe," particularly Claude's struggle with being drafted into the military. It revolutionized Broadway by introducing rock music and broke conventional storytelling with its non-linear approach. Themes of sexuality, war, drugs, race, and generational divides are explored. Although I was too young to see it on Broadway, I’m thrilled to have this book. My copy includes 16 pages of black-and-white photos of the original cast, a delightful surprise not mentioned in the description. I know "Hair" underwent significant changes after its debut, and there are notable differences between the Broadway musical and the film adaptation by Milos Forman. Some lyrics vary slightly in wording and order, which is worth noting. As a long-time fan of "Hair," this book is a valuable addition to my collection. I recommend picking it up if you find a copy at a good price.