Notes About The Poem

With a score including such enduring musical numbers as "Let the Sunshine In," "Aquarius," "Hair" and "Good Morning Starshine," Hair depicts the birth of a cultural movement in the 60's and 70's that changed America forever: the musical follows a group of hopeful, free-spirited young people who advocate a lifestyle of pacifism and free-love in a society riddled with intolerance and brutality during the Vietnam War. As they explore sexual identity, challenge racism, experiment with drugs and burn draft cards, the "tribe" in Hair creates an irresistable message of 'hope' that continues to resonate with audiences 40 years later. 

West Coast Troop of Hair  at   Pantages Billing  
The revival play I saw. Photos by I Am

Let The Sunshine In



                                          sixties tribal group
                                   grew their Hair rock musical~
                                           charmingly naïve
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Wolf Avatar
June 8, 2025 at 7:58 PM
'Charmingly' and in the end, 'sadly' too, I would say. Esp. when all the fraternity boys and 'mod-ish businessman' and wealthy ballplayers grew their hair long too. I used to josh my early-hippie friends: "You can't tell the REAL longhairs anymore." lol. ... Much food for thought in this senryu, Anaya. Thanks, Gershon
Anaya Avatar
June 9, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Ty, Gershon, that's really something. A period piece most Hairy, lol. Take care!
Gorelick Avatar
June 8, 2025 at 10:54 AM
I love the music, mixed feelings about the era, they had civil rights activists which I liked, I was appalled by the assassinations and the war, but I loved the music, I love the score of Hair and the one second of nudity at the end of act two! Good one, Anaya
Anaya Avatar
June 9, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Ty, Robert. Of course, the nudity! I was in shock~ wasn't sure how they would do it. Great play~
Beaufort Avatar
June 3, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Anaya, thanks for writing this and citing this play. I saw it on Broadway during my junior year in high school. I had invited a young lady from my math class, but she decided not to go and I sold my extra ticket when I got there. I haven't though about that for a long time. There was supposedly some nudity at the end of act I, but I never noticed it. The music was great though. My math teacher thought it was crazy, but she was close to retirement age. It's always the way with new forms of art.
Anaya Avatar
June 4, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Dear Duke, I too watched in amazement, somewhat quirky, some of it made me tear up, but the music was a blast from the past. I am truly sorry your buddy or date didn't show up, hoping the buyer was good company, i'm sure you were! TY for visits so kind
Kauffman Avatar
June 3, 2025 at 2:13 PM
An unforgettable musical in all of its naked glory and unforgettable music! Would sing "Good Morning Starshine" while skiing with fellow ski instructors Everyone knew when we were coming! Blessings to you! Loved your senryu!
Anaya Avatar
June 3, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Awe, you gave away the big secret, Sam! Y e s they all get naked on stage!!! Favorite song that one~ Sheila's character danced with my partner at the play when they come down to the audience, he was in the center end row ~ lol. no she wasn't naked ha. Tyvm!
Rodrigues Avatar
June 2, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Catchy tunes!
Anaya Avatar
June 3, 2025 at 4:13 PM
"Good Morning Starshine" best song ever! is a song from the second act by character Shelia. The earth says hello~
Gasun Avatar
June 1, 2025 at 7:45 AM
Superb senryu inspired by this beautiful moving music video my dear poet friend. I immensely enjoyed reading and watching them. Thanks a lot for sharing. God bless you always. Hugs
Anaya Avatar
June 1, 2025 at 10:21 AM
TYVM!! Musicals can be quite moving with a message, it was Peace & Love. Wishing you well Len ~Xhugs
Andresen Avatar
June 1, 2025 at 2:43 AM
- remembers a time when most things were different than today, Anaya - hugs
Anaya Avatar
June 1, 2025 at 10:12 AM
Let's hope it doesn't repeat itself, millions dead due to wars no one understood, burning draft cards and hippy Love tribes~ Xhugs
Godwin Avatar
May 31, 2025 at 6:54 PM
A twist that hits ... CayCay
Anaya Avatar
May 31, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Ha, I just changed the billing, I formerly had the original cast playing ~
Hind Avatar
May 31, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Interesting, lol- little weird, but I will say different...it's not my time period, :)
Anaya Avatar
May 31, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Hence "charmingly naive" definitely a period piece . Musicals can be an acquired taste, I've been going since the first "Zoot Suit" my first play with Edward Olmos. I fairly recently saw it again! I saw the revival play HAIR in 2009 @ the Pantages~ I like the song by The 5th Dimension.
Goldsmith Avatar
May 31, 2025 at 2:30 PM
I enjoyed reading your fun "Let The Sunshine" write. You told a story in just 3 lines. Your first line is priceless. Have a wonderful weekend writing away...........
Anaya Avatar
May 31, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Ty, this particular video made me feel something, it brought on a tear. But I'll post the 5th Dimension or nicer yet, later on. You also, sweet Paula
Poet Avatar
May 31, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Well-composed haiku Anaya. It has many metaphorical layers that say a lot just in a few syllables. Well done
Anaya Avatar
May 31, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Tyvm, I'm grateful and am jazzed with the perfect review for this one! Xhugs to you poet
Anaya Avatar
May 31, 2025 at 2:11 PM
More feel good music! btw I saw the revival play in 2009 @ the Pantages! I'll post the latest cast and vid of Aquarius later on ~
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