SIFF Sighting: HAIR: LET THE SUN SHINE IN (documentary; USA/France)

The documentary HAIR: LET THE SUN SHINE IN, by Paula Rapaport and Wolfgang Held, takes a look back at the landmark musical with many of the filmmakers and stars of the original stage production.

If you're a fan of the musical, or even of the film that was based on the musical, you'll probably enjoy this brief stroll down memory lane, which includes footage from the era as well as recent interviews and interpretations by inspiring young actors and singers.

Noticeably absent was the original "Sheila," Diane Keaton, whom they only mention briefly when discussing how re-casting her role with a black woman was a big deal at the time. Otherwise, aside from those who have passed, most of the key players are present and happy to talk up the impact this socially daring production had at the time of its release.

I'll admit I'm biased, because HAIR is my favorite stage musical and I play the Original Broadway Soundtrack often, but in addition to those of us who already like the topic, I could see this documentary being useful to high school teachers covering the 60s in their classrooms because it stresses so much what was going on in the world at that time.

Not a bad way to spend an hour.

HAIR: LET THE SUN SHINE IN will play at SIFF Cinema on Monday, May 26 as part of the 34th Annual Seattle International Film Festival.

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