Hair co-author-lyricist James Rado commented on the latest version of his international hit musical in an August 21 statement.
Rado, who noticed that Miranda changed the lyric of “Aquarius” from “then peace will guide the planet” to “then peace will heal the planet,” said that although he likes the change, he feels the original might be better, adding, “Then peace will guide is more elegant and open.” Regardless, he stated, “Heal the planet or guide the planet….Peace is the answer.”
The statement goes on to say that “Rado was tickled pink to see the duo, in their nude scene, frolicking in the altogether, letting the California sunshine in.”
Hair focuses on a group of hippies—called The Tribe—in New York City in the late 1960's, and gives voice to their passions and frustrations in loose scenes and interactions, including a rant against war, an embrace of free love (including a group nude scene), and odes to nature, life, drugs, and multiculturalism. Book and lyrics are by Gerome Ragni and Rado; music is by Galt MacDermot.