“Hair” is a rock musical that debuted at Joseph Papp’s Public Theater, an off-Broadway location, but in a short time made its way to the bright lights of a Broadway theater.

The rock musical “Hair,” on a superficial level, takes you back to a time when tie-dye, long hair adorned with headbands, beads, leather/suede vests, ponchos and bell bottoms were the fashion statements of the day. There was also distinctive slang such as “give me some skin.” The musical echoed the change and movement of the ’60s. It was a time of discovery that encompassed topics of religion, race, drugs, war, education, sexual tableaus — you name it, “Hair” included it. It is a play that at times explores issues that will make people a little uncomfortable.

I had the pleasure of attending the April 28 packed matinee performance by the Ferndale Repertory Theatre with fellow theater aficionados Bob Thompson and Dawn Sexton, Ronda Hollenbeck, David Kime, Don Braun, Irene Crane, Bob and Sara Hines, Flo and John Lean, Dorothy Skjonsby, Rhonda Foster and Melanie Foster.

The show began with the pop classic “Age of Aquarius,” but it quickly became crystal clear that this would be unlike any other theater outing that I had experienced in the past when, within five minutes of the start of the musical, one of the actors pulled down his jeans.

The play delivered much more than shock value, although there was plenty of that, from being mooned to songs such as “Colored Spade,” “Sodomy,” “Me and Lucifer” and many more. The musical sets the stage for discussion of issues that were then, and still remain today, slightly taboo.

Lucky theater attendees had an additional treat, as members of the American Association of University Women, in cooperation with Eel River Soroptimist, sponsored a reception at Hobart Gallery before and after the matinee performance. Guests Lesley Ester, Peggy Darm, Annie Sicotte, Claudia Rogers, Edith Fritzsche, Cheryl Philips, Verne Skjonsby, Lisa Chapman and Jim Bo Lytle were welcome to enjoy the wonderful sushi, veggie platter, cookies, ham wraps, homemade cookies, tea sandwiches and chocolate-dipped Twizzlers, all prepared by culinary school graduate Keneth Dayacamos.

As many know, the late Hobart Brown was the mastermind behind many wonderful and intriguing pieces of art, in addition to being the creator of the Kinetic Sculpture Race. I had the pleasure of receiving a tour of the gallery from Hobart’s longtime friend Richard Ferguson. Richard is the self-appointed baron of the races and also a double for Sir Elton John. When you meet Richard, you see the resemblance immediately. He was a very congenial tour guide as we explored the private quarters of the gallery. He explained there are many beings and spirits that did and still inhabit the place where Hobart worked and that he called home. The former brothel still has numbers on the bedroom doors, original bathroom fixtures and eclectic pieces throughout this interesting home. Ellin Beltz and Ken Mierzwa are the proud new owners of Hobart Gallery and are excited about the future.

For those of you who were unable to attend “Hair,” do not worry. The Ferndale Rep still has many wonderful and fabulous plays scheduled for this year. For more information, visit www.ferndale-rep.org.

(About Town provides lively coverage of Humboldt County’s social events, style, galas, charity events, hot property, restaurants and other happenings about town. Paulette Hawkins can be reached at abouttown@eurekareporter.com. Opinions expressed in columns do not necessarily represent the views of The Eureka Reporter or its staff.)