SouthScene Top Picks: Feel Groovy with 'Hair,' Ten Bands for Ten Bucks, and the 'Reptile Guy' in Frankfort

This may not be the dawning of the Age of Aquarius, but it sure is fun to revisit a blast from the past.

From its counter-culture roots in the 1960s, the iconic musical Hair has evolved into a stirring glimpse of a turbulent time for those who lived it, as well as a source of fascination for younger generations.

“Aquarius” and “Good Morning Starshine” are among the many memorable songs from the show, which stands as an anthem to a transformative era in American history.

This weekend, Opening Night Arts Group, under the direction of veteran thespian Cassie Dawe, brings Hair to the stage for three performances at Carl Sandburg Performing Arts Center in Orland Park.

The storyline is a moving snapshot of the era’s counter-culture: hippies, free love, illegal drugs, the peace movement and anti-Vietnam War protests. The irreverence for patriotism, for the American flag and, alas, for those fighting the war and the returning veterans still strike at the heart of many Americans.

“The music is spectacular and the look is so much fun—all the color, the bell bottoms and long hair on both sexes,” Dawe said. “Hair really is a time capsule, and I am glad we have learned and now treat our service men and women with respect and honor their sacrifices.”

ONAG is a not-for-profit educational and theatrical company that raises funds for a variety of charities. Proceeds from Hair will be directed to A Silver Lining Foundation, which raises money to help women who cannot afford mammograms.

This could be the perfect musical for Silver Lining’s coffers. The urgency of mammograms to save lives from breast cancer fired up in late 1960s and early ‘70s.

Ticket information can be found at Opening Night Arts Group online.

Myra’s 5 Best Bets for Entertainment

1. Ten Bands for Ten Bucks: From punk rock to organ duo, from zydeco to Grand Ole Opry, the Beverly Arts Center BAC Yard Music Fest revs up the Southland with two stages and 10 bands for 10 bucks. Food and drink will be available. The fun kicks off at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 16.

2. Exploring the American Songbook: focuses on legendary talents of the 20th century in a fascinating exhibit that opens at 7 p.m. tonight, July 15, at the Orland Park Public Library.

3. A Mexican-American Artistic Voyage: Sergio Gomez explores the experiences of a Mexican-American in , a compelling exhibit of drawings and paintings now through Aug. 6 at Union Street Gallery in Chicago Heights.

4. Youthful Staging of Cheaper By the Dozen: Laugh and cry as Curtain Call Community Theatre in New Lenox presents a young adult troupe production of the American classic . Even tickets are cheaper by the dozen for this production, opening at 8 p.m., July 21.

5. ‘Reptile Guy’ and Friends in Frankfort: Alligators, lizards, snakes, tarantulas, scorpions and a giant anaconda invade as “Reptile Guy” Steve Serengeti and his tarantulizing—oops, tantalizing—friends slither into Frankfort at 10:30 a.m., July 22.