TKO Productions and Town Square Players are presenting their version of the musical "Hair" at Cedar Crest College.

This two-act musical, set in New York in the 1960s portrays the story about a "Tribe" a group of political active long hair hippies living a bohemian life and fighting against conscription during the Vietnam War.

The musical is based on the Broadway musical of the same name written by James Rado and Germone Ragni with music by Gait MacDermont.

Tyler Fernandez plays George Berger and Justin Brinker portrays Claude in the show.

"Berger is the leader of the "Tribe" who struggles between keeping it upbeat when things aren't looking good and dealing with his best friend Claude, who has a dilemma of his own," Fernandez said.

He said he like the crazy and goofy role that Berger plays in the show because it keeps things moving and helps with the energy in the show.

"'Hair' is a life changing experience," Fernandez said. "The message of love and hope are still applicable today and it's a beautiful show."

"I recently was seen in "Hair" as Berger with the Westminster Players of Rider University and am so grateful to play the role again with this incredible tribe," he stated.

Brinker said Claude is the epitome of a lost soul.

"Most people during this time period were torn between two ideas," he said. "Claude wasn't even on the scale. He's invisible in a society of invisibles."

"Berger and I are very similar, it's scary sometimes," Brinker stated.

He said he likes the show because of its non-linear nature and its lack of boundaries.

"It's how I live my life and I'm glad I can show it on stage," Brinker said.

Morgan Reilly also comments on her role as Shelia Franklin in the show.

"My character is a protestor and throughout the show she leads the "Tribe" through a series of protest," Reilly said.

She said she like how her character is pretty fierce, very powerful and independent.

"As strong as she is, she also has a soft side," Reilly said. "It's an adventure to have the opportunity to play her."

"'Hair' is one of my favorite shows because of the message it sends to the audience," she stated. "It truly captures the essence of hippie life, and the importance of peace and love thinning in an era filled with war and violence."

The musical is being directed by Mark Stutz, with staging and chorography by Kelly Jean Graham and musical direction by June Thomas.

Stutz comments on why the musical "Hair" was chosen and the show.

"The musical was chosen as a tribute to Guthsville Playhouse, which produced the show 40 years ago in this same playhouse," Stutz stated. "Tom Ortalano, who played Berger, one of the two lead roles was recently inspired to honor the production of the 1974 and 1975 production of "Hair" right here in Alumnae Hall."

"Those of us who are involved in the show thought there was relevance in the production today because of the conflicts around the world and young people are questioning the establishment and the decisions being made in regards to the future of the country," he said.

Stutz said the show follows a "Tribe" of hippies in Central Park, N.Y., as they deal with the war, drugs, relationships, parents and they do it all with a sense of joy and high energy.

"Claude is faced with the decision to go to the draft or dodge the draft," he said.

He said the show is very audience oriented and high energy and is not appropriate for young children.

"Hair" will be performed 8 p.m. Aug. 8, 9, 15 and 16 and 2 p.m. Aug. 10 and 17.

To purchase tickets, go to hairtickets40.com.

To learn more about the show, cast or for more information, visit hairthemusical40thanniversarylv.com or call 610-770-7700 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.