James and Ted Rado, the producers and creators of Rainbow, a new musical downtown at the Orpheum Theater, ostensibly intended it to be a sequel to Hair, or at least a follow-up, contemporary extravaganza in the school of Hair.
James co-authored the book and lyrics of Hair and brother Ted was the creative director for all its North American companies. between them, they have written the music, book and lyrics for Rainbow. No wonder it smacks of Hair as its inspiration.
In some ways the inspiration holds them in good stead. There is much listenable (albeit too amplified) music, fine ensemble singing, unabashed, head-on confrontation with today, and there are the outlandish costumes and make-up signifying very little but madness.
Throughout its entirety Rainbow is on the verge of being better than it is, but it trips on its lyrics and falters in its feeble story-telling and nearly suffocates on its brashness. Which does not mean that probably the right audience, the ones that doted on hair before it moved to Broadway, will not have a good time at the Orpheum. That audience may love it.
They will surely take to the strange characters all over the stage. Some of them are actually played by actors names Camille, Philip A.D. and Meat Loaf. And some of the roles played are those of Jesus (again), Ms. Friendstrangle Stripper, Dr. Banana Buddha, Romeo, President (a cigar smoking one, to confuse you) and even Opera.
The center of attention is simply Man. He is dead. Killed in Vietnam. He wants to know why. So do his mother and father and the girl and twin girl in his life. They may or may not be dead too. At least there is evidence the president and his wife are alive.
So Man in Rainbow is indeed a role and a half. It is played with tremendous devotion, vitality, understanding and effort by Gregory V. Karliss.
Rainbow is not as much of a curiosity as Hair or as organized or disciplined. It is, however, often arresting and curious and adds up to an unusual and interesting evening.
Copyright The Hollywood Reporter.