By Lonnie the Theater Lady
“Reefer Madness–the Musical” is based on the 1936 public service announcement propaganda film “Reefer Madness” that pushed the false narrative that smoking reefer leads to addiction and criminal behaviors like theft, murder, hit and run incidents, and rape. The movie fosters the theory that addiction brings hallucinations and insanity. The movie was revived in the 70’s and has become a camp cult classic on college campuses. The movie’s satire is unintentional yet very funny. Conversely, the satire in the play is purely intentional and wildly funny.
The Lecturer (Andy Coleman) opens the play, giving a lecture about the evils of the unspeakable scourge of the leafy green assassin. He regales his audience with the tale of a sweet, innocent teenage couple, Jimmy (Adrien-Sophia Curry) and Mary Lane (Samantha Hawk), whose lives are tragically affected by smoking reefer. Jack (Jeremy McCawley) entices Jimmy to smoke pot. One hit and boom–Jimmy is a full-blown addict!
Mae (Alexis Hawk), Jack’s live-in girlfriend, vehemently objects to Jack selling the drug to teenagers. However, she must stay with Jack because she is an addict and needs him to provide her with what she refers to as ‘the stuff”. She emotionally sings a humorous yet sadly plaintive rendition of the song “The Stuff.” Lovely vocals.
Much of the story’s action takes place in Jack and Mae’s smoke-filled, shabby apartment, referred to as the “reefer den,” where the sleazy, diabolical Ralph (Harry Hawkins) hangs out, doing his best to enlist new customers for Jack.
The story is comprised of a series of scenes following Jimmy and Mary Lane’s romance. It’s infused with humorous exaggerations of outrageous behaviors and madness, assumed to be caused by smoking pot.
The non-speaking Placard Girl (Angelica Bondy) sporadically graces the stage, carrying large posters painted with comical quotes summarizing the message of the preceding scene. Examples: “Reefer gives you a potty mouth” and “Reefer makes you sell your baby for drug money.”
Coleman plays several roles, including Lecturer, Man Hit by a Car, and FDR. He’s invariably comical in every role. His priceless facial expressions are comedy gold.
Curry is convincing in their portrayal of Jimmy’s transformation from sweet innocence to drug-addled addict. Their performance touchingly tugs at one’s heartstrings. Their very funny version of “The Brownie Song” is laugh-out-loud funny.
Samantha Hawk authentically embodies the character Mary. Her melodic voice never falters. Her tender rendition of “Lonely Pew” is charming. The duet with Curry, “Romeo & Juliet,” is touchingly sweet.
McCawley plays the malevolent Jack with a convincingly sinister vibe. He’s the man we love to hate.
Alexis Hawk’s portrayal of the trapped, abused Mae elicits empathy from the sympathetic audience.
Numerous clever costumes (Alex Freeman) enhance every number. You’ll see angel wings, lingerie, and outfits comically donned with marijuana leaves in strategic places. Ingenious!
The versatile set acts as a train station, roadway, Five and Dime, prison and church (among as other settings). (Alex Keplar, set and props design)
Patrick Cannon, director, expertly wrangles this large cast on a small stage. He keeps the electric energy flowing to create a top notch production.
*An always welcome bonus to any production is a live band supplying musical accompaniment. Kudos.
“Reefer Madness–the Musical” is a splashy, hysterically funny piece of camp musical theater. The talented actors/vocalists and large ensemble are pure delight. You don’t need to get high to enjoy this wacky, zany piece. But, I guess you could if you wanted to! Your call! Either way, you’ll laugh enthusiastically watching this riotous show!
-LtTL
“Reefer Madness” runs until October 19 at Little Lake Theater, 500 Lakeside Drive, Canonsburg, PA 15317. For tickets and information, click here.
