Reefer Madness, the Musical – A Cult Classic with Music

When REEFER MADNESS opened in the small equity-waver Hudson Theater in Los Angeles in 1998 for a two-week planned run, it was the beginning of a year and a half sensation which played to packed houses and rave reviews. Eventually, the show made it to off-Broadway in 2001, where it ran for a month. It was later adapted by Murphy and Studney to film in 2005. Quite a run for a 1936 propaganda film which turned into a cult classic. With book and lyrics by Kevin Murphy and book and music by Dan Studney, REEFER MADNESS returns to Los Angeles in 2024 at the historic Whitley Theater, an old-time speakeasy from Hollywood’s past now updated for Hollywood’s present.

J. Elaine Marcos and Anthony Norman – Photo by Andrew Patino

The time is 1937, and the place is “the good ol’ USA. A new terror is stalking our youth, and it’s spelled “marihuana.” Our staunch and conservative lecturer (Bryan Daniel) warns the audience of parents that – if not checked – the younger generation is lost. To make sure that he drives his point home, he tells the sad story of the Harper Affair: Jimmy Harper (Anthony Norman) and Mary Lane (Darcy Rose Byrnes), two innocent, wholesome high schoolers, are drawn inexorably into the evil reefer web by slick drug pusher Jack. Jack is a violent, abusive man who keeps Reefer Den hostess Mae (Nicole Parker) in check by making sure that she’s supplied with the drug. Sally (J. Elaine Marcos) is a denizen of the Reefer Den, a prostitute and addict who will sell her baby for money to buy more reefer. And let’s not forget Ralph (Thomas Dekker), a crazed and maniacal ex-college student addict, who also dwells in the reefer web. Even Jesus ((Rory O’Malley) throws in his two cents. When good egg Jimmy transitions into a bad apple, all hell (literally) will break loose.

Darcy Rose Byrnes, Bryan Daniel Porter, and Anthony Norman – Photo by Andrew Patino

Skillfully directed and choreographed by Spencer Liff, the cast doesn’t miss a beat in presenting (without a doubt) the campiest tale to grace Hollywood. Thanks to music director David Lamoureaux, over a dozen clever songs surround the cast with lively and sometimes volatile counterpoint to the apocryphal tale of Jimmy and Mary. There’s even a live band to add to the excitement. Talent abounds as the cast trips the light fantastic and warbles its longings. Considerable time and effort went into creating this production space into a tasteful and time encapsulated venue. Above ground are a restaurant and bar, while deep down is the old speakeasy repurposed into a theater. Clearly, time and expense were secondary in this marvelous environmental creation. All ticket price ranges allow audiences to experience the “Pre-Madness” in the “Victory Garden” bar and restaurant, the REEFER MADNESS production, and the night’s “Oh So Mad” After-Party. By the way, Murphy and Studney just can’t keep from tinkering with REEFER MADNESS. Each iteration (original play, later revivals, film) has been a little different – so, if you saw it before, it’s probably changed over time. 

Nicole Parker – Photo by Andrew Patino

REEFER MADNESS isn’t so much a theater production as a theatrical experience, and audiences are invited to enjoy the opportunities offered. REEFER MADNESS is a not-to-be-missed show, a satire that will keep you chuckling – ribald, original, sensual, ridiculous, and uproarious. AUDIENCE ALERT: Absolutely nothing is sacred to Murphy and Studney.

Darcy Rose Byrnes, Andrew Joseph Aultmon, Jane Papageorge, Bryan Daniel Porter, Nicole Parker, Anthony Norman, Alex Tho, Claire Crause, Thomas Dekker, and J. Elaine Marcos – Photo by Andrew Patino

REEFER MADNESS, THE MUSICAL runs through October 27, 2024, with performances at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays through Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. The Whitley Theatre is located at 6555 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. Tickets range from $39 to $94 (special group fates for parties of 8+). For information and reservations, go online.