Reefer Madness the Musical is a satirical representation of drug use, and as the title suggests, weed is the focus. There’s a good deal of humor in the musical, but it also has extremely dark and sexual undertones making it uncomfortable to watch at times. The production at the Durango Arts Center is solid, with a strong cast.
Based on the 1936 anti-drug propaganda film of the same name, the story is about high school students enticed to try marijuana and ruin their lives with the devil’s weed. It is a play within a play, in that Benjamin Harris High School’s Theater Department is retelling the tragic story of Jimmy Harper and Mary Lane — teenage sweethearts whose innocence is bound to corrupted.
Jimmy is expertly performed by Oliver Kennedy. He’s the wholesome, all-American boy hanging out at the soda fountain when he encounters Jack – the villain you love to hate – performed in over-the-top Vaudeville style by Jason Lythgoe.
Mary Lane (Mahriah James), is as sweet and innocent as they come, making her the exact opposite of Sally, who sells her body for drug money. Sally is performed by Durango favorite Siena Widen, who seems to be able to take on any onstage persona and portray it to perfection.
Sally lives at the home of Mae (Jenny Fitts-Reynolds), who seems to be one of the only characters with a conscience, but she allows reefer to take her sanity away.
Their story is told by the Lecturer (Holden Grace), who guides the audience through two acts of great music, acting and choreography as we watch the loss of innocence and deterioration of youth – all caused by marijuana. Of course, the entire story is tongue-in-cheek, as comedic signs making ludicrous accusations are held up and walked across stage by ensemble members.
The signs are part of an extremely minimalistic set that also adds the drama being played out on stage. The audience’s attention is always drawn to the actors and the action taking place before them.
Anyone familiar with this musical should appreciate the production and the heart and soul that went into staging it at the Durango Arts Center. It was directed by Michael McCelvey along with music director Curt Reynolds.
If dark, satirical comedy with a little irreverence all set to music is something you enjoy, then, Reefer Madness the Musical should not be missed.
Debra Mayeux is an award-winning journalist who has covered news, events and the arts in both broadcast and print format during the past 30 years at media companies throughout the Four Corners region. She also is an actor with 40 years of experience on stage.
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