Review: Rollins College's REEFER MADNESS Exceeds 'High' Expectations

Have you ever seen a movie that you thought was so bad, that it was actually good? That's what happened on the road from turning laughably ridiculous 1936 anti-drug propaganda film REEFER MADNESS into a hit Off-Broadway musical. Despite continually being repurposed and repackaged throughout the 30s, 40s, and 50s, AMC considers the original REEFER MADNESS to be "one of the worst movies ever made." So, when Dan Studney (music) and Kevin Murphy (book and lyrics) brought the movie to the stage in 1998, it was with tongue firmly implanted in cheek. The musical, playing at Rollins College's Annie Russell Theatre through October 3rd, is a hilarious look at the paranoid fear-mongering which is often our society's default response to anything new. Having seen the 2005 star-studded film adaptation (and having recently interviewed original star Lori Alan), going in, my expectations for the Rollins' production were extremely "high" (pun totally intended). However, as is standard for shows at the Annie, the REEFER MADNESS cast is exceptionally strong and, under the direction of Missy Barnes, manages to create the perfectly manic tone for this laugh-out-loud musical.

Framed by a zealous anti-cannabis crusader (Bailey DeVoe) who lectures the audience that what they are about to see is entirely true, the musical retains a surprisingly large amount of the original, ridiculously melodramatic plot. Jimmy Harper (Taylor Wright) and Mary Lane (MiKayla Phillips) are All-American high school sweethearts, until the naïve Jimmy is lured to the "Reefer Den" where Jack (Casey Casteel) promises to give him dance lessons so that he doesn't embarrass himself as Mary's partner in an upcoming contest.

Instead of dance lessons though, Jack has the den's other residents, the gorgeous, seductive Sally (Lena Barker) and bizarrely, certifiable Ralph (Daniel Martinez), do everything that they can to get him hooked on marijuana. The den is owned by Mae (the fantastic Selia Aponte) who, despite her desire to protect Jack's young victims, just can't break free from her overpowering addiction to "the stuff." From there, Jimmy's life spirals out of control leading to sexual promiscuity, murder, bizarre fever dreams, cannibalism, and more.

Wright and Phillips make an extremely appealing romantic pair, both completely selling their comically goody two-shoes personas. While both strain a bit when transitioning into their head voices, the majority of the time they sound great together and individually.

Admittedly, her role might be the least flashy of the show's leads, but the most impressive performance comes from Aponte; if for no other reason than Mae is the only character that has the opportunity to show any type of growth. However, on top of that, Aponte sings great, and is able to skillfully float from concerned friend to crazed dope fiend with just the slightest sexually suggestive raised eyebrow.

Casteel's Jack is a fun take on the skeezy pusher trope; Barker is fantastic as the over-sexed single mother willing to do anything... and I do mean anything, for her next fix; and Martinez is hysterical as a demented former college student, who bears an odd resemblance to Chris Kattan's Mr. Peppers' character from SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE.

While all of the leads have very strong voices, it did seem that at times the vocal ranges were a little too high for each. Beyond that though, both the show's singers and the live band sound great, even if soloists are occasionally drowned out. The ensemble, with musical direction by Jamey Ray, is best when all are singing together in harmony.

James Blaisdell, Carlos Pereyo, and Anneliese Moon are extremely strong in a variety of ensemble parts, but do their best work as Mr. Poppy, Jesus, and Lady Liberty respectively. And, DeVoe is wonderful as the bonkers Lecturer.

There were a few technical issues at my performance, including mics going out and a blue light randomly flashing in the stage-left alcove, but over all, there is little to critique from this production; easily the best musical that I have seen at Rollins.

Lisa Cody-Rapport's multi-functional set design includes period propaganda posters which help prepare the audience for the satirical tone of the show. However, in having to make the set fully-transformable to accommodate a handful of different settings; at times it is left looking either unfinished or under-decorated, while at others, especially Mr. Poppy's Five and Dime, it looks like a fully realized, unique location.

The lighting, by Kevin Griffin, is occasionally a bit frantic and distracting, but the inclusion of projections brilliantly adds a handful of extra laughs.

For a side-splitting evening of entertainment, from a top-notch collegiate program, you must check out Rollins College's REEFER MADNESS playing at the Annie Russell Theatre through October 3rd. But, be careful, it just might give you the munchies. You can purchase tickets for this, and every Rollins show at the Annie Russell, by visiting their website, or by calling 407-646-2145. I would imagine that the title itself would be enough, but if not, parental discretion is advised for this production.

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Did you venture into Rollins' Reefer Den? And more importantly, did you make it out alive? Let me know what you thought in the comments below, or by "Liking" and following BWW Orlando on Facebook and Twitter using the buttons below. You can also chat with me about the show on Twitter @BWWMatt. If you want to follow along with my "366 in 366" articles, you can check out #BWW366in366 on Twitter.

Photo Credit:
1) Taylor Wright and MiKayla Phillips: Tony Firriolo | Rollins College
2) Cast of REEFER MADNESS: Tony Firriolo | Rollins College
3) Carlos Pereyo and angels: Tony Firriolo | Rollins College

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