Theatre Tulsa will present the high-flying musical comedy Reefer Madness as an add-on to its 102nd season. Inspired by the 1936 film of the same name, this satirical musical offers a tongue-in-cheek look at the hysteria surrounding marijuana in the 1930s, following clean-cut kids as they fall into a downward spiral filled with jazz music, sex, and violence.
“We wanted to produce a bold show that would extend our reach beyond regular theatergoers,” said Executive Director Travis Guillory. “We're always looking for new audiences, and Reefer Madness was the perfect choice to bring in a new crowd.”
Guillory also noted the company's recent financial challenges.
“To be blunt (pun intended), Theatre Tulsa entered its 102nd season with a significant financial setback,” he said. “We've spent the last several months assessing where we could add productions and initiatives to help sustain Oklahoma's oldest and largest nonprofit theater company. Producing this musical is part of that effort.”
The cast features several of Tulsa's top musical theater performers, including Sam Briggs, Cristen Burdell, Robert Young, Karlena Riggs, Thomas Farnan-Williams, Nash McQuarters, and Kara Young-Paden. Ensemble members include Kimberly Wall, Zach Thomas, and Leah Rose. The production is directed by Artistic Director Jarrod Kopp and choreographed by Guillory.
With a book, music, and lyrics by Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney, the musical features Broadway-style numbers and swing tunes like “Down at the Ol' Five and Dime” and the Vegas-style “Listen to Jesus, Jimmy,” which includes an appearance by Jesus.
Performances will run Nov. 8-10 at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, with evening shows on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available at tulsapac.com. For more information about Theatre Tulsa and its upcoming shows and programs, visit theatretulsa.org, call 918-587-8402, or email info@theatretulsa.org
