Mary Lane News

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 that is often the 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 completely 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.

You can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family. Or so we thought, until now.

The Annie Russell Theatre opens its 83rd season with Reefer Madness, a fast-paced musical satire poking fun at the now-infamous 1938 film of the same name. When we first meet Jimmy (Taylor Wright '16) and Mary Lane (MiKayla Phillips '16), they are a clean cut high school couple falling in puppy love. Lured by a gnarly crew of marijuana pushers, Jimmy and Mary are soon in all sorts of trouble - from hallucinations to homicide!

Hennepin Theatre Trust announced today the full cast The Realish Housewives of Edina: A Parody. The brand new comedy, filled with heavy doses of brawls, booze and botox, is coming to the Trust's New Century Theatre September 24-November 15 with oodles of hometown reality in this totally original-and outlandish-parody performance. Tickets are on sale now. To purchase and for more information, call 612.455.9501, visit HennepinTheatreTrust.org, or buy in person (no service fees) at the New Century Theatre (615 Hennepin Ave., street level, City Center) in downtown Minneapolis.

This week at 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com or call (646) 476-3551.

54 Below is Broadway's Supper Club - and the hottest venue in town - but long before that it was home to nightlife legend. 54 Below invites you to remember the glory - and the decadence - that was STUDIO 54. In the legendary club's heyday the guest  list was a who's who from the world of entertainment - Andy Warhol, Liza Minnelli, Halston, Elizabeth Taylor, Mick Jagger, Diana Ross, Brooke Shields, John Travolta, Michael Jackson - and the music played kept them dancing all through the night. Come "Turn the Beat Around" as we "Celebrate Good Times" and salute Studio 54 from its opening night to the "Last Dance." This is one party you won't want to miss. 54 Below is even rolling out their dance floor for the occasion! Produced and directed by Scott Coulter.

Broadway's 40 theatres aren't the only places to catch performances from your favorite stars! Well after Broadway orchestras begin their overtures, ensemble members take their dance breaks, and performers belt out their eleven o'clock numbers, the party continues at various cabaret venues throughout New York City. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you some cabaret highlights for this week as picked by our theatre editors, including: Natalie Douglas in 'Hello Dolly...The Music of Dolly Parton;' Turn the Beat Around: 54 Below Celebrates Studio 54; Alice Ripley: All Sondheim; Evan Ruggiero, The One-Legged Song and Dance Man; and The Broadway Pricess Party Featuring Laura Osnes.

This August and September, 54 BELOW presents an exciting lineup of the brightest talent from Broadway and beyond. Located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street. For a detailed schedule of upcoming performances at 54 Below and to purchase tickets, visitwww.54Below.com. 

Two theatre stars tribute classic pride duet!

54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club applauds The United States Supreme Court on today's historic decision. In the three years since its opening, 54 Below has become a favorite venue for the LGBT community on both sides of the footlights, hosting numerous, LGBT-themed artists and performances, fundraisers, same-sex weddings, and even events to shine a spotlight on same-sex couples from states that had previously not recognized the rights of these couples to marry.

The show recently celebrated the musicals of 1991-2015 - check out a look backstage below!

The show recently celebrated the musicals of 1991-2015 - check out a look back below!

Celebrate NYC Pride Week by shakin' your groove thing in the late hours at 54 Below on Friday, June 26th 11:30pm! Join them for some midnight drinks, featuring Broadway's best talent, and most importantly: fabulous songs from your favorite artists and shows! Kinky Boots, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, La Cage, Victor/ Victoria, and MORE.

This week at 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com or call (646) 476-3551.

Author/critic Scott Siegel created BROADWAY BY THE YEAR for Town Hall, which he writes and hosts. Siegel takes audiences of all ages on a musical tour of the Great White Way, offering an entertaining verbal account of Broadway's history. Each evening celebrates the songs from Broadway shows of a selected year, sung by a cast of talented cabaret and Broadway performers. This marvelous program not only highlights favorite show-stopping numbers, it also features lesser-known gems.

Long after the Waldos coined the term '420,' composer Dan Studney, lyricist Kevin Murphy, and actor/producer Christian Campbell decided that it was time to test the waters in New York City for the return of the hit cult musical REEFER MADNESS. Lighting up at 54 Below, they wanted to see just how high the 17-year-old material gets modern audiences while also celebrating the 10th anniversary of the film adaptation of the show.

Coming up this week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com or call (646) 476-3551.

Coming up this week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com or call (646) 476-3551.

Broadway's 40 theatres aren't the only places to catch performances from your favorite stars! Well after Broadway orchestra's begin their overtures, ensemble members take their dance breaks, and performers belt out their eleven- o'clock numbers, the party continues at various cabaret venues throughout New York City. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you some cabaret highlights for this week as picked by our theatre editors, including: Melba Moore Live Covering Iconic Legends; Patti LuPone: The Lady with the Torch; Seth Sikes Is Still Singing Judy Garland; The Wedding Singer Reunion Concert; Reefer Madness Reunion Concert.