Smokin’!
Reefer rampant in Fairhaven
by Christopher Key
Somewhere in the second act of Reefer Madness: The Musical, I realized that my face hurt. That’s from grinning like a Cheshire cat from the very beginning. In fact, I had what used to be referred to as “an illegal smile.” Only this time, there were no controlled substances involved. The Fairhaven Student Theatre Group production is a thoroughly uncontrolled substance and a perfectly legal high.
This musical satire of the 1936 film debuted in 1998 with book and lyrics by Kevin Murphy and music by Dan Studney. The original was a propaganda piece worthy of Leni Riefenstahl and promoted by America’s first drug czar, Harry Anslinger. It became something of a cult classic in the 1960s when marijuana became the drug of choice among my generation.
Bellingham’s theatrical Renaissance Woman Lacey Anne Oleson directs this racy romp with a sure hand and an obvious delight in the material. It’s the senior project of the stunningly talented Vanessa Mills and if she doesn’t get an A+, there ain’t no justice.
Vanessa Mills' senior project is the sensational Reefer Madness at Fairhaven College. Photo credit- Christopher Key
There are very few shows that manage to blow me away from beginning to end, but this is one of them. The cast is smashing, the choreography is sensational, the costumes are titillating and the music is magical. Everybody involved deserves a mention, but I have to go to work tomorrow and will have to highlight only a few.
Reefer Madness features fabulous choreography by Becca Orlowski. Photo credit - Christopher Key
The aforementioned Ms. Mills perfectly personifies innocence and corruption as she is seduced into the netherworld of drug abuse. Her boyfriend, manically portrayed by Andy Reinhardt, mirrors both the innocence and corruption with frightening accuracy. Matt Frye, as The Lecturer, is as serious as a felony bust and doubles a couple of minor parts.
Zach Wymore is as sleazy as Glenn Beck in his role as the corrupter of the nation’s youth. His partner in crime is played with both brassiness and sensitivity by Amalia Larson. One of the highlights of the production is Kyle Mitchell’s show-stopping performance as the most demented denizen of the Drug Den. Genevieve Dunn convincingly channels Betty Boop as a nymphomaniacal pothead, a rather impressive achievement.
The original film was financed by a religious group, so it should not be surprising that both Jesus and the Devil have prominent roles. Joe Homes gives us a rather jovial Jesus who might be suspected of indulging in…nahhhh. Melissa Schenter is perfect as the loyal opposition. You may think of Joan of Arc as an innocent, but the sexy Kiki Penoyer presents another point of view. The manager of the local lunch counter where the good kids hang out has a dark side, nicely embodied by Hannah Crichton. No production set in this era should be without a placard girl and Jana Gueck makes the role sing.
Jana Gueck offers a pointed reminder to certain members of my generation. Photo credit - Christopher Key
There has been a lot of buzz about this production and, as a result, it is nearly sold out. What few seats are left can be reserved by e-mailing reefermadnessmusical420@gmail.com. Do it right now, because this show packs the punch of BC Bud and is as much fun as you can have without…well, you know.
There is adult language and content, not recommended for young children.
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