This was an astonishing juggernaut of great musical entertainment. It was full of catchy tunes with a young cast of pretty girls and handsome boys, always expounding the addictive dangers of the banned narcotic drug, known as the evil weed called Marijuana.
This was a delightful musical parody of the 1936 cult fake-news movie documentary. Concerned parents are lectured on the dangers of the new evil drug, Marijuana, that will turn all their virtuous teenagers into drug-addicted, sex-crazed, jazz music lovers, suffering from the munchies. Today on the cusp of global marijuana legalization and medical marijuana breakthroughs, and with the benefit of hindsight, this satirical musical provides hilarious hazy insights into our current political climate of conservatism combined with bigotry.
For this huge ensemble production at the Fuse Box Theatre, a row of seats has been removed, to allow a large thrust stage to be added. Lighting design was just outstanding, and made this fresh production a stand out, and easily demonstrates what can be done with unlimited production budgets. It is very rare for most musicals in Sydney, but this production has understudies for the major roles. For authenticity under the constant supervision of an armourer, but filled with blank bullets, a real gun is used for each violent murder.
Maddie Wilson has a stunning voice that is just perfect for the role of Mary Lane. The five piece rock and roll band, were the best possible choice, and an important part of the enjoying the night.
This is a bargain night out as tickets are only $35 each, concession $25.
Beautifully staged and superb cast, this enthusiastic REEFER MADNESS was unbeatable and great entertainment.
https://www.factorytheatre.com.au/tickets/ftickets.php?gigid=8464
https://www.koreproductions.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/koreproductions/
Duration 130 minutes, including one interval.
STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON – REEFER MADNESS is at the Fuse Box inside the Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Road, Marrickville from the 6th July until 22nd July 2017.
REEFER MADNESS is directed by Luke ‘Slap’ Beattie and Kyle Stephens
Music Direction by Kailesh Reitmans
Assistant Musical Director Olivia Oxley
Choreography by Sasha Saunders
Reefer Madness The Musical (1998)
Book by Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney
Music by Dan Studney Lyrics by Kevin Murphy
Starring
Julian Ramundi as The Lecturer
Jason Spindlow as Jimmy Harper
Maddie Wilson as Mary Lane
Sasha Saunders as Mae Coleman
Nicholas Gledhill as Mr. Poppy
Daniel D’Amico as Ralph Wiley
Anzjuli Venter as Sally Debanis
Elliott Falzon as Jack Stone
Also Starring
Ricki Jade, Molly Thompson, Maxine Rose, Nathan Kelle, Matthew Giles.
The Band
Kailesh Reitmans on Keyboard
Noa Kidd – Guitar 1
Nick Drescher – Reed/Guitar 2
Jonathan Seib – Bass
William Hemsworth – Drums
