Wild, Dark, Twisted And Hilarious
This article originally appeared on Sept. 18, 2014, in Compass, published by The Lakeville Journal Co.
Theater: 'Reefer Madness'
By Darryl Gangloff
If you plan to see “Reefer Madness” this weekend at the Warner Theatre, leave the kids at home. By the time the curtain falls on this satirical musical, you’ll see some weird stuff — an orgy, zombies, murder, cannibalism, a love song for a pot brownie and a guest appearance by Jesus Christ. It’s a wild, twisted, fun ride, brought to life by a talented cast under the direction of Keith Paul.
The musical is based on a 1936 propaganda exploitation film originally called “Tell Your Children,” which showed parents the evils of weed. The movie, panned by critics, had a resurgence in the 1970s as a cult classic and gained new life as a satire.
The Warner Stage Company’s performance begins with the booming voice of Joshua Newey, who transforms the Nancy Marine Studio Theatre into a 1936 high school auditorium through his commanding presence as the lecturer. He tells us pot is public enemy number one and weaves the tale of a young couple whose lives were greatly affected by “the stuff.”
Newey switches between roles — one minute he’s the narrator, the next he’s running the ol’ five-and-dime store, acting as a newscaster or wearing huge horns as the Goat Man (don’t ask).
The opening number, once again dubbed “Reefer Madness,” is incredibly catchy. The entire ensemble is crisp and clear as an army of zombie potheads chase around Jimmy (Cole Sutton) and Mary (Katie Brunetto), two squeaky-clean lovebirds who consider themselves Romeo and Juliet.
Jack (Meric Martin), the local pot pusher, sneaks up on Jimmy and convinces him to take a hit off a joint. That’s all, folks. Jimmy’s now hopelessly addicted, and he heads to the Reefer Den to commit unspeakable acts with Mae (Lana Peck), Sally (Holly Martin) and Ralph (Rodney K).
Sutton and Brunetto are great in their respective roles. They have wonderful voices, and their Jekyll/Hyde performances both on and off the reefer are quite shocking. Let’s just say you’re going to see a lot of Jimmy during the orgy scene (save for a well-placed pot leaf).
The Reefer Den crew is also impressive. Martin belts out his songs, whether as the abusive Jack or the lounge-singing Jesus; Peck handles some dark subject matter. And you’ll never forget Rodney K’s maniacal laugh.
The orchestra, under the direction of TJ Thompson, truly brought each scene to life, such as with the electric guitar riffs in the Reefer Den.
The content of “Reefer Madness” certainly isn’t for everyone. But if any of this sounds like it matches your sense of humor, then by all means, descend into madness with Jimmy, Mary, Jesus and the Goat Man.
“Reefer Madness”runs at the Warner Theatre in Torrington Sept. 19-21.For tickets and information, call 860-489-7180 or go to www.warnertheatre.org.
Theater: 'Reefer Madness'
By Darryl Gangloff
If you plan to see “Reefer Madness” this weekend at the Warner Theatre, leave the kids at home. By the time the curtain falls on this satirical musical, you’ll see some weird stuff — an orgy, zombies, murder, cannibalism, a love song for a pot brownie and a guest appearance by Jesus Christ. It’s a wild, twisted, fun ride, brought to life by a talented cast under the direction of Keith Paul.
The musical is based on a 1936 propaganda exploitation film originally called “Tell Your Children,” which showed parents the evils of weed. The movie, panned by critics, had a resurgence in the 1970s as a cult classic and gained new life as a satire.
The Warner Stage Company’s performance begins with the booming voice of Joshua Newey, who transforms the Nancy Marine Studio Theatre into a 1936 high school auditorium through his commanding presence as the lecturer. He tells us pot is public enemy number one and weaves the tale of a young couple whose lives were greatly affected by “the stuff.”
Newey switches between roles — one minute he’s the narrator, the next he’s running the ol’ five-and-dime store, acting as a newscaster or wearing huge horns as the Goat Man (don’t ask).
The opening number, once again dubbed “Reefer Madness,” is incredibly catchy. The entire ensemble is crisp and clear as an army of zombie potheads chase around Jimmy (Cole Sutton) and Mary (Katie Brunetto), two squeaky-clean lovebirds who consider themselves Romeo and Juliet.
Jack (Meric Martin), the local pot pusher, sneaks up on Jimmy and convinces him to take a hit off a joint. That’s all, folks. Jimmy’s now hopelessly addicted, and he heads to the Reefer Den to commit unspeakable acts with Mae (Lana Peck), Sally (Holly Martin) and Ralph (Rodney K).
Sutton and Brunetto are great in their respective roles. They have wonderful voices, and their Jekyll/Hyde performances both on and off the reefer are quite shocking. Let’s just say you’re going to see a lot of Jimmy during the orgy scene (save for a well-placed pot leaf).
The Reefer Den crew is also impressive. Martin belts out his songs, whether as the abusive Jack or the lounge-singing Jesus; Peck handles some dark subject matter. And you’ll never forget Rodney K’s maniacal laugh.
The orchestra, under the direction of TJ Thompson, truly brought each scene to life, such as with the electric guitar riffs in the Reefer Den.
The content of “Reefer Madness” certainly isn’t for everyone. But if any of this sounds like it matches your sense of humor, then by all means, descend into madness with Jimmy, Mary, Jesus and the Goat Man.
“Reefer Madness”runs at the Warner Theatre in Torrington Sept. 19-21.For tickets and information, call 860-489-7180 or go to www.warnertheatre.org.