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'Reefer Madness' takes hold of Breckenridge
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The Lecturer (Chris Willard) shields Mary Lane (Megan Malsam) left and Jimmy Harper (Dustin Murphy) from the dangers of the “demon weed” in the Backstage Theatre’s “Reefer Madness,” which opens tonight in Breckenridge.
Summit Daily/Mark Fox
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BY LESLIE BREFELD
Summit Daily News
Summit County, CO Colorado
March 27, 2008
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BRECKENRIDGE — Don’t be surprised if you walk out of the latest Backstage Theatre’s production with a bad case of the munchies.
“Reefer Madness,” which opens tonight in Breckenridge, portrays a 1930s anti-marijuana propaganda film, but its satirical staging sends a different message.
“It’s over the top ... by the end you still have probably the most pro-marijuana message you could have in an anti-marijuana show,” said Dustin Murphy, who plays the all-American boy Jimmy Harper. “There’s lots of layers, and little pothead jokes.”
Jimmy and Mary Lane (Megan Malsam) begin the show as two lovebirds with a perfect future ahead of them.
But soon Jimmy is in need of dance lessons to keep up with his girl, which leads him to Jack (Nick Henderson) — the slick reefer dealer.
At the 420 den, Jimmy meets Sally (Murphy Funkhouser), who’s been “in more laps than a napkin,” and Ralph (Charlie Schmidt) who is consistently laughing hysterically. He also meets Nick’s girlfriend Mae (Lori Hansen), reduced to a doormat by her addiction.
Soon Jimmy is stealing furs from his mother and attacking a kitten with a chainsaw, while Mary pines for him alone at church.
Through musical numbers including a live band and several chorus members which count the cast at 14, the audience watches Jimmy’s journey into the underworld of weed.
Choreographer Kelly Monahon described her part as challenging.
“Each (number) had a different feel completely,” she said. She worked with dances portraying people going mad with reefer, an orgy, and even an appearance by Jesus and his angels coming to Jimmy to plead, “Don’t give up on God.”
Musical director Gail Smith agreed, noting that the story is constantly switching from light-hearted to dramatic.
She described the music as mostly rock ‘n’ roll with some select elements of the 1930s time period included in scenes.
“It’s amazing how the writers were able to come up with such diverse quality and layering of sounds in the show,” Smith said. “From gospels to ballads, it’s pretty unique. And the lyrics are outrageously funny.”
Artistic director Chris Willard plays the dual-role of director of the show, and the lecturer, who narrates the action.
The lively chorus includes Melanie Ball, Lori Burke, Susan Harrison, Kevin Harvey, Jeremy LeFevre, Michelle Marzo and Bryana Mitchell.
“Reefer Madness” opens tonight at the Breckenridge Theatre and will play through April 27.
Live theater
• What: “Reefer Madness,” a musical comedy
• When: Opens tonight at 7:30 p.m. Plays Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 6:30 p.m. through April 27. Special fundraising event on April 20 hosted by Johnny Brokaw with prizes like gift certificates for music, tattoos, ski gear and food available to win.
• Where: Breckenridge Theatre
• Tickets: $20. Call (970) 453-0199.
• Note: This show contains mature content and is not recommended for children.
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