Los Angeles' 25th anniversary revival of Reefer Madness has gotten a four-week extension, with performances now set to continue through August 18 at The Whitley. To celebrate, the production is hosting a one-night-only reunion concert July 30 that will feature songs and stories from some of the musical's alumni. Among those alums will be Kristen Bell and Christian Campbell, both of whom are producing the West Coast anniversary run.
Also on hand will be Harry S. Murphy, the original Lecturer in L.A. and Warden Harrah in the 2005 movie; John Kassir, the original Ralph from the L.A. and NYC productions and movie; Lori Alan, Mae Coleman in the original L.A. company; Stacy Sibley, from the original L.A. ensemble; Larry Poindexter, Jack and Jesus during the original L.A. run; Samantha Harris, Palacard Girl in the original L.A. run; Aukai Cain, from the original L.A. ensemble; Elijah Myles Breckel, from the original L.A. ensemble; and Paul Nygro, who played Ralph during the original L.A. run and was in the NY run's ensemble. More guests are to be announced.
“Producing this show has been such a labor of love,” says Bell in a statement. “I am thrilled to get up on stage with these people who have become like family to me and honor this show we all love so much,” adds Campbell.
"Why do we all keep coming back to Reefer? This show is sticky—once you’ve tried it you can’t get it out of your life. It’s funny, smart, and mischievous. It has something to say about the world—without being preachy—which makes for great theatre," continue the duo in a joint statement.
Backing the cast will be musicians Nathan Wang, Sid Sosa, Jordan Lamoureux, and Phil Morore. David Lamoureux is music directing.
An after party will be held in the Victory Garden, co-presented by Gelato.
Spencer Liff (So You Think You Can Dance?, Spring Awakening) directs and choreographs the new production, which began a then-eight-week engagement at The Whitley May 30.
The cast features Anthony Norman (The Prom, Dear Evan Hansen) as Jimmy Harper, Darcy Rose Byrnes (Big Shot, Sofia the First) as Mary Lane, J. Elaine Marcos (Annie, Priscilla Queen of the Desert) as Sally De Bain, Nicole Parker (Mad TV, Wicked) as Mae Coleman, Thomas Dekker (Swimming with Sharks) as Ralph Wiley, and Bryan Daniel Porter (Dog Man, Sand Land) as The Lecturer, Jack, and Jesus, along with ensemblists Jane Papageorge (Hair), Claire Crause (Jagged Little Pill), Alex Tho (The Masked Singer), Andre Joseph Aultmon (Once On This Island), Natalie Holt MacDonald (Allegiance), and David Toshiro Crane (Prince of Egypt).
The campy musical features a book by Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney, lyrics by Murphy, and music by Studney, telling the story of a seemingly normal American teenager whose life is derailed by a dangerous addiction to the dreaded marijuana. The show first played L.A. in 1999, coming to Off-Broadway in 2001. The upcoming anniversary revival will include new material, including new songs from Murphy and Studney.
Along with Bell and Campbell, the producing team includes fellow Reefer alum Alan Cumming. Campbell starred as Jimmy Harper in the original L.A. and NYC productions, with Bell joining as Mary Lane for the New York run. Both reprised their performances in the musical's 2005 screen version, newly joined by Cumming as the Lecturer. The trio is producing along with Murphy and Studney, original stage director Andy Fickman, and America Olivo. Original cast member Wendy Parker is executive producer, with Maia Falconi-Sachs, Madison Mohn, Nick Padgett, and Matthew A. Rosenthal serving as co-producers.
Following performances, audiences are invited to visit The Reefer Den, a post-show nightclub featuring performances from Broadway favorites, a house band, and surprise guests, along with food, cocktails, and an outdoor garden.
David Lamoureux is music directing, and costume design is by Max Levitt. Melissa Richter and Megan Crockett are stage managing.
Tickets are available at ReeferMadness.com. Tickets for the reunion concert are available at EventBrite.com.
