Photo Flash: REEFER MADNESS! THE MUSICAL One-Night-Only

One night. Two performances. Total madness.

Inspired by the original 1936 film of the same name and based on The Brown Paper Box Co's 2010 sold-out hit, this raucous musical comedy takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the hysteria caused when clean-cut kids fall prey to marijuana, leading them on a hysterical downward spiral filled with evil jazz music, sex, and violence. Wrought with punchy musical numbers and biting political commentary, REEFER MADNESS! THE MUSICAL is a hilarious and highly stylized satirical spoof.

Set at a 1936 PTA meeting, the show-within-a-show's Lecturer uses scare tactics, song, dance, and a little heavenly intervention to band his audience against a leafy green assassin - "the real public enemy #1."

With only 2 performances, tickets are disappearing fast! General Admission seats for both performances (7pm and 9pm) are only $20. For $40, guests will receive special VIP reserved seating, as well as "munchies" to enjoy during the performance. VIP guests can expect chips, brownies, and a cold beer (or pop for those under 21 years of age) when they arrive.

Studio BE is a BYOB establishment.

"The Brown Paper Box Co. couldn't feel more honored to remount REEFER MADNESS! THE MUSICAL at Studio BE," says M. William Panek, the show's director and one of The Brown Paper Box Co.'s founding members. "We had a blast during our initial run in October and are thrilled to remount the show for Studio BE's intimate space."

The cast of 13 includes Zev Steinberg* (The Lecturer); Hunter T. Davis (Jimmy Harper); Anna Schutz* (Mary Lane); Marty Scanlon (Jack Stone); Patricia Austin (Mae Coleman); Michael Gardner (Ralph Wiley); Jillian Weingart, (Sally); and features Patrick Butterfield, Katherine Glavin, Jasmine Ryan, Sarah Sapperstein, Nick Shoda, Daniel Spagnuolo, and Katie Colby on piano.

This Emmy, Ovation, and Drama Critic Circle Award winning comedy features a production staff comprised of Chicago-based designers & collaborators: M. William Panek* (Director); Katie Colby (Musical Direction); Whitney Havice (Choreographer); Ian James Anthony (Stagehand); Steph Charaska (Poster Design); Eric Phillips (Lighting Design); Michelle Kritselis* (Dramaturg); and Daniel Spagnuolo (Dance Captain).

* Denotes The Brown Paper Box Co. members

Founded in 2010 and based in Chicago, The Brown Paper Box Co. creates thought-provoking and accessible theatrical experiences without the glitz of overproduction. This scaled-down approach allows our artists to deliver an elevated focus on the text.

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