Rising Action Theater Presents REEFER MADNESS 3/4-4/11

The hit madcap musical based on the 1936 anti marijuana propaganda movie ran for almost a year in Los Angeles to packed houses. It transferred Off-Broadway in 2001 but the 9/11 tragedy put a hitch in the New York Success. It was subsequently filmed as an HBO film-- "Reefer Madness the Musical".

Ripe with irreverent musical numbers like "Listen to Jesus Jimmy," "Little Mary Sunshine," and "The Stuff."

Winner of 3 Best Musical Awards: LA Ovation Award, BackStage West Garland Award, LA Drama Critics Circle Award for Best New Musical.

The year is 1936. As the play opens, the Lecturer, a severe authority figure, (Bill Dobbins) warns the audience of the new drug menace "marijuana" which threatens the American Way of Life! His warnings are reinforced by the placard girl who, throughout the play holds up large signs that clearly state the moral of what we've just seen. From his podium, The Lecturer warns us that action must be taken immediately, before the Good Ol' U.S.A. falls victim to the Demon Weed!! Poor young and naive Mary (played Chelsa Greenberg) and Jimmy (Connor Walton) lose their innocence and succumb to the evil marijuana weed in the course of the evening.

A good time will be had by all! Bring the kids and grandma too. They will love this musical extravaganza. Just don't inhale.

Staged and Musically Directed by Kevin Coughlin, director of last season's acclaimed "Flora the Red Menace". Mr .Coughlin is the former Artistic Director of the Tamarac Theatre where he directed "Ruthless", "Musical of Musicals",
"As The World Goes Round" and others. Mr. Coughlin has an assist from choreographer Dave Campbell who directed/choreographed 42nd Street at Broward Stage Door and The Andrews Brothers at Rising Action.

The cast features several Rising Action Favorites:
Larry Buzzeo as Jack has acted to critical acclaim in his portrayals in "Take Me Out", "Some Men", and "Bent" at Rising Action Theatre
Larry Brooks as Ralph who was widely praised in Rising Action Theatre's productions of "Bent", and "Some Men".
Bill Dobbins, known for Brother Boy in "Sordid Lives", creates the part of the Lecturer.
Also in the cast are Connor Walton is Jimmy, Chelsa Greenberg is Mary, Lindsay Forgey is Sally, and also in the cast are Robert Cevera, Nicole Niefield, Desiree Dubois, Meridith Cariski, Katie Crawford and Joel A. Hidalgo.

The music is by Dan Studney: The Lyrics: Kevin Murphy
The two also wrote the book to the musical.Reefer Madness will be performed March 4 through April 11 Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 pm; Sunday at 3 pm

Tickets are available at www.risingactiontheatre.com or by calling 1 800 595-4849. Groups can call 954 561-2225.

Tickets are $35. A three couse dinner and show package is available at Primavera Restaurant for $60. Reduced priced preview will be held Thursday March 4 at 8pm.

Theatre is located at 840 E Oakland Park Blvd in Fort Lauderdale.

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