Reefer Madness: The Musical
presented by Young Artists Council
Showtimes
Sat., Aug. 2 @ 8:00 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 3 @ 4:00 p.m.
Wed., Aug. 6 @ 8:00 p.m.
Thu., Aug. 7 @ 6:00 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 9 @ 10:00 p.m.
Show details
Venue: Bryant-Lake Bowl
Duration: 75 minutes
For ages 13+
Created by Kevin Murphy & Dan Studney
Genres: Musical theatre, Comedy
Warnings: Violence, Loud noises/gunshots, Sexual Content
Overall rating
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User reviews
What a Disappointment
by Marta Edwards Follow this reviewer
Rating 0 kitties
I have attended many shows at Youth Performance Company over the past several years. I always thought the subject matter was appropriate and relevant. When I went to see this, I assumed the same standards would apply. However, I am extremely disappointed that Youth Performance Company associated itself with this show. Pot, no matter how it is dealt with, is not a topic appropriate for a YOUTH Performance Company. I hope Youth Performance Company will make better decisions in the future regarding subject matter.
"High" larious!
by Erin McCullough Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Excellent cast and probably the most well-designed and executed show we have seen at the Fringe this year. Numerous laughs and jokes taken at the expense of the "demon" seed. Funny, sweet, raunchy...this play had it all!
Best show in the festival
by Cassidy Julius Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
amazing.
amazing cast.
amazing band.
amazing everything.
BUT THE LOCATION!!!!!
why?????!!!! this amazing show that sold out like, every performance, deserves a way bigger location! especially for having a LIVE BAND!!
i was very impressed.
Why?
by Joe Baylor Follow this reviewer
Rating 2 kitties
The two kitties I gave this show belong to the male lead. He is outstanding, and I wondered throughout the show why he was wasting his time with the rest of this cast. The blonde female lead sang off key for most of the show. As a music major, I spent most of the time she was singing wincing. I give these kids credit as it appears they tried and it's good to take chances in life.
These kids rocked my socks off
by Greg Hammond Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The title really says it all. I especially loved the two yong leads. The only problrm with the show is that it sould have a bigger stage and a larger house. I've loved this play for years and these guys really do it justice!
Talent exploding out of these kids' face
by Max Wojtanowicz Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Well done, y'all! A difficult show and in a tiny space, and you really pulled it off. Bravo!
A Daring Show With A Talented Cast!
by Luisa Cannon Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
A couple reviewers had some discomfort w/ the content of the show & age of the cast. Isn't that the point? To shake us up a bit & have a laugh at ourselves?
These "kids" are wiser & more worldly than some might think! YAC members are older teens and young adults who are responsible for all aspects of getting this show to the stage. I think they, & YPC, deserve a lot of credit for a job well done.
What a talented group w/ bright futures ahead of them - they create some standout moments in the show. I love the BLB, but it's too bad they were assigned such a small venue. Yet they worked w/ the constraints & gave a fun & entertaining performance w/ lots of song, dance & humor. Go see Reefer Madness: The Musical!!!
Nathan Barlow and Madeleine La Roche...
by Dylan Frederick Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The two stars (Barlow and La Roche), make this show. They push aside the imperfections of the show with their pitch perfect performances.
THE VENUE: Why? Why? Why? This show belongs in The Lab...or some other venue that isn't the size of a Baby Crib. Although it's a fun place to see a show, it really held this production back from being nothing less than fun.
I would love to see this show again in a different venue.
It's fun. It's got great potential. Go see it. Don't miss these performances.
I loved it!
glad I got in
by Aida Leguizamon Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
After having made the attempt to attend an already sold out show, I was happy to just have made it in the door to this popular show. And it was well worth my time. The only fault I can pin on this show would be that it is a bit too long. However, this ensemble was full of energy and gave a fantastic show.
Specials props to the wonderfully watchable Nathan Barlow whose presence (and smile) on stage was simply contagious.
mixed opinion
by amelia jacobs Follow this reviewer
Rating 2 kitties
I'm not sure I can say that this cast was too young to understand the material--I know that at that age, I had a grasp on the kinds of themes this musical focuses on--but I can definitely say they were too young to be performing it. I felt uncomfortable several times with the feeling that I was watching children (and I know they aren't children, but as I watched, that's how it felt) who were too young to be portraying some of the more sexual themes of the show. A few of the dance numbers and sexual relationships in the show were just beyond what was comfortable to watch, and it honestly felt like they were uncomfortable with that part of the material as well.
I have to say, overall, it was a really cute performance of a fun show, and the singing and dancing were a lot of fun. But the discomfort aspect outweighed the fun aspect for me and left me feeling uneasy at the end of the show. I would love to see this group of young performers take on another show, but this one just felt a little wrong to me.
A tad uncomfortable
by Gus Rholl Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
I really like this musical, so I was excited to see what these young actors would do with it. It's not bad, by any means. The level of talent in most of the cast is actually quite high. But I was really uncomfortable watching teens dance around in their underwear. I'm not a prude by any means, but there is a line between art, and shock. And this was just a little too shocking.
Teenagers Gone Wild!
by Rick Treece Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I would have given this 3 kitties, but they got a bonus kitty because not only are the performers all teenagers, but also the director, choreographer, tech-crew, production staff, etc. Other reviewers have covered things well. I endorse the kudos to Nathan Barlow and "Mary Lane", as well as Marlee Leebrick-Stryker's observation that the cast cannot be too young since the principal characters are 15 and 16.
SMOKING!
by Eric Herr Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I love this movie and it is why I went to the show! Great cast, very funny moments. Some actors had better singing voices than others, but overall most of the cast will be seen on TC stages in the years to come! Great jobs guys...REEFER MADNESS! REEF REEFER MADNESS!
A Lively, Yet Sinful Romp
by Marlee Leebrick-Stryker Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
What can I say about Reefer Madness? Too many good things. I don't think I have seen a better satire in a very long time. Some may say that the cast is too young to understand the content, but who better to understand it than a group of teenagers? Isn't that what this show is about?
Many strong characters in this piece, very well-developed. And while it is funny, there were some parts that made me want to cry.
Kudos for the music, I was humming it all the way home!
But there are a couple things that made me not give the final kitty. I felt the show went a little long, which wasn't good with the overheated space. I also felt that some people treated the show as completely funny all the way through, which it isn't. The constant people coming and going at the beginning were also deal-breakers for me.
But congrats on an otherwise fabulous show! I can't wait to see what YPC gives us nexT
Children in their underwear
by Beth Wasserstein Follow this reviewer
Rating 2 kitties
It's both charming and a little like I shouldn't be watching this.
Knock out Performance!
by Luke Burris Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I have seen this show twice and I have fallen in love with it! The cast is outstanding, they worked so well together and end up with a very entertaining show! Kudos to everyone involved with the show for such an amazing performance. If there is one thing I know after seeing this show, is that I am hooked on Reefer Madness! :D
A wonderful time is had by all.
by Ben Cannon Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
An outstanding show, performed by outstanding actors and musicians. The young people performing the show (certainly NOT too young to understand the content) were beautifully chosen, each amazing in their role.
An excellent, delightful musical, filled with hilarious songs and genius satirical propaganda.
Great energy and extremley professional
by Joseph Bingham Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Despite the stuffy BLB Theatre, not to mention a cramped stage area, this show is amazing!
Rita Cannon, and her co-director (there was no program the day that I was there, so I couldn't tell you her name) have dona a great job with this show. The material may be advanced for these actors, but to those who criticize, don't underestimate what today's youth know about anything. These actors sustained their energy and kept their characters throughout the show. Their dance numbers, obviously built for actors who move well, not professional dancers were entertaining and VERY VERY well executed (this coming from a professional dancer). The only complaint I have is with the MC type character, the actor just didn't have the singing voice to be heard over the chorus and 'orchestra', but with a bigger budget and pack mics, that might've been different. Go see this surprisingly high-quality show performed by actors mostly under 18.
Sold Out For a Reason
by Sarah Holmes Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
This was one of my "must see" shows mostly because I absolutely LOVE the movie. Of course, I didn't go expecting "movie" quality so I thought it was a great show! It sucks that they had such a small stage to work on because their choreography couldn't really develop. It also would have been nicer to have a bigger stage to have a bigger cast. Some songs just don't work as well with such a small cast. But none of this is the actors fault so overall I was impressed with the show even though the cast did seem a little young.
fabulous show, fabulous actors!
by Sarah Beaumont Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Everyone in this show was absolutely wonderful. They were very committed to their characters and to the show in general. the energy that the actors provided was great and they left you hanging onto the edge of your seats waiting for more. maddy la roche and nathan barlow were perfect for their parts and kaitlyn ziehr played sally perfectly. the chorus was also very strong. the only problem with this show was the unfortunately small space they had to work in, but they did what they could and pulled it off brilliantly!
Madcap Reefer Madness!
by Derek Henderson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
These kids did a great job of showing us how ridiculous our restrictive and censored past is. What a fun show! And Nathan Barlow as Jimmy, stole the show. What a fine young actor. I can't wait to see him on the stage for years to come.
Great Job!
by Ben Thietje Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
These young performers tackled this show with great enthusiasm. Is it the best show at the Fringe? Certainly not. But I left with a smile on my face and a hankerin' for some brownies. Way to go, team!
Good News For The Arts
by Richard Shields Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I enjoyed the talent that this cast displayed in terms of their acting, their general staging skills and their use of live music. The cast sold this show all through the performance. They used the venue well and I think the audience was connecting to the material.
This show is worth seeing if you can overcome the problems with traveling through Lake St construction.
a shining moment in a total wreck
by Martino Mayotte Follow this reviewer
Rating 1 kitty
altogether this show is a complete waste of your 75 minutes... The cast is FAR too young to understand ANY of the content they're talking about. I felt thoroughly awkward from beginning to end. There was one bright point in this tragedy, a bright faced dancer with curly hair and personality for days. Not sure her name, but I think anyone who saw the show will know who I am talking about. Way to go you...everyone else not so much for this avid Fringe goer.
Entertaining show!
by Todd Hayen Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Awesome job! I sat in the front row (basically sitting onstage) and enjoyed this show immensely.
Great musical numbers and some creative ways to use the limited space. I loved the energy. (The pit band was excellent as well - it added so much having live music!)
amazing energy!
by madee weisner Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
the energy of this show was amazing. every single actor put their all into the show every second, which is impressive. the music was great, and i was especially impressed with maddy laroche and nathan barlow. they both have great voices and great energy. my only complaint was the small 9x21 stage. there were parts where actors had trouble with the set pieces and it was sometimes difficult to fit all the actors on stage at once. beyond that, though, the show was wonderful and very engaging. i'd see it again!
Kids Doing A Show About Pot
by Celeste Black Follow this reviewer
Rating 1 kitty
This talented cast takes on a lot of material and puts on a decidedly amateur showing of material inappropriate for their age. Often times their voices were drowned out by the pit. A few shining moments, but overall I was uncomfortable and annoyed. Plus BLB is boiling hot.
