Reefer Madness: The Musical is a gripping tale of love, violence, and everyone’s favorite herb. The beloved satire of 1930s “drug panic” has returned to Los Angeles and we got a chance to see it on opening night. Here were our favorite things about Reefer Madness: The Musical and why you should check out its LA run!
1. The show comes from the cast and creators of the original Reefer Madness: The Musical
The best reboots come from either the creators or those with a deep love for the original. This run of Reefer Madness: The Musical comes from both.
Stars from previous Reefer Madness runs such as Kristen Bell, Alan Cumming, and Christian Campbell had such fondness for this show and their time with it that they’re the ones who brought it back! On top of that, the original lyricist and music writer—Kevin Murphy and Dan Studley, respectively—are back to bring the beloved show into 2024.
2. Celebrate 25 years of Reefer Madness
It’s been 25 years since the last run of Reefer Madness, and a lot has changed around marijuana in that time. Not only has public perception of “reefer” become much more accepting, but it’s been legalized in California and other states.
We found that this acceptance has only made the 1930s “marijuana paranoia” funnier as Reefer Madness: The Musical shows the drug tearing lovers apart and turning upstanding citizens into violent, sex-crazed maniacs!
3. The show’s roles have been perfectly cast
The stars of this Reefer Madness: The Musical revival had big shoes to fill, coming after legends like Kristen Bell and Alan Cumming. But the cast does an incredible job, with Bryan Daniel Porter in three separate standout roles while Darcy Rose Byrnes and Anthony Norman play the innocent youngsters to perfection.
Thomas Dekker, J. Elaine Marcos, and Nicole Parker round out the cast with all the campy flair and impressive vocals that make this run of Reefer Madness: The Musical truly memorable.
4. Arrive early and stay late with the Victory Garden and Reefer Den!
Arrive up to two hours before your showtime to enjoy delicious food and cocktails at the lush Victory Garden. And Once you step outside of the Whitley after seeing Reefer Madness: The Musical, those with tickets to the afterparty are invited to the Reefer Den! Connected to both the Victory Garden and the venue, the Reefer Den is an intimate, open-air space that features live music you can sit back and enjoy as you sip and snack.
Best of all, admission to the Victory Garden and Reefer Den is already included with your Reefer Madness: The Musical ticket! Even if you missed the musical itself, all you have to do is show up and soak up the good vibes.
5. Don’t take it from us: the stars of Hollywood have been loving Reefer Madness: The Musical
The premiere of Reefer Madness: The Musical was attended by some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Angeline Jolie, Mario Lopez, Seth Green, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Lake Bell, and more. So what are you waiting for? Come see what all the fuss is about!
25 years later, Reefer Madness: The Musical is still one of the funniest and most beloved celebrations of counterculture. It’s open now at The Whitley (6555 Hollywood Blvd) in Hollywood, so get your tickets and prepare to celebrate the devil’s lettuce.