Despite facing an unexpected hurdle and canceled performance dates, the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies made a triumphant debut of the satirical musical, “Reefer Madness,” on Feb. 15 in the Onyx Theater.
Originally, the musical, based on the 1936 anti-marijuana propaganda film, was set to premiere on Feb. 13; however, as the lead actress, Maisy Winn, fell ill, the production team was faced with the decision to delay the show’s opening night.
“I was devastated,” Winn said. “It’s honestly a little funny now, I was crying so loud in the urgent care that one of the nurses brought me a holographic Joe Jonas sticker in an attempt to help make the day a little less horrible.”
The Kennesaw State Department of Theatre and Performance Studies released a statement on Instagram stating that the performances for Tuesday and Wednesday were canceled. The department did not explain why the shows were canceled but encouraged fans to stay tuned to the Instagram page for updates.
According to a student performer, an email was sent to cast members by the department explaining the decision to cancel the first two performances was in the interest of community health to prevent the spread of any illnesses to students and fans.
On Feb. 15, “Reefer Madness” opened. That night, Winn’s understudy, Sydney Jasper, showed her commitment to giving the audience an unforgettable performance as Mary Lane.
“I had a great time working with the people that I’ve been watching for so long. I was kind of like starstruck,” Jasper said. “I was so thankful that they pushed the shows back because I was heartbroken for Maisy. I knew she had put so much work and effort into the show, but I’m glad she was still able to perform for the rest of the show.”
“Reefer Madness” explores the views of marijuana use in the 1930s that are portrayed in the original film of the same name. The original film was intended to scare American youth by dramatizing the dangers that marijuana, or “reefer,” supposedly caused.
The musical rendition of “Reefer Madness” takes a campy and satirical approach to these historical misconceptions by portraying young characters who fall “victim” to the drug and are sent on a rapid downward spiral.
“The show was able to illustrate the power that leaders and adults have over children,” Jasper said. “It’s so crazy to see that back in the day this was a real movie and I think it is still very relevant today.”
The main character Jimmy, played by Deshawn Williams, is a clean-cut, churchgoing student with his beloved girlfriend, Mary Lane. When Jimmy is pressured into trying “reefer” for the first time, the drug steers him down a path of infidelity, delinquency and tragedy.
“I hope they recognize some of the absurdities from our daily lives in how individuals and or the government sometimes overreact to things within the community,” Director and Choreographer Timothy Ellis said.
“Reefer Madness” not only captured the audience’s attention but also broke the traditional boundaries that exist between the audience and cast.
Throughout the performance, cast members ventured through the audience interacting directly with the crowd. According to the director, spreading the action to the audience heightens the fun while keeping the audience engaged.
“I was very proud of the cast, crew and designers,” Ellis said. “I only wish we could have extended the run of the show.”
