Overview
Synopsis
There is a new menace sweeping the nation, ready to ensnare and seduce the youth and drag them down into a life of sin: REEFER MADNESS! In this hilarious, over-the-top satire, the high school drama club, led by the gravely stern Lecturer, illustrates the perils of the “leafy green assassin.” They tell the story of Jimmy, a fine, upstanding, All-American boy whose life fell apart because of the evil reefer. Jimmy was a good kid, with a bright future ahead of him. He had a sweetheart whom he loved, the wholesome and sweet Mary Lane. But when Jimmy is tricked into taking his first puff of reefer, his life quickly spirals downward. He begins to neglect his family, his schoolwork, even Mary, in order to spend all his time smoking at the Reefer Den. His addiction leads him to debauchery, sin, theft, and, eventually, murder. Reefer Madness is an irreverent parody of the classic 1930s instructional film full of camp, hilarity, mayhem, and madness.
Show Information
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Spoken |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass |
Songs
ACT ONE
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*Reefer Madness - Lecturer and Ensemble
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Romeo & Juliet - Jimmy and Mary
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The Stuff - Mae
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*Down at the Ol’ Five and Dime - Lecturer, Jimmy, Jack and Ensemble
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Jimmy Takes a Hit - Sally, Jimmy, Jack, Ralph, Mae and Lecturer
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*The Orgy - Ensemble
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Lonely Pew - Mary
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Listen to Jesus, Jimmy - Jesus and Ensemble
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Lullabye - Sally’s Baby
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Mary Jane/Mary Lane - Jimmy, Mary and Ensemble
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Act One Finale - Ensemble
ACT TWO
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Jimmy on the Lam - Mary, Jimmy, Sally, Ralph, Mae and Ensemble
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The Brownie Song - Jimmy and Ensemble
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Down at the Ol’ Five and Dime (Reprise) - Lecturer
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Little Mary Sunshine - Ralph and Mary
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Mary’s Death - Jimmy and Mary
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Murder - Ensemble
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The Stuff (Reprise) - Mae and Ensemble
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Listen to Jesus, Jimmy (Reprise) - Jesus, Jimmy and Ensemble
-
The Truth - Ensemble
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
An adaptation is a reworking of a story from one medium or cultural context into another, such as turning a novel into a play or updating a classic play’s setting. Adaptations often reinterpret themes, characters, and style for new audiences. They can range from faithful recreations to bold reimaginings.
In theatre, addiction may refer both to a character’s struggle with compulsive behavior as a theme and to the real-life issue affecting performers or audiences. Plays about addiction often explore psychological, social, and moral dimensions. It is a recurring motif in modern drama due to its human intensity.
A sensory experience that appears real but is created by the mind; often portrayed in drama for psychological effect. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
A form of self-referential drama where the play draws attention to its own theatricality. This device challenges the audience’s suspension of disbelief and is used in Epic Theatre and postmodern works.
Parody is a comedic imitation of a style, genre, or work that exaggerates its features for humorous or satirical effect. In theatre, it playfully mocks conventions, characters, or cultural icons while still relying on audience recognition of the original. Parody can both celebrate and critique its subject, often blurring the line between homage and ridicule.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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