Treading a fine line between satire and mayhem, Civic Theatre gives audiences a “Reefer Madness,” that is funny, sly and hilariously clever.
The musical comedy based on the 1930s anti-marijuana film “Reefer Madness” takes a comedic jab at the authoritarian use of propaganda to control people, specifically to stop them from smoking the demon weed.
The musical is on stage through June 29 at Civic’s historic 19th Street Theatre, 527 N. 19th St., Allentown.
With its tongue firmly in cheek, the musical follows two stereotypically clean cut teens who meet cute and then fall victim to the lure of marijuana and descend into an eye-popping nightmare of sex, indulgence and violence.
Kelcie Kosberg is the glue that holds it all together and is a hard-working stand out as the oh-so-stern lecturer, and gleefully throws herself into several other roles, including one in which she is dressed as a sexy satyr.
Olivia Behr is winsome and wide-eyed as the impossibly pure Mary Lane, who falls for Jimmy Harper (played with an aw-shucks goofiness by Asher Cooper.)
Behr puts Mary’s innocent naivete is on full display in the forlorn “Lonely Pew.”
Cooper’s heartfelt, but clueless, Jimmy all too quickly succumbs to weed once he finds himself in a drug den populated by the main pusher Jack (a menacing Nick Conti), the libidinous Sally (a wickedly wanton Cheryl Moritz), the motherly Mae (a regretful Julie Massa) and wacky pothead Ralph (a hilariously over-the-top Dylan Miller.) Miller also has a funny cameo as Sally’s unfortunate and neglected baby.
The negligee-clad Massa has a highlight in the sardonic “The Stuff,” in which she sings wryfully about her addiction.
Mason McGowan is a raucous Jesus in “Listen to Jesus, Jimmy,” in which even Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus gets its “Hallelujahs” swapped out for “marijuana.”
The entire ensemble is well cast, whether swing dancing in the nostalgic “Down at the Ol’ Five and Dime” or writhing in flesh-colored bodysuits in “The Orgy.”
A secondary ensemble acts as plants of outraged parents in the audience, who yell back at the stage and mingle with the audience during intermission, while staying in character, adding an immersive quality.
Choreographer William Sanders keeps the ensemble moving energetically, and humorous cartoon-like props are created by Madison Frye and Jason Daniel Sizemore.
Luke Blomstrom’s adept scenic design takes audience from church to the Five and Dime to the drug den, and beyond, assisted by Ellen Schmoyer’s evocative lighting.
Costume designer Rigby Maiatico has handily assembled both believable 1930s era costumes as well as eye-popping fantasy pieces.
Music director Steve Reisteter keeps the singer in tune, who are ably backed by a five person band.
Director Rae Labadie has just the right touch to keep the material entertaining and the actors engaging.
In the end, the show also gives a sly warning that American authoritarianism and overreach is not just a product of the 1930s, with a brief appearance of ICE agents on stage.
Tickets are $39 for adults and $34 for students and seniors.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. June 26 and 27; 10 p.m. June 28; and 2 p.m. June 29.
For information, call 610-433-8903, or go to civictheatre.com/.