Musical 'Reefer Madness' offers zany summer fun

Did you know that smoking marijuana will make you a communist, a socialist and a murderer after a single puff?

This was the message of a 1936 film distributed by the Federal Bureau of Narcotics warning people of the new drug menace "marihuana."

Brutally satirizing the film, "Reefer Madness: The Hit Musical," with book and music by Dan Studney and Kevin Murphy, opened Thursday, produced by Midtown/Sheri Grace Productions at the Village Playhouse in Mount Pleasant.

Director Ryan Ahlert kept the craziness going full blast with Robbi Kenney leading the superb onstage band.

In the leading role of Jimmy, who changes from a wholesome high school student into a murderer, Dana Mitchell was totally hilarious, as was Krissy McKown as his girlfriend, who tries to have sex with a stranger after being lured into a "house of evil." Randy Risher skillfully changed from Jack, a drug pusher, to Jesus Christ, surrounded by sexy angels. Kathy Summer shone as a drug user who comes clean after witnessing a bloody melee in her house. Most adroit in performing the demanding physical antics was Robbie Thomas, with Brandon Joyner close behind in multiple roles.

This outlandish summer fun runs through July 12. Be sure to leave your prudish side at home.