Sunday, March 21, 2010

Reefter Madness from Artistic Differences

MESSAGE FROM ARTISTIC DIFFERENCES

Artistic Differences Theatre Co. presents
Reefer Madness! by Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney

Artistic Differences Theatre Company closes its 2009-2010 season by bringing you Reefer Madness the Musical, a raucous, musical comedy inspired by the 1936
exploitation/propaganda film of the same name. A relatively new work, Reefer Madness
the Musical has made its way from the Los Angeles theatre scene, over to New York, and even television’s Showtime movie channel.

Reefer Madness the Musical takes place in the small town America of our past, the
1930’s, and tells the tale of what happens when the American youth is seduced by the
most heinous of evils...MARIJUANA, the demon weed. Luckily, The Lecturer, a stern
government-sponsored figure is here to show us that marijuana only leads to a
downward spiral filled with evil jazz music, sex, and violence. The Lecturer’s lesson
weaves the story of boy next door Jimmy, and his sweetheart Mary Lane, as their lives
are fouled by the Demon Weed! Can they be saved from cannabis catastrophe?!

With regards to producing Reefer Madness the Musical, AD Artistic Director Maggie
Hollinbeck states that while the production is for entertainment, Artistic Differences also looks at cultural temperature of the community for inspiration.
“Sacramento has recently gotten an earful on the subject of legalization of
marijuana, either for medical purposes or recreational use,” notes Hollinbeck, “so it
seems like a perfect time to bring Reefer Madness to local audiences. It’s a campy sendup about the uniquely American hysteria surrounding the use of drugs - drawing
interesting parallels to the fear-mongering and misinformation that has fueled
American politics, especially over the last decade.”

In response to recent increases in conversation about marijuana, Artistic Differences is looking to invite local politicians, experts, journalists, activists etc. to speak after the show for special talk-back sessions regarding marijuana and marijuana legalization.

Also, AD has formed a co-sponsorship with La Vie en Verte: The WAMM Movie, a
documentary centering around the medical use of marijuana. The film is a production
by Reefer Madness cast member Bevin Bell-Hall and her husband Charlie Hall.
Artistic Differences production of Reefer Madness the Musical runs April 2nd to May
2nd at California Stage, in Downtown Sacramento. Tickets are $20 general and $17
student/senior, with a special opening weekend teaser price of $12.

Established in 2006, Artistic Differences Theatre Company is committed to a single
vision: to enrich the artistic landscape in Sacramento and beyond by producing fresh,
unique interpretations of the unsung American musical.

Box Office: (916)708-3449 ###

Dates and Times
April 2, 2010 through May 2, 2010
Opening: Friday, April 2 @ 8 pm
Runs: Fridays & Saturdays @ 8 pm
Sundays at 7pm
Special: Tuesday, April 20 @ 8 pm
Saturday, April 17 @ 12am (midnight)
Saturday, April 24 @ 12am (midnight)
Ticket Prices
General: $20
Student/Senior (65+): $17
Opening weekend: $12
TICKETING INFORMATION: Artistic Differences Theatre Co. Box Office 916/708-3449

No comments: