Reefer Madness: The Musical, performed by the COS Performing Arts Department, is set to open on October 3rd, 2024, for the very first time. Co–Directed by Brittney Martorana and Professor Chistopher Mangels, this production of Reefer Madness: The Musical is a bit different from your usual productions of Reefer Madness.

The show is based on the original 1930s film of the same name, which talks to the audience about the dangerous effects of marijuana. Though as the popularity came and went, the 1970s lead to the film’s rediscovery and adoption of a new reputation as an unintentional satire. This brings the musical to how it is today: a fun–loving, campy satire about two American teenagers in love, and the disastrous and ever–lasting effects of “reefer.” Due to its wacky and outlandish plot, the COS Performing Arts department decided to attack Reefer Madness with an extra silly stylistic choice.

The choice in question is the choice of puppets! Reminiscent of the show Avenue Q, COS’s production of Reefer Madness is using student crafted puppets to add another comedic flare to the vibrant show. Cast member Alexis Mayberry, who plays the lead female character MaryLane, mentioned hesitation with the use of puppetry but later recited that, “When I heard about the full concept (the puppets) I realized how much room there was to explore the comedy of the show with the puppets and how perfect the show is for puppetry.”

The first showing is weeks away, and COS’s Theater Program is gearing up for this brilliant show. The co–director, Brittney Martorana, quotes that, “I think this is going to blow people’s minds. The way that we are doing it, people that know the show…they’re going to be pretty surprised by a lot of the things that we do.”

Reefer Madness: The Musical will be running from October 3rd–5th and October 10th–12th.