News & Events

Theatre UNCA Stages "Reefer Madness: The Musical"

March 29, 2011

Theatre UNCA will probe political parallels between the 1930s and the present through a satirical comedy, "Reefer Madness: The Musical," with five performances from April 13-17 in UNC Asheville's Carol Belk Theater. Tickets go on sale April 7, with student, senior citizen and general admission pricing.

This over-the-top musical comedy is inspired by the 1930s film originally titled "Tell Your Children," a heavy-handed forerunner of more modern and sophisticated anti-drug campaigns. Re-titled "Reefer Madness," the film is often shown on college campuses as a laughably transparent example of propaganda designed to produce fear and scapegoating. As in the original film, "Reefer Madness: The Musical" follows two all-American teenagers who fall victim to an evil marijuana peddler. Just one puff is all it takes to induce a descent into debauchery, mayhem and ultimately, catastrophe.

The UNC Asheville student cast is directed by Lise Kloeppel, UNC Asheville assistant professor of drama, with musical direction by Chuck Taft, music director at the Southern Appalachian Repertory Theater, and choreography by Cherie Holmes, dance instructor at ArtSpace Charter School and a UNC Asheville alumna.

The Wednesday-Saturday performances will begin at 8 p.m.; curtain for the Sunday matinee is 2 p.m. Tickets for all performances are $15 general admission, $12 for senior citizens and $10 for students. Because of the intimate size of UNC Asheville's Carol Belk Theatre and the often heavy demand for tickets, advance purchase is strongly advised. Tickets may be ordered online or by calling 828.232.2291 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays. Tickets are also available at the box office 90 minutes before curtain.

For online tickets and links to a student blog about the production visit the Theatre UNCA Web page. For more information, contact UNC Asheville's Drama Department at 828.251.6610.