Maverick Theater (Fullerton, CA)
Staged Cinema Productions presents Reefer Madness: The Musical. This tongue-in-cheek show, based the camp classic 1936 propaganda film, was written by writers from TV's The Simpsons and Desperate Housewives. The story of a boy whose life is plunged into debauchery and chaos by marijuana features a live five-piece band, elaborate dance numbers, zombies, Jesus, and FDR.
Event summary prepared by the Goldstar Editorial Team.
* Additional fees apply.
All offers for Reefer Madness: The Musical have expired.
Tell me when more tickets / dates are added
The last date listed for Reefer Madness: The Musical was Saturday August 1, 2009 / 4:00pm. (view all dates)
Most Popular Theater Event Nearby:
This Broadway hit musical, based on the beloved holiday tale, features the classic tunes "You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas." The production stars John Larroquette (Night Court) as the narrator "Old Max" and Stefan Karl (Nick Jr.'s Lazy Town) as The Grinch. Magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss' original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville, breathing new life into this timeless story of the true meaning of the Holiday Season. Learn More
We had a bit of a hard time finding the place since the sign for Walnut was a bit hidden. If you're driving north on Lemon St. and have gone under the overpass, then you've gone too far. I suggest looking at this map to give you an idea of where to turn:
http://www.mavericktheater.com/assets/images/autogen/a_Map-to-Maverick04.gif
Once we got there, parking was easy since there is a lot of free street parking.
The earlier you get there, the better seats you will have since it's general admission. First come, first serve. The theater is pretty intimate so there really is no bad seat.
There is a bar where you can order bottle water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks before the show and during intermission.
They ask that you not use the restroom during the show and hold it for intermission or after the show is done, since you can see people going into the bathroom from the theater seats and it would be distracting. The people in the audience for the show I was at respected that policy.
The show was great and the girl I took loved it. It exceeded her expectations and we couldn't stop laughing. The cast was great.
My favorite casts:
The Lecturer
Jesus
Sally
My favorite lines:
"You stir me up like beef chow mien"
"Body of me?" - Jesus
After seeing the show, it makes me want to see the movie which supposedly has reached a cult-status to see how it compares.
Loved it. Cast did a wonderful job. Surprise after surprise. I recommend it and will see it a second time.
Very funny musical satire of government sponsored paranoia, based on a 1936 "educational" movie about marihuana (as they spelled it). Cast is uniformly top notch, down to minor roles and the dancing chorus. Aleesha McNeff as a drug-addled floozy is a hoot, as is Robert Dean Nunez as the fast-talking pusher. Songs are full of snappy one-liners you may not catch first time around. As in any theater this size with a live rock band, sound mix is a problem, and at times we struggle to hear the singers, but mostly they've got this handled. Definitely worth seeing. Not for kids.
Good and crazy musical parody of the film.
Probably should not attend if you are easily offended or do not like satire.
Otherwise the did a great job and the staff at the theater are great.
Believe it or not, I have never seen the movie so did not know what to expect. I knew that the performance was a take-off on the movie and that is all I knew. I cannot tell you how great the play is! It's campy, witty, funny - there aren't enough words to describe it. It is definitely NOT for children, the humor is adult and not appropriate for under 16. The cast is fantastic (as always). I highly recommend seeing this show.
This was an outrageously funny and incredibly well performed musical that I highly recommend to anyone who loves to laugh! I would go see it again!
Extremely entertaining.. Not a boring moment.. I recommend it highly!
It was wonderful. The singing, acting and overall performance was terrific!
Fabulous, talented cast. I loved the movie adaptation and this live performance did not disappoint.
What a fun romp this was; I have not laughed so hard at a play for a long time. This musical retelling of movie is excellent. The leads are perfectly cast as the innocent fair-skinned, church going virgins, who when exposed to the "stuff" become thieving sexual maniacs. A cautionary tale of destruction all caused by the "stuff". The lecturer is multi-talented playing a number of parts including a president. I won't spoil it all but you can expect to see a live Las Vegas style burlesque act in this steamy show; as well as a sexy, flirtatios Jesus who definately steals the ladies hearts. Multiple scenes, costume changes and a live band, were an unexpected surprise for this small production in all places conservative orange county. Well too bad it's ending soon, get your tickets before you miss out.
I thought the show was very well done. The dance numbers were excellent,but my only problem was the band often drown out the vocals. A better balance would help the production. The leads were all done with professionalism and energy. The JC character was particularly well done. Kudos to the Maverick!
Although I did not agree with the directors interpretation of this play, it did not mean I didn't enjoy it to the fullest while watching this show. The Maverick theater is fabulous, right in downtown Fullerton with wine at the bar and very nice welcoming people to greet you. One can tell it is a professional well run place. Mike Martin is amazing as he opens the show which gets it to a funny, comical start. All the actors have wonderful energy. Patty Cumby shines in her numbers epically at the end of the play as she lounges in sadness in the "Reefer Den". There sure is abundant talent in Downtown Fullerton, and this show is perfect for the fun of summer. I went to be entertained, to laugh, and to see some good passionate acting and I got all of that from this show. Instead of going to the movies, go see some good theater!
Very entertaining, funny, & threw me back to the original movie when I first saw it in the early 70's. The entrance to the theater reminded me of a Speak Easy. One or two parts (no pun intended!)of the show I was uncomfortable with, but it wasn't too over the top. I would recommend it as a "should see".
Loved it! The cast is fantastic.....All of them! Sally is a stand-out, as well as Jesus and the narrator. We will be seeing it again before it closes!
Loved Reefer Madness! High energy, humor, and talent. The venue (Maverick Theater in Fullerton) is a perfect setting. No bad seats. Would highly recommend, but not for the super straight-laced, so leave your great-grandmother at home and have a great time!
I was very impressed by Reefer Madness. The costumes changes and staging were fantastic for such a small theater. The cast had great singing voices. It was very funny when Jesus came out into the audience and passed out wafers of himself. I would recommend this show to others, but they would have to enjoy "campy" humor.
What an intimate experience from a great little theatre. The director even held the production until my husband made it inside after parking the car.
The performance was fabulous, great costumes and a lot of fun dance numbers. I would definitely recommend going to the Maverick again.
Great fun. The actors were perfect, the costumes a hoot, and the singing and dancing full of surprises. And of course full of good moral lessons.
As always the maverick did a fabulous job non stop laughs
Show was very entertaining. Loved the comic silliness of the conversion from propaganda movie to musical. I think my favorite part was the devil/Jesus sequence when dude was high. Both Satan and Jesus could have stole the show. For the most part all the characters were fun. Had many laughs throughout the show. And the live band was good. Met the sax player outside very nice. I have already recommended the show to my friends who haven't gone.
Very funny.
This was such a fun campy event. I laughed so hard.
I totally recommend it.
This was such a great show. I saw a version a few years go at another local theater in Fullerton. So much better. I was blown away by how much choreography was involved. The cast, especially Jimmy & Mary, are spot on with comparisons to the TV version. Sexy Jesus pretty much steals the show. One complaint: the music had a tendency to drown out some of the singing.
Very funny!! I liked it so much I'd see it again.
Saw this play last night. I laughed and laughed, great fun, good music and yes, a message...the end does not justify the means. Must see!
This musical was extremely entertaining! Loved the singing, props, costumes, and everything.
Amazing performance. I didn't stop laughing.
Very entertaining. The Maverick Theater never dissapoints!!
Another really fun production from the Maverick Theater. Tyler McGraw was hilarious as Jimmy Harper. Once he takes a hit of marijuana, his character really takes off and the shows gets crazy. The production was true to the musical film.... great sets, good songs and a top notch ensemble cast. Go see this play, you won't be disappointed.
Very entertaining!!!
I thought this show was great! It was hilarious. I was impressed.
This was a fun show. I thought the musical numbers were pretty creative. Having seen the original movie and the recent remake, I knew what to expect. But this version still seemed like a fresh take on the story.
If you enjoyed watching the original fim you should definitely "get it". But even if you did not it still stands up on it's own.
Love the cast and action-pacted dancing and blocking. Totally hilarious!!! Bravo!
This event was highly entertaining and humorous. I was not sure what to expect going in, but it definitely exceeded those "expectations" and I would definitely recommend this event to others.
This was hilarious and the actors were superb.
We really enjoyed the musical. This is a wonderful venue and there is a bit of audience interaction which is always fun. This is the second event we've seen at this venue and are very pleased.
It was fantastic - we wish it had a longer run so that we could see it again. Adding to the enjoyment was the fact that we know Tyler McGraw and he did a most outstanding job as he always has. We have been fans of the Maverick for many, many years dating back to the Elvis days. Keep up the good work.
This is a fun show with solid performances from all of the key actors. The band's a bit loud at times, but the singing is strong throughout. We had a great time.
The acting and singing were very good. I did not feel the religious portion was appropriate for this type of show, and that is why I am giving such a low rating.
Tips are provided by Goldstar members and Staged Cinema Productions. Goldstar is not responsible for their content or accuracy.
The Maverick Theatre opens its new theatre space in June 2005. The look of the theater is designed by historic theater designer Joseph Musil, who has been involved with some of the biggest historical theater renovations in the country. The most famous is the El Capitan in Hollywood. One of his current projects includes the Fox Fullerton Theater. Joseph's Art Deco design style is a difficult sty
<p>Lock up the youngsters, cover grandma's eyes and batten down the hatches because Reefer Madness: The Musical is coming to the Maverick Theater. Based on the 1936 propaganda movie, this outrageously twisted musical of sex and drugs is the brain-child of Dan Studney (Desperate Housewives) and Kevin Murphy (The Simpsons), who felt the campy movie was just begging to be made into a musical.
Reefer Madness: The Musical tells the tale of Jimmy Harper, an All-American youth whose life falls into a pit of debauchery and despair after one puff off the evil marijuana cigarette. But his love for the beautiful Mary Lane might be his only hope to save him from the wickedness of the Mary Jane! What can you expect from a show that has zombies, Jesus and FDR… almost anything. The production has big dance numbers backed up by an outstanding five piece band.</p>