Reefer Madness: The Musical

That's right: Blak Yak is doing a musical. Try not to faint. THE SHOW Inspired by the original 1936 film of the same name, this raucous musical comedy takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the hysteria caused when clean-cut kids fall prey to marijuana, leading them on a hysterical downward spiral filled with evil jazz music, sex and violence. REEFER MADNESS is a highly stylized and satirical political commentary, in the style of the Rocky Horror Show, Bat Boy and Urinetown, with all the bite and wit of South Park. You won't be able to resist the spoofy fun of Reefer Madness. The addictive and clever musical numbers range from big Broadway-style showstoppers to swing tunes like "Down at the Ol' Five and Dime" and the Vegas-style "Listen to Jesus, Jimmy," featuring J.C. Himself leading a chorus of showgirl angels. This dynamic show will go straight to your head! Warning: this play contains simulated drug use, religious and political satire, sexual explicitness (think orgy dance scene with a goat man) and most other religious and cultural taboos. Furthermore, the costumes for this intended to be quite skimpy, therefore almost every cast member will need to be prepared to be semi nude (underwear or nude suits) on stage at some point. REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES Rehearsals to Commence mid-June Performance Dates: Mid-September through October Location: Midland Junction Arts Centre AUDITION INFORMATION Audition Date: 10th April 2010 with call backs on the 11th if required. Location: Midland Junction Arts Centre Auditionees are required to prepare two musical numbers in contrasting styles, one of which should be in an upbeat rock or jazz musical style. Please bring a CD backing track, no A Capella singing will be accepted. Monologues will be provided on the day for reading, and auditionees will also participate in a group dance audition. Please wear loose comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear for dancing. Due to the content of this production, only those over the age of 18 are able to audition. All ages in the character outlines below are stage ages. Auditions are by appointment only, email reefermadness@htth.com.au or call Lorna on 0413031509 for more information or to book an audition. We are also taking expressions of interest for the band, especially from sax, trumpet, clarinet and other woodwind and string players. Characters Jimmy Harper (Tenor) - A wholesome, innocent, high school teenager who runs into trouble after he is lured into the dangerous world of reefer. Lecturer (Baritone) - A severe authority figure that warns the audience of the perils of Reefer Madness. The lecturer drives the production, frequently taking smaller parts in the various scenes played out, before returning to his podium to continue the narrative. This is a truly fantastic male role, with a completely flexible age range. While this role does sing, of premier importance is comic timing and very strong characterisation skills. Mary (Mezzo with a good belt) - Jimmy's sweetheart, a naïve, virginal teenage girl. The very image of the wide eyed innocence and sweet as apple pie, until just one hit of the demon weed... Jack Stone/ Jesus (Baritone/ Tenor) - The handsome and ruthless proprietor of the Reefer Den, a 30's gangster movie-type. Also plays Jesus in a vegas style/ tv evangelist intervention. Stage Age mid-30’s Mae (Mezzo with a good belt) - An attractive, yet slightly haggard dame in her mid-30s, the hostess of the Reefer Den. Ralph Wiley (Tenor) - A denizen of the Reefer Den, formally a fraternity man, his college days ended long ago due to his reefer habit. He is the image of the sleazy, skuzzy drug addict – mid-30s Sally (Alto or Mezzo) - A sexy and seductive resident of the Reefer Den, she possesses the libidinous soul of Mae West combined with the rat-a-tat moxie of vintage Barbara Stanwyck. Flexible age. Placard Girl - Throughout the play she reinforces the warnings of the Lecturer by holding large signs that clearly state the moral of what we've just seen, a la boxing ring placard ladies. Also sings and dances a number of solos in the piece. No speaking lines, but a fun character role. Ensemble - Mixed gender group to represent Reefer Zombies, Kids at the Five-and-Dime, Jungle Orgy dancers, Angels, and patriotic background chorus in the Star-Spangled finale.