Star Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"... Minneapolis Musical Theatre inaugurates its new partnership with Hennepin Theatre Trust and its residency at the New Century Theatre with “Reefer Madness,” a musical adaptation of the 1936 film. The material is not particularly strong, and director Steven Meerdink plays into its weaknesses."
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Twin Cities Pioneer Press - Recommended

"...The strongest comedy comes from the new elements, including a running gag around "Romeo and Juliet" and appearances by Jesus (Daniel Ray Olson), who tries to turn Jimmy from his evil ways while backed by a chorus of angels during the number "Listen to Jesus, Jimmy." A portly satyr with dangling fake genitalia also shows up when Jimmy is first seduced by the drug, getting laughs for the excessive portrayal of haze-filled AC/DC debauchery."
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How Was The Show - Recommended

"...A little raunchy, a little sweet, a lot of silly (a swishy Jesus frontman comes to rescue him, for example) the show carries poor Jimmy's descent into "reefer madness" blithely into the realm of the absurd. Think cartoon characters. Relentlessly being cartoon characters. (Tragedy needs comic relief; even light sarcasm could use a rest, too. All that over-the-top line delivery and singing pushed capable singers into straining for notes and amperage unnecessarily. For example, Maggie Mae Dale as Mae, Daniel Ray Olson as Jack and Garrick Dietze as The Lecturer held down a lot of real estate in this vocal book. Every once in a while we got a phrase or two revealing just how solid and versatile they are as singers-when they weren't falling off the goofiness wagon."
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Aisle Say Twin Cities - Recommended

"...Beneath the satire lie subtle jabs at our personal stereotypes and prejudices, as well as the timeless use of fear mongering. The show concludes with the poignant line "When danger's near, exploit their fear", reminding us to approach media stories and political propaganda with a healthy grain of salt. These themes, though relevant and timely, are fairly well veiled beneath an extremely comedic, lighthearted, and outrageous caricature that does not fail to entertain."
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