The recent Los Angeles 25th anniversary revival of Reefer Madness is getting a cast recording, with a physical and digital release set for January 10, 2025, from Yellow Sound Label. Physical CDs will include two bonus tracks not in the digital release.
Three preview tracks will drop November 14, and Playbill has a first listen to one of them. Hear the company perform the musical's title track below.
The cult favorite musical, based on the infamous 1936 anti-drug PSA, began performances May 30 with Spencer Liff (So You Think You Can Dance?, Spring Awakening) directing and choreographing. The production ended its run at The Whitley Theatre in Hollywood October 6.
The cast features Anthony Norman (The Prom, Dear Evan Hansen) as Jimmy Harper, Darcy Rose Byrnes (Big Shot, Sofia the First) as Mary Lane, J. Elaine Marcos (Annie, Priscilla Queen of the Desert) as Sally De Bain, Nicole Parker (Mad TV, Wicked) as Mae Coleman, Thomas Dekker (Swimming with Sharks, A Nightmare on Elm Street) as Ralph Wiley, and Bryan Daniel Porter (Dog Man, Sand Land) as The Lecturer/Jack/Jesus.
The ensemble includes Andre Aultman, Claire Crause, Muteti, and Alex Tho. Swings David T. Crane and Natalie Holt MacDonald round out the company.
The campy musical features a book and lyrics by Kevin Murphy and music by Dan Studney, telling the story of a seemingly normal American teenager whose life is derailed by a dangerous addiction to the dreaded marijuana. The show first played L.A. in 1999, coming to Off-Broadway in 2001. The anniversary revival features new material, including new songs from Murphy and Studney.
The album is produced by Yellow Sound Label founder Michael Croiter, Murphy, and Studney. Production music director David Lamoureaux serves as co-producer.
“We are thrilled to offer fans the chance to relive the energy and excitement of this immersive production in a brand-new way,” says Kristen Bell, who starred in the musical's original production and served as a producer for the recent revival, in a statement. “This album will be a treat for both longtime fans of the show and new audiences experiencing it for the first time. We can’t wait for everyone to hear the incredible performances of our Los Angeles cast.”
“Yellow Sound Label is delighted to help introduce Reefer Madness The Musical to a new generation,” adds Croiter. “The show has been entertaining audiences for 25 years, and we’re proud to offer a new interpretation of the singular score for listeners around the world.”
Visit ReeferMadness.com.