As one of the best artistic assets located on U of T’s campus, Hart House Theatre is about to spark up its 72nd season of programming since first opening its doors way back in 1919. Originally dubbed the Art Deco Theatre, Hart House quickly rose to the forefront of the “little theatre” movement in Canada. Back then, the “little theatre” ideal was to offer an independent and intelligent alternative to the unrefined and mass-produced professional shows of the day, something Hart House has been excelling at ever since.
After a break in the late eighties and ninties Hart House Theatre re-launched in 2001 with a renewed ordinance to produce a full season of professional quality shows, drawing on a broad mix of talent from the U of T student body, young professionals, and experienced stage veterans. After five groundbreaking years Hart House continues to push its own boundaries and entertain theatergoers and students alike.
This year’s season kicks off on September 15 with the Canadian Premiere of Reefer Madness, the hit 2005 musical based on the famously exploited version of the 1936 mental hygiene film Tell Your Children.
Recently adapted into a TV feature for U.S. cable network Showcase, this production of Reefer Madness will be the first to integrate script changes made for the small screen back into the stage version. Reefer writer Kevin Murphy, who’s also a co-executive producer on Desperate Housewives, will be in the audience on opening night to see what this Canadian cast can bring to a story laced with American taboos.
Directed by Hart House veteran and recent U of T graduate Elenna Mosoff (who brought us last year’s romp The Rocky Horror Show), Reefer Madness tells the story of two squeaky-clean teenaged sweethearts, Jimmy Harper and Mary Lane, who while visiting a jazz club fall victim to the evils of reefer, the demon weed. After taking one hit off a cannabis “joint”, Jimmy turns into a miniature Charlie Sheen and basically destroys everything he touches in an insane, drug-fueled orgy of violence.
“The journey of the show is like a giant drug trip,” Mosoff explains during a break in rehearsals, “and it’s about how the government tries to control the minds of a nation.” Of course, this puts Mosoff in a unique position given that the Canadian outlook on ganja is markedly more relaxed than that of our American neighbours.
“There’s a whole new spin on the show because we are the first Canadian cast to do it, and we’re commenting as outsiders.” she notes. “It’s way less of a taboo here. I mean you can walk down Bloor Street and light a joint. Having lived in America I know it’s not the same.”
This absence of authoritarianism north of the border has allowed this production to make some convenient and fitting partnerships, mainly with local head shop The Friendly Stranger, that has donated the smoking supplies which will be featured during the show’s 15-day stay at Hart House.
“We have tabulated that we need over 650 joints for the run,” Mosoff proudly boasts, “and everyone’s pitching in on the rolling”.
Reefer Madness runs from September 15 through 30 at Hart House Theatre with a special midnight show on September 30. For tickets call U of T Tix at 416-978-8849.
