Malden’s Richie DeJesus Leads the Madness in Moonstruck’s Return to the Stage

Malden, MA — Malden-based actor Richie DeJesus is stepping into the spotlight as wide-eyed teen Jimmy Harper in Reefer Madness, the high-octane musical comedy from Moonstruck Theater Company. Running August 14–23 at The Rockwell in Somerville, the production marks Moonstruck’s first mainstage show in eight years.

For DeJesus, the show is a return to familiar territory. He previously appeared as Chino in Moonstruck’s West Side Story, and Reefer Madness marks his first time back with the company since its relaunch. “Honestly, just getting to play around with wacky, over-the-top characters and this amazingly talented cast—it’s been the highlight of my summer,” he says.

As Jimmy, DeJesus brings warmth, heart, and sharp comedic timing to the role of a wholesome all-American teen whose life unravels after a single puff of marijuana. The musical—an over-the-top parody of the 1936 propaganda film—features swing-era songs, wildly exaggerated choreography, and a biting send-up of America’s long history of moral panic.

Beyond Moonstruck, DeJesus has built a strong resume on stages across the region, earning acclaim for roles such as Usnavi in In The Heights (Nashoba Players), Horton in Seussical (Spotlight Playhouse), and Aaron in First Date (Colonial Chorus Players), a performance that recently earned him a Best Lead Actor in a Musical Comedy nomination from EMACT.

Moonstruck Theater Company, founded in 2006, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to bold, collaborative theatre that creates hands-on opportunities for artists of all backgrounds. With more than 20 mainstage productions to its name, the company returns with Reefer Madness—a fast, funny, and fearless comeback.

Performances run August 14–23 at The Rockwell in Davis Square. Tickets and more information are available at www.moonstrucktheater.com.