Neighbor News
Reefer Madness brings local talent and outrageous fun to Davis Square!
Three Somerville actors return to the stage in a high-energy, satirical musical running August 14–23.
Somerville, MA — Three Somerville-based performers—Katie Iafolla, Ryder Nguyễn, and Joshua Mauro—are taking the stage this August in Reefer Madness, the first full production from Moonstruck Theater Company since its return from an eight-year hiatus. The cult-favorite musical comedy runs August 14–23 at The Rockwell, right in the heart of Davis Square.
Katie Iafolla stars as Mary Lane, the pure-hearted ingénue whose buttoned-up world is turned upside down when her boyfriend, Jimmy, takes a single hit of marijuana. “Playing Mary was—and still is—beyond my wildest dreams,” says Iafolla, who notes she once bombed a callback for Reefer Madness nearly a decade ago. “Look at me now!” Iafolla’s past credits include The Trail to Oregon (Mother), Cinderella (Charlotte), and Young Frankenstein (Elizabeth).
Ryder Nguyễn, who plays Mr. Poppy and a host of ensemble roles, brings bold character choices and offbeat energy to every scene. A returning Moonstruck performer, Nguyễn previously appeared as Baby John in West Side Story. He continues to carve out a niche for himself as a dynamic and fearless stage presence, when not doing his day job as a healthcare data manager.
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Joshua Mauro rounds out the trio, appearing as an Irish priest and in several ensemble roles. Mauro is a returning Moonstruck alum with previous credits in Spring Awakening, FAME!, Cabaret, and The Great Gatsby. He’s known for blending grounded emotional work with fearless comedic timing—both of which are in high demand in Reefer Madness.
Based on the infamous 1936 propaganda film, Reefer Madness is a high-energy musical satire that pokes fun at America’s obsession with fear-based moral storytelling. It features swing-era musical numbers, wild plot twists, and a gleeful disregard for subtlety.
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Moonstruck Theater Company was founded in 2006 and has produced more than 20 mainstage productions. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, it is dedicated to bold, collaborative, hands-on theatre. After a years-long pause, Moonstruck returns to the stage with Reefer Madness, a show as irreverent and heartfelt as the company itself.
Performances run August 14–23 at The Rockwell in Davis Square. Tickets and more information are available at www.moonstrucktheater.com.
