SATIRE UP IN SMOKE

GRANDDAD'S joke may be a bit tired by now. "Reefer Madness" was a 1936
"scare" movie about the dangers of marijuana. It took teenager Jimmy Harper
from the malt shop to a dope den, where one puff of pot turned him into a
crazed murderer.

The film was so ludicrous, so overwritten, so poorly acted that it's been a
giggle since it came out.

Now it's a musical trying (why?) to make fun of the preposterous old film.
Wasn't the film absurd? it asks. Of course, but so what?

In truth, the musical "Reefer Madness" is so bad, it might serve as a
warning for satirical musicals, just as the film has for anti-drug movies.

The tunes (lyrics by Kevin Murphy, music by Dan Studney, book by both) are
unappealing and unmelodic, with leaden titles like "Jimmy Takes a Hit" and
"The Orgy." The direction by Andy Fickman and the choreography by Paula
Abdul are clumsy and unfunny.

The acting - by Christian Campbell as Jimmy; Kristen Bell as his stupid
girlfriend, Mary; and Robert Torti, playing both the dope-pusher and Jesus
Christ in a silver-lame loincloth - is shrill and obvious.

Interestingly, a witty and melodic '30s musical parody is in town right
now. See "Urinetown" for a smart take on the "Reefer Madness" period.

[SIDEBAR] REEFER MADNESS, Variety Arts Theatre, 110 Third Ave. Call
Telecharge, (212) 239-6200.