Meet Donna and Roger West: Supporting Sponsors of Reefer Madness

What inspired you to sponsor this show?
We got excited when we heard Reefer Madness announced at the 2024 Gala. As an old-school hippie, I thought it would be a fun one to co-sponsor. We actually decided that night at our table with Dale and Cindy!

How did you first get involved with Clear Space Theatre?
I was recruited by a board member after he attended an event at my house and saw my potential for development. I served on the board for seven years—two of them as Board Chair.

What role do the arts play in your own life?
My mother played show tunes throughout my life and took us to live productions at the former Shady Grove Theater when I was in elementary school. My first live theater experiences were Bye Bye Birdie and South Pacific.

My high school drama teacher took me and another student to many shows at Baltimore’s Morris Mechanic Theatre—I especially remember seeing HAIR! Over the years, we’ve been subscribers to many theaters, including the New York City Theater and the New York City Ballet when we lived in New Jersey. Now, we enjoy our annual subscriptions to Clear Space Theatre.

Why do you believe supporting the arts in our community matters?
Live theater offers a unique and shared experience, with the energy of the actors and audience creating a dynamic and often unpredictable atmosphere. It can transport us to another time or place for a few hours—which feels especially important given the current political climate in the U.S.

How familiar were you with this show before?
I wasn’t aware that Reefer Madness was a stage production—I only knew the movie, which I saw years ago.

What was your favorite thing about it?
Honestly, it was the title that first grabbed me!

If you weren’t familiar, what are you most excited to see on stage?
I’m really curious to see how it transcends into a live stage production.

What would you say to someone considering seeing this show?
If you enjoy modern satire—and if you love clever music and well-choreographed song numbers—this is the show for you.