Cannabis! A Viper Vaudeville returned to New York City this week, and I had the privilege of attending to write a review. Just as promised, it delivered a rebellious, musical, and fun detailed history of marijuana and its place in the zeitgeist.
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Walking into Joe’s Pub to watch Cannabis! felt like entering a cozy house party more than anything else. It was clear that the showgoers were already a part of a tight-knit community—many chatted and hugged each other, as if the concert was a previously agreed-upon reunion venue. Baba Israel, writer/co-director/performer, reinforced this friendly vibe as he walked around in costume, greeting those he knew and thanking those he didn’t.
Even before the lights dimmed and the set began, I heard whispers about what to look forward to—or rather, who. It’s no surprise that most were there to witness the talent that is Grace Galu, who we’ll get to in a bit.
The Mystical Magical M.C., played by Israel, began the show giving an impassioned speech about the show, who it’s for, and the power of marijuana. He delivered his lines with the cadence of a pastor, striking a delicate balance between proselytizing about the plant and meeting possible skeptics where they are. He, along with Courtney Cook and Duv, immediately infused the venue with a soulful and relaxed streak, almost as if the crowd were all sharing a joint (though smoking was, of course, not allowed in the venue).
The show was littered with these sermons, so to speak, carrying powerful messages and calls to action in the midst of the turmoil that has overtaken the weed industry and the country more broadly.
“Resist fascism in all its forms; resist ICE,” said Israel, a message that is particularly powerful given the current state of immigrants’ rights in the States. The sentiment was carried within the show’s songs, as well—one of the most memorable moments of the night was the song “Pancho Villa,” one that documented the deep-rooted Mexican history of marijuana and the subsequent stripping of the right to consume it faced by immigrants from the nearby country. The tune ended with a powerful image: Duv in the middle of the stage, fist up, behind a sign that read “Revolución.”
Israel’s interjections weren’t the only part of the night that felt religious. By far, the star of the night was Galu, who, in addition to being the composer, music director, and creator of the show, played Sativa Diva. As soon as she emerged from backstage to take her rightful place in the middle of the set, all eyes were immediately transported from the disco-esque marijuana leaf in the back to her. Her green velvet shirt, shimmering skirt, and high snakeskin boots took the crowd’s breath away, and if anyone had any left, her vocals swooped in for another round of thievery.
Everything she did—every principled belt, every absurdly sustained high note—seemed effortless, and I could tell that even those who were less-than-ecstatic about the subject matter were loosening up, just glad to witness such a gift. Duv and Cook’s harmonies and tastefully placed riffs only added to the vocal masterclass on display.
Cannabis Community
Cannabis! A Viper Vaudeville took the audience through a broad history of marijuana, from its beginnings in the United States to the AIDS crisis to the current day, emboldening listeners to take action every step of the way. In one segment, the cast honored Dennis Peron, an early marijuana advocate and friend of Harvey Milk’s who passed away in 2018. Peron began smoking weed as a teen, and continued while in Vietnam—a phenomenon echoed in a powerful song about a mother whose son “came home with his eyes red.”
Peron became an activist for the plant during the AIDS crisis, during which he advocated for its medical use as a treatment for the physical effects of the condition.
“The munchies literally save lives,” said the Mystical Magical M.C., highlighting the ways in which weed activists at the time were some of the only people looking out for the health of those sick with AIDS.
One of my favorite songs of the night was one about Brownie Mary, an activist who sold weed brownies to people with HIV/AIDS. She was almost 70 years old when she was arrested for the third time, and openly reinforced that the police couldn’t stop her from serving her community. Galu, this time adorned with glasses, a white vest, and a sleek guitar, stood at a mic stand and delivered some of her best vocals of the night. The song was a poignant reminder that weed has always been about community care and safety, and that we shouldn’t let the forces that be stop that.
As the show wound down, Israel asked the audience if there was anyone they felt deserved a spotlight. Two audience members responded, and Israel impressively included their answers—Bobby Faust and EJ Velasquez—into a freestyle, prompting the crowd to erupt into cheers when they realized what he’d just done.
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The night ended with a quick sneak peek of the full production, which the crew hopes to revive in New York City. As the cast and immensely talented band—who had a chance to be individually spotlighted in a short jam session—played the show out, I could feel the audience holding on, hoping for more.
I left Joe’s Pub and entered the rainy SoHo night, and yet, I felt anything but gloom from the weather. The same people I’d just seen rocking out to Israel and Galu’s jams stood smoking together on the front steps of the venue, and I was once again reminded of the magic of cannabis—to bring people together. That metaphorical high carried me the rest of the way home.