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CANNABIS! A VIPER VAUDEVILLE is a genre-defying, time-traveling theatrical concert that explores the complex and storied relationship between cannabis and American culture. Blending music, dance, spoken word, and immersive design, the piece is rooted in the Hip-Hop tradition of remix and mashup, inspired by Martin A. Lee’s acclaimed book, Smoke Signals: A Social History of Marijuana.
The production moves fluidly through eras and movements—from Congo Square to Jazz Age speakeasies, from the revolutionary happenings of the ’60s to the AIDS activism of San Francisco’s Buyers Club—weaving together the music of Louis Armstrong, Bob Marley, The Beatles, and other cultural icons with stories of real-life activists such as Dennis Perron and Brownie Mary, alongside deeply personal narratives of healing, criminalization, and resistance.
Come for the stories. Stay for the party.
Join us on
Monday, May 4
6:30PM Red Carpet
7PM Film
for a special screening of
CANNABIS! A VIPER VAUDEVILLE
Featuring the show's stars and creators, plus a call to action from renowned advocate, lawyer, and educator SCHERIL MURRAY POWELL, Esq., and Q and A with the creative team.
at Cinema Village
22 East 12th St, NYC
"A CALL-TO-ACTION AMERICAN HISTORY LESSON"
New York Times
"A SEDUCTIVE, TIME-TRAVELING THEATRICAL CONCERT"
Forbes
"GRACE GALU IS A MAGNETIC, POWERHOUSE VOCALIST"
New York Times
"A THRILLING VISUAL AND AURAL SPECTACLE"
Forbes
"THE SHOW'S MULTI-SENSORY APPROACH, COMBINING MUSIC, DANCE, AND THEATRICAL SPECTACLE, MIRRORS THE MULTIFACETED NATURE OF CANNABIS CULTURE ITSELF. IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT GETTING HIGH; IT'S ABOUT THE COMMUNITIES THAT FORMED AROUND THE PLANT, THE MUSIC THAT WAS CREATED UNDER ITS INFLUENCE, THE INJUSTICES COMMITTED IN ITS NAME, AND THE ONGOING FIGHT FOR EQUITY AND LIBERATION."
The Other Magazine
FRESH PRESS:
APRIL 17, 2026
APRIL 18, 2026
APRIL 21, 2026
CORE CREATIVE TEAM:
BABA ISRAEL
Concept, Writer,
"Mystical Magical M.C."
GRACE GALU
Composer
"Sativa Diva"
NIC BENACERRAF
Environment Designer, Co-Director
CHANON JUDSON
Choreographic Direction
TALVIN WILKS
Co-Director, Dramaturg
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is CANNABIS! A Viper Vaudeville?
A time-traveling theatrical concert about the history of cannabis in American culture – told through live music, dance, and immersive design. It is inspired by Martin A. Lee's book, Smoke Signals: A Social History of Marijuana, and focuses on the cannabis-related movements over the last century, including the Jazz era, the Beatniks, the 60s, the AIDS Crisis, and the War on Drugs.
Who created the show, and who is performing?
CANNABIS! was conceived by Baba Israel, and co-created by Baba Israel, Grace Galu, Nic Benacerraf, and Talvin Wilks. The show was written by Baba Israel and composed by Grace Galu, who are also the stars of the production. The Viper Vaudeville ensemble features 4 singers, 4 dancers, and 4 musicians, and a huge behind-the-scenes team. The show was produced and developed by HERE, and originally premiered at La Mama in 2022.
Where is it playing in New York City?
Throughout 2026 there will be a series of concerts and happenings as we get ready for a commercial off-Broadway run in 2027! Each time will be different. Be the first to know by joining our mailing list (using the form above), or following us at @vipervaudeville.