Five Stars
Magnetic Poetry should be the starting point for more great relationships. And if you're wondering exactly how that would work, here it is. Two strangers meet at a party and instead of having to come up with their own witty one-liners, the pre-made poetry on the fridge provides that needed icebreaker: Written by TJ Dawe and Michael Rinaldi and performed by Rinaldi and Tallulah Winkelman, Toothpaste and Cigars is a great romantic comedy that is perfectly suited to the Fringe Stage. The Vancouver actors do an excellent job of capturing the initial awkwardness and excitement that comes with a new beginning. Flirtations over email, instant messaging and a recurring use of lines of poetry are great devices that help to advance the story line and reflect that need to know everything about an intriguing new person. No matter what state your own romantic life is in, everyone appreciates good writing, skilled acting and comedy that's easy to identify with. If you can sit through this one without laughing out loud, you should get out more.
Anna Lazowski
Winnipeg Free Press
