By Teri Stevens
New Winnipeg, July 2004

Upon seeing that there is a show about marijuana, one might expect it to be put on by teenage slacker types proclaiming their love for grass with little intellectual discourse. Not so with 'The Reefer Man" as I was pleased to stumble upon one of the best shows I've seen so far at this years fringe.

The play tells the story of Charlie Kovacs, a lawyer who sidelines as a gardener. Of course, the flowers in his garden aren't simple petunias. Charlie has a grow-op in his basement and we follow him through the retelling of how he has ended up on the run from the law.

The play is not only humorous, but thought provoking, as Charlie challenges Canada's Marijuana Laws, draws on the racist beginnings of these laws and depicts the plight of people with AIDS and Cancer who rely on the drug to get through the day. Upon polling the audience, well over 80% of had smoked marijuana at some time, he proclaims, well, we're criminals too.

Beyond the political message, the show is technically flawless, humorous and engaging. Russell Bennett plays multi-characters with ease. The show also has a very interesting beginning as Bennett zooms across the stage, screams cause he realizes he's in a room full of people, and then takes a seat in the audience wondering why the play isn't starting.

Some may avoid this show because they don't agree with the perceived message but that would be a horrible oversight. This show is worth a spin and sincere consideration of the issues and thoughts it provokes.