The Toothpaste Millionaire @ Talespinner Children's Theatre

David Hansen's adaptation of 'Toothpaste Millionaire' is all heart, and Talespinner Children's Theatre's world premiere production of it is all color. Under the direction of Ananias Dixon and assistant direction of Diwe Augustin-Glave, audiences watch sixth grader Rufus develop his own ingenious business plan to make and sell a cheaper version of toothpaste called... Toothpaste. It's cheap, and it works! He, his friend Kate, and a handful of other classmates form a successful company and become accidental millionaires, with the help of some supportive adults and a whole lot of perseverance. 

​Ren Twardzik's scenic design delights, with bright yellows, oranges, and blues at sharp angles and adorning machine gears, set against a backdrop of a large wall of graph paper. Projections designed by Joshua Smith depict real math problems on the chalkboard that the kids must solve in order to map out whether their 'dentifrice' (a word I learned during this show!) business will see success. The verdict - it will be wildly successful! The excited 6th grade underdogs set out to find that success and boy, do they. Actors wore adorable costumes designed by Jaclyn Vogel, who really captures the 1970's feel with sweater vests, high waist and wide leg pants, bright colors, jumpers and more. Shout out to Ren Twardzik again and Andy Zicari for pleasing light and sound design, respectively.

Quincy Brame presents a thoughtful and serious Rufus, who spearheads the business idea after finding out how much toothpaste costs. His new friend Kate, the endearing Kierstan Conway, is set to be his right hand human, adding her own ingenuity to the mix. Conway and Brame, accompanied by a fantastic ensemble, do a great job of presenting authentic children characters without making them into caricatures. Michael Frye especially shines in his cameos as Joe Smiley, Mr. Purcell, and Morton McCallister, three varied and hilarious portrayals of odd adults the kids come across. Michael, along with Nelia Holley, Kailyn Mack, and Julia Boudiab, play an array of other characters as well, including the teacher, other students, and the toothpaste manufacturing competitors. Alija Toles will understudy for Kailyn Mack. All of the ensemble actors differentiate well between their child characters and their adults. Some of the language and references will be nostalgic for older audience members and probably pleasantly silly for kids - "cool beans!" "groovy" "can you dig it?" and Peanuts-style "wa wa wa wa" noises for some adult voices. 

Talespinner is known for its accessibility design, and the design for this show by Executive Artistic Director Heather Utsler-Smith does not disappoint, with a touch/taste/smell display in the lobby to enjoy after the performance. There was also a design your own tube of toothpaste coloring page, an iPad where you can listen to playwright Hansen's playlist of songs that inspired his writing, and images that bring East Cleveland and the 1970s to life. Audiences receive an Education Guide designed by Education Director Rebecca Burcher upon entering that offers curricular connections between the show and subjects including physical education, science, and English. 

It's difficult to offer a story about capitalism that the socialist in me wants to enjoy, but Hansen and Talespinner have accomplished this by capturing the sweet and determined personalities of the characters - characters you will really find yourself rooting for. Catch 'The Toothpaste Millionaire' through Sunday, May 26 at the Rainey Institute presented by Talespinner Children's Theatre.