Look of the Day - Charlie Schmidt

Sporting a pretty sweet suit he found at a local thrift store, Denver actor/comedian Charlie Schmidt wears his “green” politics on his sleeve -- literally. Mr. Schmidt is currently tearing up Breckenridge in the Backstage Theatre’s production of Reefer Madness, a farcical exploration of America’s other hot, “green” political debate.

Based on the 1936 exploitation film-turned-cult film-turned off-Broadway musical, Reefer Madness is a tongue-in-cheek morality tale dealing with the “dangers” of recreational marijuana use. The original film was rediscovered in the 1970s and became a cult phenomenon among the very population it was initially intended to scare straight. Now the Backstage Theatre offers Reefer’s musical adaptation for Breckenridge tourists as an alternative to the slopes.

Charlie takes a fashion cue from young Hollywood and wears his green suit with a pair of solid colored Converse sneakers, a la Justin Timberlake. Though most of the men’s fashion mags might advise you to (puff, puff) pass on this particular trend when attending a formal event, rocking the rubber soles with your favorite formal duds can be a fun diversion from the conservative norm in a more casual environment. Of course, being blessed with youth and beauty like Charlie certainly makes it easier to pull off this look.

Well, being blessed or being really, really high. (Not that we, at Westword, would ever condone such behavior, mind you.)

Backstage Theatre’s Reefer Madness closes this weekend. For last chance tickets to this wacky camp-fest, please call 970-453-0199.

- Steven J. Burge