Let’s not forget, this is a stage vendor that could sell a 16 oz. steak to a vegetarian if you give him 3 minutes to work on a pitch. He’s that good at what he does with his new and improved Hardsell feeling more like ‘An Evening With…Rick Miller’ product offering than a formulaic theatre event.

What starts off as a heavy lecture about the scathing practices of the advertising industry brings about a confession that he, too, plays the game asservating that we can all be bought and sold when the art and science of manipulation—not to mention loyalty programs—come into play.

And he brings back, Arnie, Rick Miller’s fictitious twin to ensure clear perspective is shared.

The latest remount relies on real life advertising bits to expose the truth behind the marketing mayhem that’s burrowed itself into our DNA thereby imprisoning consumers. With additional impersonations, a microwaved Barbie Doll, and product placement, the king of spontaneous cover-ups illustrates he’s not lost his sense of humour in this technically impossible show to perform.

Hardsell rides an intellectual crest in its examination of the unconscious code associated with every product that hits the shelves. If the medium is still the message, just wait until you see what Master Miller has to say in this stimulating 80-minute one hander.