Kaitlin Mamie and Laura Danowski make up the outrageous comedy duo CHEAP SMOKES. Described as being a “party onstage,” they were named one of the top ten sketch troupes to watch in Canada, and have been corrupting audiences for the past six years with their over-the-top ridiculous and energetic comedy.
Check out their show, New Years Resolutions, on Dec. 30 at 8 p.m. at Comedy Bar.
What spaces in Toronto do you find inspiring?
Laura: Comedy Bar for sure! There are so many amazing shows and now they have classes. It’s like a more hip second city, and it’s always a fun party there.
Kaitlin: I’d probably have to say Second City is up there for me. I worked in that building for over six years and the incredible talent that I’ve seen pass through there over the years is amazing. When I was a host I would just sit and watch the improv sets (clearly not doing my job) and get to see all the actors play around and somehow make sense out of a a spaceship made of hotdogs. That and the AGO. Art is neat!
What aisle do you spend the most time in at the grocery store?
L: When I’m in LA the booze aisle, when I’m in Canada the chip aisle especially if I’m at No Frill’s with all those “no name” flavors.
K: Oh hands down the chocolate and candy aisle. I’ve got a problem. I’m legitimately addicted to chocolate. It’s a problem that I face everyday. There is a real science to the way I pick a chocolate bar. I pick my first instinct, then I hold it up to all the others and see if there is one I prefer more than the one in my hand. Then by the time I’ve decided, the store is closing and the security guard is asking me to leave.
Which virtue do you try to cultivate within yourself?
L: Carefree and hopeless optimism. I love being positive and happy all the time. It’s great to see it rub off on people. To stay focused and dedicated in this world just be optimistic, and see the good in everything.
K: Conan O’Brien had some really inspiring words that I carry with me all the time. On his send-off from the late night show, he said a very simple thing: “If you work hard and you’re kind, I promise you good things will happen.” I try and remember that every day. It’s very simple but very important.
The receipts in your wallet would indicate what?
L: Wine, snacks, and gas station receipts for when I travel to purchase my wine and snacks.
K: That I go to the Mexican grocery store down my street on a daily basis to buy wine and crackers. Note to self: drink more water and less wine.
If you could reinvent your career and be something totally different, what would that be?
L: I would be two things: A skateboarder/surfer girl that lives on the beach and gets to meet hot guys all year round. And a famous DJ that gets to play at the hugest, most amazing music festivals and be best friends with Diplo and Skrillex.
K: I’d probably be a cool surfer chick, emphasis on the cool. I would travel the world and take pictures and be a world famous Surfer champion that lives on the beach in Hawaii with a bunch of hot Australian men. I’ve been surfing about four times now so I’m pretty much there already.
When you dream about travel, what place in the world comes to mind?
L: Croatia. Europe in general. They get it right there.
K: Africa for sure. Ever since I saw a Kenyan elephant nature park in a National Geographic magazine I’ve always wanted to go there. That and Wisconsin.
What makes you happy?
L: Friends, family, comedy and music festivals, having the best time.
K: Chocolate, friends, food, sex, food, dancing, and Bonnaroo.
What makes you cringe?
L: Scraping wet food from the sink, and hair chunks in the shower.
K: Really graphic horror movies like Saw XVII or The Grudge. Can’t watch people having their mouths sewn shut to a person’s butt. I know, I’m a weirdo! Also, wet peanut butter.
What quality do you loathe most in others?
L: Easy success. The Laguna Beach group, The Kardashians, I can’t stand it.
K: I think if anyone is ever mean to an animal, that person is pure evil. Also slow walkers. Like, get out of my way!
What, in your opinion, is overrated?
L: Reality TV
K: Video games. I never really went through that phase of spending hours and hours sitting on the couch trying to get the jewel that will unlock the leprechauns magic boot to free all the enslaved 3-legged unicorns.
Although “Duck Hunt” is true art and no one can say anything to dispute it.
How do you feel about life at this moment?
L: I feel good. Right now I have a cold so I feel awful, but most of the time I feel good. I feel like a small fish in an ocean at times but I’ve learned to stay focused and commit. Kaitlin and I try to further our career everyday and I just know that if we work hard something good will happen.
K: At this moment right now I’m sitting in comfy clothes at my computer in California, looking out at a sunny day. When I finish writing this I’m going to start editing a short comedy video that I wrote and we shot yesterday. I get to spend almost everyday doing what I love to do. I don’t make a dime, but it makes me happy. At the end of the day that’s all that matters.
I’m also drinking water out of an old yogurt container.
What quality do you value most in a lover?
L: Sense of humour for sure. Annnd a beard.
K: First of all he has to have a HUGE penis or it’s a deal breaker. I love a guy that makes me laugh, and that I can make laugh. Also, being really supportive of one another is super important. Always push each other to succeed and encourage each others dreams.
What is your favourite thing to do on a Saturday?
L: Not have any form of physical activity, and eat whatever I want. Go shopping and buy myself one cheap thing, maybe two. Drink Caesars in the daytime along with a dumb movie. I love Saturdays.
K: Drink a Caesar. They’re just so damn fantastic.
What is your comfort food?
L: Burritos. No wait – a Big Mac. No wait…both.
K: Mashed potatoes. Always and forever.
What word or phrase should we all use more?
L: “No Guff” and “cool dude.”
K: “Tubular.”
15 minutes gets up-close-and-personal with compelling personalities and people to watch in Toronto.
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