I’m sure Reuters will love me for pointing this out. But they mistakenly called Obama, Osama in an article published minutes ago. This is probably the hundredth time that a publication has done this. I thought this one was particularly funny, though. It reads, “The New York senator dismissed Osama’s criticism over the economy, saying his plans fell short on extending health care to the all Americans, on dealing with the mortgage crisis and expanding the sue of renewable energy.”

I’m in another show this winter: “She Loves Me.” It’s a Broadway Musical set in the 1930’s. So far at the Albert Lea Community Theater I’ve only done shows with three word titles. The show before this one, of course, was “Don’t Hug Me.” “She Loves Me” is actually quite different than “Don’t Hug Me.” For one, “Don’t Hug Me” is a contemporary reflection on life in a tavern in Northern Minnesota. “She Loves Me,” on the other hand, takes place in a parfumerie.

My character, Georg, the male lead, is the head clerk at Maracek’s parfumerie. He has a wonderful relationship with his pen pal, who he affectionately calls “Dear Friend.” And he has a terrible relationship with a woman recently hired by Maracek: Amalia. They’ve been arguing with each other since the day she sold Maracek’s first “genuine leather musical cigarette box.”

As the story progresses, however, Georg learns that Amalia, who he thought he couldn’t stand, is actually “Dear Friend.” At first he’s in denial, but by the end of the show Georg and Amalia finally get over their arguments, sing to each other, and prance off the stage together. An abbreviated synopsis…to say the least. There are really piles of wonderful subplots, characters and scenes throughout the show.

Being an untrained vocalist, the hardest part of this show for me is the singing. I actually had to get a couple voice lessons just to get more comfortable reaching notes outside my range. I do a touch of falsetto when I have to reach those notes. There were other regular chest-voice notes that I’d never thought I’d get that I can reach just fine now…thanks to my lessons and a ton of practice. It’s hard to turn a contemporary folk singer/songwriter into a Broadway-type singer. I figure I still have a ways to go. (big smile)

The show is a blast. We’ve got a fantastic director, cast and crew. I’m a little blown away, however, at how much different this show is from “Don’t Hug Me.” Both shows together have taught me a ton about singing and acting. All at once I’ve gained confidence and reached new heights of…humility. I’ve a great respect for professional, well-trained singers. They can do amazing things with their voices.

If you’re in Southern Minnesota this February 7, 8 or 9, come see us perform at 7:30pm at the Albert Lea Community Theater!! You’ll love it!