Though many local residents already know how, Albert Lea Community Theatre presents “How to Talk Minnesotan,” which is full of laughs.

The musical comedy is about the northern Minnesotan Humde family that teaches the Minnesota lifestyle to people from out of state. The show both celebrates and pokes fun at life in Minnesota, where hot dishes, ice fishing and salads are the norm.

“To raise money the Humdes give lessons in how to talk Minnesotan,” director Rory Mattson said.

When asked whether the audience will already know how to speak Minnesotan, Mattson joked that the show will “help the people from Iowa.” He said no matter where someone is from that it will be a funny show with good music.

“You’re going to laugh and you’re going to see yourself,” Mattson said.

He said practices have been going swimmingly and the cast is working well together. Mattson said he hopes people come out to enjoy the show.

“It’s got terrific music,” Mattson said.

The show includes such tunes as “The Minnesota Salad Serenade,” “Brothers in Ice,” “Lutefisk” and “Dressing for a Minnesota Winter.”

The cast includes Alan Blumenshein, as Ed Humde, Emily Miller, as Lucy Humde, Brian Mattson, as Donny Elmstad, Larry Pierce, as Miller Johnson, Jenika Boersma, as Darlene Humde, and Michael Szymanski, as Russ Renner.

Production crew includes Crystal Schatz, Steve Kinney, Kathy Brekke, Lora Virgil, Mike Wangen, Peter Szymanski, Sue Runden, Barb Lang, Neil Lang, Dan Borland and Tubby Peterson.

Mattson said the on-stage band is wonderful. It’s made up of Laura Virgil on keyboard, Mark Meuser on drums and Todd Peterson on bass guitar.

The show is the winter version, meaning it’s full of humor about ice fishing, bad weather and more. There’s also a summer version of the show.

“How to Talk Minnesotan” opens at 7:30 p.m. today with shows at the same time Friday and Saturday. There will be a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday, then the show continues at 7:30 p.m. May 2, 3, 4 and 5. All shows are at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.actonbroadway.com or at the box office which is open from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6 to 7:30 p.m. on performance nights. Saturdays the box office is open from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. It can be reached at 377-4371. Audience members are invited to bring a canned food item to be donated to local food shelves.

 

Tickets, please
What: ACT presents the winter version of “How to Talk Minnesotan”
When: 7:30 p.m. tonight, Friday, Saturday, May 2, 3, 4 and 5; 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Marion Ross Performing Arts Center, Albert Lea
How much: $18 for adults, $10 for students