“Tales of Two Counties” gives me goosebumps.

On many evenings, while rehearsing “Tales of Two Counties” in the basement of Christ Episcopal Church, I’ve gotten goosebumps and watched fellow performers get teary-eyed as we’ve sung songs and listened to stories written by folks from our hometowns.

We’ve heard and told these stories so many times they’ve started to feel like our own. Being a part of “Tales of Two Counties” has made me feel like Albert Lea is my “hometown” even though I’ve only lived here for a few years.

Thank you to the Friends of the Library, the Minnesota Sesquicentennial folks, Albert Lea Medican Center, Alliant Energy, Nancy Vanderwaerdt, and all the other volunteers who’ve put their time, energy and money into making this show a reality. Also, a special thanks to Joan Claire Graham for writing this remarkable home grown musical play.

“Tales of Two Counties” performances are scheduled for Albert Lea’s Marion Ross Performing Arts Center on Oct. 16, 17, 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 19 at 2 p.m. Performances at the Paramount Theatre in Austin are scheduled for Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. All tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door in addition various establishments around town: Tone’s Music, Doyle’s Hallmark, and Nancy Vanderwaerdt’s State Farm office.

Jeshua Erickson

Albert Lea