Adams Native Alane Bendtsen to Star in ‘Don’t Hug Me, I’m Pregnant’
Published 10:26 am Monday, October 21, 2013

Alane Bendtsen, an Adams resident, and Steve Searl star in “Don’t Hug Me I’m Pregnant” at the Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault. — Photo provided
The Merlin Players will open its 19th season with the Minnesota musical “Don’t Hug Me, I’m Pregnant” on Friday, at the Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault.
The musical comedy is written by Minnesota brothers Phil and Paul Olson. The five-person show continues the story of Gunner and Clara Johnson (played by Steve Searl and Adams native Alane Bendtsen) who own the Bunyon Bar in the fictional setting Bunyon Bay, Minn.
Gunner loves Clara so much that he almost told her once. Now Clara is pregnant and due to deliver soon when a blizzard hits. What else could go wrong?
Things are complicated by a love triangle involving Gunner’s friend Kanute (Jim Qualley), Bernice who is Kanute’s ex-girlfriend (Cynthia Paley), and Aarvid (Tim Fitzgerald) the karoke salesman who loves Bernice.
The show features songs like “Babies and Beer,” “Bun in the Oven,” and “If Men Had Babies We’d All Be Extinct.”
“We have been laughing so hard at the rehearsals that the cast is worried about cracking up during the show. People are going to really enjoy this production,” Artistic Director Julianna Skluzacek said.
“Don’t Hug Me, I’m Pregnant” is the third part of the “Don’t Hug Me” series, which have had long runs in the Twin Cities.
The show runs Oct. 25, 26, Nov. 1, 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays, Oct. 27 and Nov. 3 at 2 p.m.
There is a beer tasting reception on opening night after the show to which all audience members are invited.
For tickets, call the Paradise Center for the Arts at 507-332-7372 during box office hours which are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from noon-5 p.m. or noon to 8 p.m. on Thursday. The box office opens one hour before performances. You may also stop by the Paradise at 321 Central Avenue to purchase tickets.