By Melanie Nelson, Independent Reviewer

It’s the Twin Cities premiere of Don’t Hug Me, I’m Pregnant at St. Croix Off Broadway Dinner Theatre located at the Hudson House Grand Hotel in Hudson, WI. This is the fourth in the Don't Hug Me series of hit musicals, and the one you’ve been waiting for.

It’s not a "Christmas show," although it is a story about a long awaited baby who is born in a dramatic set of circumstances, in an unpredictable place–but, really, it has nothing to do with Christmas.

What it is though is painfully funny if you’ve ever given birth or are familiar with what happens to a Mom and Dad in the days preceding their first baby. The story takes place in Bunyan Bay, Minnesota in a little bar owned by Clara and Gunner Johnson. Clara is 8½ months pregnant with their first child, when suddenly a freak snow storm hits and they find themselves snowed in. The roads are closed, the roof is threatening to cave in, and there are wolves at the door. And if all of that isn’t bad enough, Clara goes into labor just as Act One is coming to a close.

Intermission couldn’t have gone fast enough, as audience members chatted about what would happen next to these off-the-wall Minnesotans in Bunyan Bay.

For those who remember the first three Don’t Hug Me’s at St. Croix Off Broadway — some of the best actors are back in their roles. Clara is played for a fourth time expertly by Stephanie Osman. Only Jason Decheine could turn the simple outdoorsman Gunner into a proud papa and honorable husband in 2 hours. Aarvid, the lifestyle system salesmen, is refreshingly played once again by Joseph Keith, and Kanute’s blunt in your face comments are perfected by the lovable Michael McKay. These actors are so comfortable on this stage, and so comfortable in these oddball characters. They are joined by Kelsey Hansen as Bernice, who you will remember fondly from Boeing-Boeing a couple short months ago.

Audiences leaving opening weekend were in agreement. “This is the funniest one yet.” “Hilarious.” “They’re all so funny.”

Is this a good holiday show for the whole family? While this performance is open to children as young as 6, the content and pregnancy jokes would be lost on kids that young. I’d bring teenagers and friends, certainly other moms, and leave the little ones at home.

Don’t Hug Me, I’m Pregnant at St. Croix Off Broadway Dinner Theatre runs Fridays and Saturdays through January 7th. The price of $52 includes dinner; coffee, pop, tea, or milk; show; tip; and tax. Children ages 6-12 can see the show and order from a special menu for $28. Get tickets by calling 715-386-2394 ext. 333 or order them online at www.stcroixoffbroadway.com. A special New Year's Eve package includes an upscale menu that evening with dancing after the show until 1AM and party favors/champagne at midnight. Stay & Play packages are also available.

“The show was so fun and fast paced. We have been to a lot of dinner theatres and yours ranks very, very high! The actors are very talented and food was excellent. Thank you! ”
    – Thorp, WI Patrons