"DON'T HUG ME," the mid-season musical comedy presented by Encore Theatre opening February 15 is certain to have the audience still laughing as the cast takes final bows.

"A Minnesota love story with singin' and stuff ", the play centers on the inhabitants of a small bar, The Bunyan, located on Bunyan Bay in the snow encrusted northern Minnesota town of Ely on the coldest day of the year.

This is a true case of "Baby It's Cold Outside." The cantankerous bar owner dreams of greener pastures in Florida. His wife, a former winter carnival queen just wishes for a little spark from him to rekindle the marriage.

The barmaid, an athletic sports enthusiast and the local entrepreneurial sports store owner who pursues the young lady are a close knit group.

Into the mix arrives a fast talking, cheesy karaoke salesman braving the sub zero elements intent an making a sale. His promises of adding romance to these hum drum lives turns into a battle of wits and wills.

Oooof da, Minnesota speak for that's really great, applies to the music and songs that are parodies of popular styles. Reviewers have noted "Don't Hug Me" as "A quirky charming musical, terrifically silly and two hours of fun and farce." It is also child friendly for ages 8 and older.

Play dates are February 15,16, 21, 22, 23, 28 & 29 and March 1 at the Main Street Stage, 609 E. Main Street, Elizabeth City. Theatre doors open at 7:30 pm and curtain is 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 and may be purchased at Clown n' Around on Poindexter Street, The UPS Store on Ehringhaus Street in Port Elizabeth Centre or at the door performance evenings.