Weekend Planner: For Tina and Lena, the show mustn’t go on

Published 10:40 am Thursday, October 2, 2014

Tina and Lena, the Minnesota comedy and singing duo, are giving one of their final performances in Albert Lea this week.

Sue "Tina" Edwards, left, and Annette "Lena" Olsen, right, have been performing as Tina and Lena for three decades. — Provided

Sue “Tina” Edwards, left, and Annette “Lena” Olsen, right, have been performing as Tina and Lena for three decades. — Provided

The duo will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Lighthouse Theatre & Event Center, 621 Marshall St.

Tina and Lena pull together singing and comedy to create a show touted as “witty, wild and wonderful.”

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The pair have performed for three decades in over 20 states and in Canada. The pair plans on retiring from entertainment on Sept. 1, 2015.

Tina and Lena also give motivational and spiritual performances as well as entertainment. In their motivational performances, the duo present custom performances for corporate, business, school and association settings.

Some of the places they have performed motivationally include Minnesota State University, Mankato, The National Paraprofessionals Association, St. Cloud Hospital and Hospice and senior and women’s expos across the Midwest, among others.

In their spiritual performances, Tina and Lena give reverent humor, parodies of hymns and new songs for church events.

Some of the places they have performed inspirationally include Lutheran Women Missionary League in Springfield, Mo.; American Lutheran Church in Sun City, Ariz.; Hosanna Lutheran Church in Lakeville and the International Lutheran Laymen’s League in Duluth, among others.

Tina and Lena are brought to life by Annette Olsen, who plays Lena, and Sue Edwards, who plays Tina. Both were high school classmates in Canby. They had similar interests such as singing in choir, playing in band, being active in theater and working for the school newspaper.

Olsen has degrees in music therapy and music education. She taught K-12 music for 10 years and is also a certified musical therapist with Glacial Ridge Health System. She now lives in Alexandria.

Edwards has a degree from the University of Minnesota, Morris, and taught K-12 physical education and elementary music, as well as coached. She moved to Alexandria and worked in radio and advertising for 15 years.

Tickets to see Tina and Lena are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets are available at Marshall Street Music, Hy-Vee and Stadheim Jewelers.

Friday

• Big Island Rendezvous Education Days will begin at 9 a.m. at Bancroft Bay Park.

• The Albert Lea High School Homecoming game will begin at 7 p.m. at Jim Gustafson Field.

Saturday

• Get a taste of the past by visiting the 28th annual Big Island Rendezvous & Festival beginning at 9 a.m. at Bancroft Bay Park.

• The Blazing 5/10k Walk/Run will begin at 9 a.m. at the Blazing Star Trail. Both runs start at 9 a.m. Packet pickup is from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Albert Lea Family Y and 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. Saturday. Cost is $30 per person for the 5-kilometer run and $40 per person for the 10-kilometer run.

• Find some fresh produce, baked goods and more at the Albert Lea Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to noon at the Northbridge Mall parking lot, 2510 Bridge Ave.

• Oaktoberfest gates open at 3 p.m. at Harmony Park, 79503 298th St., Clarks Grove.

Sunday

• Get a taste of the past by visiting the 28th annual Big Island Rendezvous & Festival beginning at 9 a.m. at Bancroft Bay Park.

• The Eagles breakfast will be 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Eagles Club, 205 W. William St. Pancakes, eggs, sausages, biscuits and gravy, juice, milk and coffee will be served. Cost is $7.