Donna Huber didn't know who Shania Twain was when people starting telling her in 1996 she looked the singer.
The Canadian bakery owner did some research and decided to turn the compliments into a new career. By 1997, she was singing and dancing to Twain‚s hits. Her dark hair now matches Twain's more reddish brown hair.
“I went on the road right away,” Huber said. “I wanted to be the first one because I knew she was going to be huge.”
Huber liked performing, and a few voice lessons later, “Shania Twin” was making a name for herself. But she still had to get over her shyness.
“It took me four years,” she said of her nerves before going on stage.
Shania Twin isn't shy anymore, performing as many as 190 shows per year with her band. She will showcase her talents at a 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 performance at Monroe County Community College's Meyer Theater. Reserved seating is $20; VIP seating is $30.
“We have the same mannerisms, but I don't try to act like her on stage,” Huber said, who is 5 foot 8 inches, compared to Twain's 5-foot 2-inch-frame.
“When I first met her I was like, ‘she's the cutest little thing,' ” Huber said.
The real Twain commented Twin was one of the best tributes out there. Huber once saw a picture of Twain and
thought it was her. But there is at least once difference between the Canadian natives. Huber is 41; Twain is 42.
“I am glad to be the younger of the two,” Huber said.
Huber's favorite Twain songs are always her most recent ones. She's hoping for a new album soon, although “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” is still one of the best.
As for Twain's signature outfits, Huber likes wearing the leopard body suit, but won't wear the singer's lacy outfit if young people are at the show.
“You want to be modest,” she said.
When Huber isn't channeling Twain, she lives a quiet life in the small town of Picton, Ontario. She's engaged.
“I am not her, I am me. I just want people to come out and listen to her music,” she said.
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-Chris
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