A refrigerator magnet with the words, "Oh, Shit, I'm Turning Into My Mother," was the thematic glue for a collection of songs, musings and monologues that became a hit in Minneapolis and played three shows at the Duplex in Greenwich Village beginning March 19. The final performance is 9 PM March 29.

Oh, Shit, I'm Turning Into My Mother had a sell-out run Minnesota by Peter J. Rothstein's music-theatre company, Theatre Latte Da, which is also produced the New York City dates, March 19, 22 26 and 29.

Conceived by Rothstein, with original material by Tod Petersen, Bridget Carpenter and Rob Hartmann, the Duplex dates feature Sandy Binion, Cheryl Monroe and Petersen.

"I had been hoping to create a new piece that would be an eclectic blend of different voices and genres," Rothstein said in production notes. "That kitchen magnet, strangely enough, supplied the theme. My intention is to play with uniquely American mother images through music and monologue."

The show is a montage of familiar and lesser-known songs "on maternal themes," blended with new songs by Carpenter (Mr. Xmas, Typhoid Mary) and New York songwriter Hartmann (Macabaret, Vanishing Point). There are also songs by John Kander and Fred Ebb and Reba McIntyre. The eclectic work also features an extended monologue by Minneapolis actor Tod Petersen, whose musings about his relationship with his mother provide a structure.

Actress-singer Binion recently performed in Smile at American Stage Company and toured as Julie Andrews' understudy in Victor/Victoria. Monroe previously performed in Show Boat in London.

Theatre Latte Da's mission is to "create new connections between text, music, artist and audience."

The Duplex is at 61 Christopher Street (at 7th Avenue) in Greenwich Village. Tickets are $10, with a two-drink minimum. Call (212) 255-5438 for reservations.

-- By Kenneth Jones