By JANICE RANDALL

Vashon Allied Arts

Several years ago, Islander, Patrick McManus started hearing comments like, “You look just like Einstein.”

McManus said the older he got, the more he looked like the famous German physicist. For fun, McManus began to explore the “look-alike” industry and soon found himself taking it seriously. He took acting classes, signed up for Toastmasters, connected with several agencies and soon found himself on the road as Einstein.

McManus continues to polish his public speaking skills and research the brilliant life of Einstein. Being Einstein, he said, has brought new adventures, taking him to new places and situations he would have never imagined.

In his upcoming Vashon Allied Arts’ New Works performance, “My Brilliant Life,” McManus will describe his new-found role as Einstein. He will perform his show in a double bill with Susan McCabe, at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17 and 18, at the Blue Heron.

McManus, a great admirer of scientists and inventors, says he always wanted to be an engineer. As a young man he worked in electronics for projects associated with NASA. He earned a degree in environmental design and for the past dozen or so years, he has worked as a contractor. Currently, McManus teaches what’s called the Feldenkrais method, a kind of movement therapy aimed to expand and refine use of self through awareness.

As Einstein continues to push McManus into new roles, he hopes to help others discover their own genius through school and library presentations.

“I want to have a good time with it and maybe someday make a decent living just being Einstein,” he said.

McCabe, meanwhile, will perform “Hot Flashes, Cold Showers,” a show that she describes as a mix of “humorous and poignant teaching moments from everyday life.” A story on her show ran in last week’s Beachcomber and can be found on its Web site at www.vashonbeachcomber.com.

Tickets to the McManus/McCabe double bill are $12 and $14 and can be purchased in advance at the Blue Heron or by calling 463-5131.

VAA’s New Works Series presents new performance works in the Blue Heron space. For information about the program, visit www.vashonalliedarts.com.

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