Talking with Sanjaya about his gig

He cut off the mohawk -- but, yeah, it's him. That's what parents must think when they spot 2006 "American Idol" finalist Sanjaya Malakar, now short-haired, making his Off-Broadway debut in "Freckleface Strawberry: The Musical," a show based on the children's books by actress Julianne Moore playing at New World Stages. Malakar, 21, joined "Freckleface" in February and performs through April 24. He plays an elementary school "jock" and a baby brother in a tale about accepting people despite their differences.

You're busy onstage -- singing, tap dancing . . . dribbling a basketball.The basketball scene is nerve-racking. You have to dribble in the right rhythms and not have it hit the audience. I was a little apprehensive about that.

How have you done? Has the ball left the stage?Not since I've been doing it. The hardest part was figuring out the habits of a 7-year-old. My brother's 7, so I kinda studied the way he holds himself and walks.

There are song lyrics in the show that seem oddly . . . fitting. Like the one that goes "You can be . . ."" . . . a pop singing idol that you see on TV?" [He chuckles.] Nobody in the cast or crew said anything, but I cracked up reading the script.

You watching "Idol" these days?I wish I could audition again just to ask them if I've improved. This is the first year I'm paying a lot of attention to the show. The new judges are great. And the singers . . . this year the standard is higher.

I heard you're writing songs of your own.About four years ago, I started teaching myself to write. Now I'm focusing on an album. Part R&B . . . some rock. It's organic. I don't use a lot of overly computerized, synthetic sounds.

So no Lady Gaga-type songs?Exactly. It's more like live instruments.

Any college plans?I got accepted to Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, but ended up deferring. They have a great music and dance program. I've also thought about studying adolescent psychology. So many fans are kinda confused and have asked me about life lessons. I feel like if I educate myself more, I can help people I meet.

WHAT "Freckleface Strawberry: The Musical"

WHERE New World Stages, 340 W. 50th St., Manhattan

WHEN Wednesdays at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m., Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m., 2 and 4:30 p.m. Check for performance dates.

TICKETS $68.50

INFO 212-239-6200