The Theater of Public Policy is BACK for our 20th season!
Gross Domestic Punchlines (The Big Return Show!)
with Chris Farrell and Louis Johnston
Money makes the world go ‘round. But most of us aren’t thinking about The Economy™ when we pay up at the gas pump or the grocery store checkout. Plus, as those costs continue to rise, national conversations about money often seem frustrating, complicated, or out-of-touch.
In our first T2P2 show in 4 years, we’re diving into all things economical with two brilliant guests: MPR and Marketplace economics contributor Chris Farrell, and economist Louis Johnston.
During the show, we’ll ask our guests all the questions you’ve always wanted to ask — or never thought to. Then, our cast of improvisers will draw out insights through live, unscripted comedy scenes. You’ll learn something, and laugh a lot!
Tickets: $15 adv/$20 door
Doors: 6pm | Show: 7pm
Full restaurant and bar services are available at the theater. The venue is wheelchair-accessible. If you need additional accessibility accommodations, please contact info@dangerboat.net at least two weeks prior to the event.
About the Guests
Louis Johnston is the William E. and Virginia Clemens Professor of Economics and the Liberal Arts at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University, where he has taught since 1997. Johnston specializes in macroeconomics, economic history, and the connections between economic policy and economic history. His most recent projects focus on analyzing the evolution of Minnesota’s economy and how Minnesota became “above average” since World War II. Johnston has written over 100 columns for MinnPost and is a regular guest on Twin Cities PBS’s Almanac and Minnesota Public Radio.
Chris Farrell is senior economics contributor at Minnesota Public Radio and Marketplace, American Public Media’s nationally syndicated public radio business and economic programs. He is host of the Office Hours podcast for the Heller-Hurwicz Economics Institute at the University of Minnesota. Chris was a columnist for PBS Next Avenue and the Minneapolis Star Tribune. He has written for Bloomberg Businessweek, New York Times, Kiplinger’s, and other publications. Chris is the author of five books, including The New Frugality, Unretirement, and Purpose and a Paycheck.
What is the Theater of Public Policy (T2P2)?
A civic comedy institution is returning at a moment when people are overwhelmed by serious issues and exhausted by bad public conversation. The Theater of Public Policy (T2P2) uses humor to take the pressure off of serious conversations, sparking real conversation and helping audiences see issues in new ways.
Here’s how it works:
Shows open with a lively conversation with a newsmaker or policy wonk.
That conversation inspires a team of Minnesota’s most talented improvisers, who create entirely spontaneous sketches based on the interview.
The expert guest then answers questions from the audience.
The show wraps with one last round of improv from the cast.
It’s a totally unique blend of learning and laughter — and each show only happens once. Seeing is believing, so get your tickets to the next T2P2 show today!