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Minneapolis Political Theater
8/20/2008 12:00:00 AM
GQ magazine appointed Minneapolis one of the “Seven Best Art Cities (that you’ve never thought of),” but the Republican National Convention is sure to put the Twin Cities on the artistic map. One look at the event schedule for the RNC and you’ll discover an art scene to be reckoned with.
GQ magazine appointed Minneapolis one of the “Seven Best Art Cities (that you’ve never thought of),” but the Republican National Convention is sure to put the Twin Cities on the artistic map. One look at the event schedule for the RNC and you’ll discover an art scene to be reckoned with.
The nearly 60 museums and 75 professional theaters are getting into full political swing. The stage is where Minneapolis-Saint Paul truly shines. Its metro area is home to more theater seats per capita than any other U.S. city outside of New York.
Take a breather from the serious side of politics with some satirical comedy sketches. Below are five of the best political theater shows to see during the 2008 RNC.
Drilling For Freedom Presents: Our 44th White Dude
Three writers for 23/6 and Huffingtonpost.com perform as their conservative alter-egos in Drilling For Freedom. Thrilled to be in the same city as John McCain and the RNC, the trio encounters protests and interviews people who might not love the Republican Party as much as they do. The poster for this sketch comedy depicts a polar bear and an armored tank positioned atop John McCain’s head. Come to the Bryant Lake Bowl Cabaret Theater Sept.1 and 2 to see topics like global warming and the war in Iraq discussed with witty banter.
Laughing Liberally
The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts will showcase the brightest progressive comedians from across the nation Sat., Aug. 23. Though the comic lineup is touted as “progressive,” RNC delegates and attendees should heed the political persuasion in the headline. Julie Goldman, Baratunde Thurston and Jamie Jackson are just a few of the notable performers. You’ll recognize James Adomian, an actor and writer best known for his impersonations of George W. Bush in “Recount” and “Harold & Kumar 2.” Jim David is a comedian who blogged earlier this year, “2008 Republican Convention to Be Held in Coulter’s Vagina.” This belly-laughing and uncensored show is for one night only, so get your tickets now.
Breaking Convention with Scott Blakeman: A Liberal Dose of Political Humor
Hailed as “The top political comedian working in New York today” by NBC, Scott Blakeman is bringing his progressive political humor to St. Paul during the RNC. Blakeman stands out as a comedian who knows what’s appropriate and funny for all ages and venues. This month, his political blog questions the idea of a world vote for President of the United States. “Most Europeans and people from other countries are more knowledgeable about the U.S. than Americans are,” he writes. “They’re more intellectual, aware, and more liberal—just the kind of people you want to vote for President of the United States.” Take in Blakeman’s warm, likeable blend of politics and contemporary Jewish humor in person at the Mounds Theatre.
The Lion, the Witch, and the War Hero; or Is McCain Able?
This comedy sketch show is an equal opportunity offender. Dead-on impersonations of Bush, Clinton and Obama sustain the humor and embolden the show's satire. Join in the fun by laughing at the politicians, election process, and what it is like to be a voter in the U.S. Tickets are available now for this Brave New Workshop production.
Minnesota Public Radio’s Fitzgerald Theater: Cokie Roberts Cokie Roberts will discuss her latest book, Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped our Nation, Sept. 23 at the Fitzgerald Theater. Ladies of Liberty is the latest edition in Roberts’ ode to notable women in American history. We Are Our Mother’s Daughters as well as Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation are already national bestsellers. Come see this regular roundtable analyst for ABC’s This Week with George Stephanopoulos as she talks about remarkable women who helped build our nation by facing challenges and becoming reformers and advocates for education, orphans and abolition. Roberts will address the political scene as well.
Victoria Paige
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