Revisiting "The History of Minnesota – Unscripted" at the 2014 Minnesota Fringe Festival
In 2014, The Theater of Public Policy with Danger Boat Productions brought a one-of-a-kind experience to the Minnesota Fringe Festival with The History of Minnesota – Unscripted!—a show that blended historical storytelling and improv comedy in a way that captivated audiences and critics alike.
Each performance featured a renowned Minnesota historian who shared a true story from the state’s past. Then, our talented improv performers transformed those tales into spontaneous, unpredictable, and hilarious scenes. The result? A history lesson like no other—packed with laughs, surprises, and unforgettable moments.
A Lineup of Incredible Guest Historians
We were honored to feature some of Minnesota’s most respected historians throughout the run, including:
Patrick Coleman (Minnesota History Center’s Acquisitions Librarian)
Richard Rousseau (Minnesota Liaison to the National Storytelling Network)
Wendy Jones (formerly Director of Education at the Minnesota Historical Society)
Doug Hoverson (Author the Land of amber Waters, the History of Brewing in Minnesota)
Lori Sturdevant (Columnist with the Minnesota Star Tribune)
Craig Johnson (Site Manager of the James J. Hill House)
Each historian brought a unique story—from 19th-century political intrigue to Minnesota’s cultural oddities—giving our performers rich material to explore on stage.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Love
The show was a breakout success, earning rave reviews from major publications:
Pioneer Press called it a "simple format with the potential for disaster, but you are in capable hands. Very funny hands, as it turns out".
Star Tribune praised the players as "mischievously clever, quick-witted and [having] no problem with cross-gender character portrayals".
TC Daily Planet described it as “funny as hell”.
And audiences agreed! The History of Minnesota – Unscripted! ranked #4 in the Top 10 Shows by Percent Capacity at the entire 2014 Minnesota Fringe Festival.
Why It Worked: The Magic of History & Improv
The show’s unique blend of fact and spontaneous comedy made history feel alive. By taking real, sometimes obscure moments from Minnesota’s past and turning them into improvised theater, we found a way to engage audiences of all backgrounds—whether they were history buffs, comedy lovers, or just looking for a unique night out.
A Lasting Legacy
Looking back, The History of Minnesota – Unscripted! was more than just a fun Fringe show—it was an experiment in how storytelling, education, and performance can intersect. It proved that history isn’t just something to be read in textbooks; it’s a living, breathing thing that can be brought to life in unexpected ways.
And if you missed it, would you want to see a revival? Let us know!