Clearwater, Fla. – Beloved storyteller Garrison Keillor is returning to the stage for a live performance at the historic Capitol Theatre this Saturday. The 84‑year‑old humorist, creator of the long‑running radio program A Prairie Home Companion, will present a new show titled “The Crazy Uncle and His Sensible Niece,” co‑hosted by stand‑up comedian Erica Rhodes.
What to expect
Keillor describes the format as a stream‑of‑consciousness set‑piece. He will open with a brief introduction, then invite the audience to sing familiar tunes. “I always find a way to get to ‘My Country ‘Tis of Thee, Sweet Land of Liberty,’” he said, noting that many in the crowd still remember the words from grade school. He hopes to spark spontaneous sing‑alongs to classics like Elvis’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” and, if the mood is right, the National Anthem.
After the musical interludes, Keillor will share stories drawn from his extensive body of work – more than 30 books and roughly 1,500 radio episodes. He says his aim is to remind listeners that “stories are kind and generous,” a contrast to the “endless opinions” he feels dominate today’s media landscape.
Erica Rhodes joins the fun
Comedian Erica Rhodes, who appeared on A Prairie Home Companion as a child actor, will interrupt Keillor’s narratives with improvised commentary. Rhodes, now an emerging voice in stand‑up, will add her own humor and perspective, creating a “touch‑and‑go” dynamic that Keillor hopes will keep the audience engaged.
A personal touch
Keillor, who retired from his radio show in 2016, says he continues to tour because he enjoys meeting new audiences. “At 84, there’s nothing to prove,” he explained. “I’m not looking for awards or professional recognition – I simply want to encounter a group of people I’ve not seen before.” He also shared that he finds comfort in discussing mortality in a cheerful way and draws inspiration from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s emphasis on enthusiasm and living each day fully.
Community and tradition
The Capitol Theatre, a beloved downtown venue, has hosted a variety of cultural events over the years. Keillor’s performance adds to the theatre’s tradition of bringing nationally recognized artists to Clearwater, offering residents a chance to experience live storytelling and communal singing in a city known for its vibrant arts scene.
Tickets are available through the theatre’s box office and online. The show is expected to draw a mixed‑age crowd, from longtime fans of Keillor’s radio days to younger listeners curious about his unique brand of humor.
About Garrison Keillor
Born in Minnesota, Keillor created and hosted A Prairie Home Companion for more than four decades, shaping American public‑radio storytelling with his dry wit and dead‑pan delivery. He continues to write prolifically, with over 30 published books covering fiction, memoir, and humor.
For more information on the show and ticketing, visit the Capitol Theatre website or call the box office.
Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.
