A vintage paddle steamer boat similar to the boats Lincoln traveled upon. Warren Greer as Abraham Lincoln in the historical show Laughing with Lincoln.

Ohio and Mississippi Rivers!

Dive into Lincoln’s lifelong connection to America’s great rivers. From drifting down the Mississippi as a young flatboatman to chugging upriver on slow moving steamboats, Lincoln’s life unfolded along the currents of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. This show explores Lincoln’s formative journeys with humor and historical insight, including Lincoln’s own invention to help boats clear river obstructions — still the only patent ever held by a U.S. president.

Abraham Lincoln and family steam up the Ohio River toward Louisville en route to Lexington, KY, and Washington, D.C., to take up Lincoln's seat in Congress. Warren Greer as Abraham Lincoln in the show Laughing with Lincoln.

Congressman-Elect: Traveling to Washington, D.C.

Set in the fall of 1847, this show follows Lincoln—newly elected to the U.S. House of Representatives—as he journeys from Springfield, Illinois to Washington, D.C. with Mary and their two boys. Traveling by riverboat and rail, the family weaves through Kentucky, where Lincoln reconnects with Mary’s family in Lexington and likely witnesses Henry Clay deliver a fiery speech against the Mexican War. Through wit and historical insight, Lincoln reflects on the slow pace of river travel, the patchwork of inns and stagecoaches, and the political storm clouds gathering over slavery and war. A comedic yet thoughtful meditation on ambition, family, and the winding road to national service.

Louisville, KY, in the 19th century. Warren Greer portrays Abraham Lincoln in the historical show Laughing with Lincoln.

Springfield and Central Illinois!

Join Abe in Illinois at mid-century as he spins yarns about his life as a lawyer and politician. Audiences will hear about his New Salem days, life on the Eighth Judicial Circuit, his Whig convictions, and new ideas as the new Republican Party is born. With humor and candor, Lincoln shares the triumphs and trials of the courtroom, the give-and-take of politics, and the fiery exchanges of the Lincoln–Douglas Debates. A lively and thoughtful encounter with the man who transformed central Illinois into the proving ground of American democracy.

Lexington, KY, in the 19th century. Warren Greer portrays Abraham Lincoln in the historical show Laughing with Lincoln.

Lincoln Visits Lexington: 1847

Join Abe for during his 3-week visit to the home of Lincoln’s wife, Mary Todd. Here Lincoln tours the surrounding area, reconnects with Mary’s family, and witnesses Henry Clay deliver a fiery speech against the Mexican War. Through humor and historical insight, Lincoln reflects on the issues of the day, his reverence for Clay and his American System, and his appreciation for his Kentucky roots. A comedic yet thoughtful display of ambition, family, and the winding road to national service.

Abraham Lincoln stopping in Louisville, KY, circa 1840s, en route from Springfield, IL, to Washington, D.C. Warren Greer portrays Abraham Lincoln in the historical show Laughing with Lincoln.

Lincoln & the American Revolution

Drawing on his reverence for America’s founders, the Declaration of Independence and its promises of liberty and equality, Lincoln reflects on the uniqueness of America and his own family's Revolutionary War roots, including the death of his grandfather, Captain Abraham Lincoln. Join Abe for a lively conversation across generations filled with yarns around Lincoln’s ever-present belief that America's founding truths are still worth striving for.

Abraham Lincoln preparing to go to Congress, circa 1840s. Warren Greer portrays Abraham Lincoln in the historical show Laughing with Lincoln.

Congressman Lincoln: 1848-49

In this wry and revealing chapter, Lincoln arrives in the nation’s capital—wide-eyed, witty, and just a little weary from the journey. As a freshman congressman in 1847, Lincoln roamed the streets of Washington, stayed in boarding houses, debated in the House, and quietly took stock of the political theater around him. This show explores his time in the city and its surroundings, where he confronted the realities of power, slavery, and war—and where he offered a principled but politically risky stand against the Mexican-American War. Along the way, Lincoln shares stories of boardinghouse gossip, backroom politicking, and the odd charm of a capital still finding its shape. Through humor and sharp observation, audiences meet a younger Lincoln—ambitious, moral, and still mastering the language of power.

Custom Shows

People gathered around a long dining table set for a traditional afternoon tea, with a man in a black coat and top hat standing near the head of the table, speaking to the women seated. The room has large windows, brick walls, and a mural with trees on one wall.

These tailored performances bring Lincoln to life wherever he once walked, spoke, or stirred a crowd. From courtrooms along Illinois’ legal circuit to port towns on the Ohio and Mississippi, from New England lecture halls to rural fairgrounds in the heartland, Laughing with Lincoln adapts to your setting—both in spirit and geography. Rooted in rigorous historical research, each custom show captures Lincoln in a specific place and moment, weaving together local ties, national questions, and Lincoln’s signature blend of humor and humanity. If Lincoln was there, the show can be too.