Gross National Product started as a TV project for CNN/WTBS in 1982 and was before named Video Buddies comedy, which played in the Washington, D.C. area at clubs and theaters. After the TV appearances the group changed to professional actors.

By the end of 1982, GNP opened its Reagan-meets-Dickens classic, "A Bonzo Christmas Carol", simultaneously in DC AND New York Off Broadway. For the following year GNP had troupes in both NY and DC, but by early 1984 the group consolidated to its NY base, with frequent return engagements in Washington with shows like "The Right Fluff" and "Terms of Endorsement." In New York GNP appeared at the famous Improv, the Duplex, Caroline`s, the 78th Theatre Lab and most of the cabaret circuit. A year later GNP found itself in Los Angeles for a few years performing at the Comedy Store and the Cast Theater and returned to Washington where GNP`s released "Man Without a Contra" in both D.C. and L.A. While in Washington GNP picked up steam and became a mainstay at Washington`s largest club, the Bayou and then later Arena Stage`s Old Vat Room. Now GNP appears nationally in different cities.

For the most part our shows were written by John Simmons, Christine Thompson, Joel Perry and John Moody with Doug Cox who are Groundlings alums. GNP`s company of actors has changed over the years with revues such as:
1981 ~ "A Bonzo Christmas Carol"
1982 ~ "Gross National Product"
1983 ~ "1983 and Counting"
1984 ~ "Terms of Endorsement"
1985 ~ Phantom of the White House"
1987 ~ "Man without a Contra"
1988 ~ "BushCapades"
1992 ~ Clintoons"
1994 ~ "A Newt World Order"
1996 ~ "GNP: On the Dole"
1997 ~ "Sex, Lies and Zippergate"
1999 ~ "All the President`s Women"
2000 ~ "Gore More Years"
2001 ~ "Son of a Bush"
2004 ~ "Kerry the Vote"
2005 ~ "To Bush or not to Bush"
2006-2007 ~ "Son of A Bush (or Hill to the Chief)"
2010 ~ "Don`t Tea On Me"
2011 ~ "The Sound of Palin"

GNP has performed in 45 states for one night appearances and has presented its revues for longer runs in New York (Off Broadway), Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and Washington DC, which is of course the Nation`s Capital -- what better place for the Gross NATIONAL Product?

GNP has appeared privately for a wide variety of clients, from Fortune 500 companies to associations and charitable organizations. The LA Weekly calls us, "a fresh viewpoint through incisive writing, on-the-button-characterization and zippy-timing... GNP is a comic powerhouse."

Fodor`s Travel guide and Frommer`s have given GNP a pick for comedy for incoming tourists and sightseers.

In 1996 GNP launched a totally non-political parody of motivational speakers with "The Wayne and Ellen Show" Moti-FAKE-tional Speakers revue.