Aspen Laugh Festival 2024
WHEELER OPERA HOUSE ANNOUNCES ASPEN LAUGH FESTIVAL 2024 LINEUP
Featuring Patton Oswalt, Beth Stelling, Patti Harrison, and Reggie Watts
The Wheeler Opera House is tickled to unveil the highly anticipated Aspen Laugh Festival 2024 lineup! From sidesplitting anecdotes to clever wit, this festival promises an unforgettable experience that transcends boundaries and speaks to a diverse audience. At the Wheeler, we believe in the power of laughter as the best medicine, and this lineup is a testament to the joyous tradition of comedy that has graced our historic venue since its opening in April 1889 with a hilarious production of “A King’s Fool.”
While humor reverberates through our halls year-round, February 21 through 24 holds a special place in our hearts as we present the Aspen Laugh Festival. Featuring the comedic brilliance of Patton Oswalt, Beth Stelling, Patti Harrison, and Reggie Watts, this lineup is guaranteed to tickle your funny bone and leave you laughing in the aisles.
The affordability of Wheeler Opera House tickets is made possible through the support of the City of Aspen Real Estate Transfer Tax, ensuring accessible entertainment for all.
Festival passes and single tickets go on sale January 18, 2024, at noon local time at the Wheeler Opera House Box Office (970.920.5770/ aspenshowtix.com). The Wheeler Opera House is located at 320 E. Hyman Ave., Aspen, CO.
Patton Oswalt
Wednesday, February 21 | 7:30 PM
Prepare for a comedic feast as the Aspen Laugh Festival 2024 kicks off with the one and only Patton Oswalt. With an illustrious career spanning across comedy specials, television, and film, Oswalt continues to leave an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His recent Netflix special, “We All Scream,” not only marked his directorial debut but also earned him a Grammy® nomination, adding to his impressive accolades. Oswalt’s versatile talent extends to the big screen, with standout performances in films like “Young Adult,” for which he received a Critics Choice Award nomination, and “Big Fan,” earning him critical acclaim and a Gotham Award nomination.
In the realm of television, Oswalt has graced audiences with memorable roles on iconic shows such as “Parks and Recreation,” earning him a TV Critics Choice Award, and “The King of Queens,” where he played ‘Spence’ for nine seasons. His voice work in animations, including ‘Remy’ in Pixar’s Oscar® winner “Ratatouille” and ‘Max’ in “The Secret Life of Pets 2,” has solidified him as a sought-after talent in the industry. Oswalt’s comedic prowess has not gone unnoticed, with multiple Grammy and Emmy® nominations, including a win for ‘Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special’ for his sixth comedy special, “Talking for Clapping.”
Beth Stelling
Thursday, February 22 | 7:30 PM
Embark on a laughter-filled journey with Beth Stelling, a standout comedian, and force to be reckoned with in the comedy world. With her one-hour stand-up special, “If You Didn’t Want Me Then,” currently streaming on Netflix, Beth showcases her comedic prowess and storytelling finesse. Originating from Chicago, Beth quickly rose to prominence, earning the title of “Best Stand-up Comedian in Chicago” by The Chicago Reader in 2010. A mere three years into her comedy career, she became a New Face of Comedy at Montreal’s renowned Just for Laughs Festival.
In 2011, Beth made a mark in Los Angeles where she seamlessly transitioned from making her late-night TV debut on “Conan” to releasing her debut album, “Sweet Beth.” Her comedic talent caught the eye of Jimmy Kimmel, leading to a performance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” after he witnessed her stand-up at the Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles. Beth’s journey continued with her Comedy Central half-hour special in Boston, recognized as one of the “Best Stand-up Specials of 2015” by Vulture. Her Netflix special, part of “The Standups” series, received critical acclaim, prompting HBO Max to feature her first-hour stand-up special, “Girl Daddy,” produced by Conan O’Brien and Team Coco, earning praise from The New York Times as “The Best Debut Special of the year.”
Beyond the stage, Beth has showcased her versatility as a writer on various projects, including “I Love You, America” with Sarah Silverman and HBO’s “Crashing.” Her podcast, “We Called Your Mom,” co-hosted with her mom Diane, has gained popularity on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. As a go-to hire for punch-ups on feature films, Beth’s comedic genius extends to the big screen, highlighted by her role as Ms. Fish on Peacock’s comedy “Rutherford Falls.”
Patti Harrison
Friday, February 23 | 7:30 PM
Prepare for laughter as Patti Harrison, the rising star of comedy, graces the Aspen Laugh Festival 2024 stage. Currently captivating audiences in the Sundance hit comedy “Theater Camp,” Patti’s star continues to rise with outstanding performances in notable films like “The Lost City” and Nikole Beckwith’s “Together Together,” earning her a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead.
Hailing from rural Ohio, Patti made her mark in the NYC comedy scene and quickly gained recognition with her sociopathic character “Ruthie” on Hulu’s “Shrill” and appearances on popular shows like “I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson,” “High Maintenance,” and “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.” As a versatile talent, she’s written for series like “Big Mouth” on Netflix and voiced characters in Disney’s “Raya and the Last Dragon.”
Patti’s comedic brilliance extends to the small screen, with current and upcoming appearances on HBO Max’s “Made for Love,” Disney+’s “She Hulk,” and notable film projects like Netflix’s “Electric State” and the independent film “Turn Me On.”
Reggie Watts
Saturday, February 24 | 7:30 PM
Get ready for a mind-bending finale as Reggie Watts, the internationally renowned Musician/Comedian/Writer/Actor, takes center stage to close the Aspen Laugh Festival 2024. Widely recognized for his role as the bandleader on CBS’s “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” Watts seamlessly blurs the lines between music and comedy, delivering 100% improvised performances that leave audiences in awe.
Recently making waves as the DJ at the 2021 Emmy Awards, Watts continues to push boundaries. His first Netflix special, “Spatial,” received massive critical acclaim, with The New York Times hailing it as “a giddy rush of escapist nonsense,” and dubbing Watts “the most influential absurdist in comedy today.” A solo performer with a unique musical/comedy fusion, Watts has led sold-out headlining tours in the U.S. and Europe, gracing stages at renowned festivals such as Bonnaroo, SXSW, and Just For Laughs.
In 2020, Watts launched his content app, WattsApp, providing a techno-savvy glimpse into his life and work. The app features original content, including the show “Droneversations,” where he interviews guests filmed by drones. Watts’ comedic journey began with his debut special, “Why Shit So Crazy?” on Comedy Central Records, followed by the critically acclaimed “Reggie Watts: A Live At Central Park.” His memoir, “Great Falls, MT,” published by Penguin’s Tiny Reparations imprint, adds another dimension to Watts’ multifaceted career.
Born in Germany, raised in Montana, and currently residing in Los Angeles, Reggie Watts promises a finale that transcends the ordinary—a fitting end to the laughter-filled celebration at the Aspen Laugh Festival.