Wheeler Presents 2023-24
WHEELER OPERA HOUSE ANNOUNCES MORE WHEELER PRESENTS 2023-24 SEASON SHOWS
Comedy, Family Shows, Award-Winning International musicians, and Aspen favorites to take the Wheeler stage.
On the heels of December’s pre-holiday shows announced last month, the Wheeler Opera House adds more diverse and exciting performances to the Wheeler Presents 2023-24 Season. In December, we’ve added a second performance of DanceAspen “A Snowy Soiree” and Aspen favorite Becky Robinson is back at the Wheeler with the “She Gone” Tour. January welcomes family-friendly programs with Shaun Boothe’s “The Unauthorized Biography Series” and SNAP, an eclectic ensemble of Korean Illusionists. February brings unbelievable music to the Wheeler with Black Violin: The Experience Tour and International Guitar Night’s XXIV annual tour. DanceAspen returns to the Wheeler stage with two performances of “Limitless.” More music in March with Classic Albums Live performing Dire Straits Brothers in Arms playing note for note, cut for cut. The Wheeler isn’t done yet though as additional holiday week and winter season shows, including the full Aspen Laugh Festival 2024 lineup, will be announced soon.
“At the Wheeler, we’re all about embracing the unexpected and inviting you to witness something you’ve never seen before. We take immense pride in our amazing theater space, and we’ve curated an incredible lineup of family-friendly performances, side-splitting comedy, electrifying concerts, and so much more. Our mission is to fill your calendar with moments of joy, laughter, and awe,” says Lisa Rigsby Peterson, Executive Director of the Wheeler Opera House. “One thing you’ll quickly discover about the Wheeler team is that we’re always in motion, always announcing new shows that will capture your imagination. To ensure you get the best seats at the best prices, we encourage you to book early. We can’t wait to welcome you into our beautiful historic venue.”
The Wheeler encourages patrons to buy early and save up to 15% off premium and standard seats, the listed price includes all ticket handling fees. Purchase tickets by midnight on November 4, 2023, to get the best seats at the best price. 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.
Tickets go on sale Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at 12 noon 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.
Becky Robinson The “She Gone” Tour
Tuesday, December 26, 2023 | 6:30 PM
Tickets: $38 – $58
She’s baaack, and “She Gone”! Becky Robinson, Entitled Housewife, and more creative characters return to the Wheeler stage. Get your divots and your giggle quotas filled by witnessing the most action-packed, one-woman show in existence. Originally from Portland, Oregon, Becky Robinson is an LGBTQ+ LA-based comedian, writer, actor, and voice-over star. You may also know her for the “Entitled Housewife,” the outspoken viral golf character Becky created. Becky’s explosively unique character antics and viral videos have racked up millions of views and fans across social media. In addition to touring internationally as a stand-up comedian, Becky was named a JFL Montreal New Face of Comedy where her stand-out multi-character performance landed her a sketch show development deal and many voiceover jobs with DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, and Netflix.
Shaun Boothe’s “The Unauthorized Biography Series”
Wednesday, January 24, 2024 | 6:00 PM
Tickets: $38 Adults, $18 Child
Award-winning hip-hop artist Shaun Boothe is a TEDx speaker and creator of the critically acclaimed musical project, “The Unauthorized Biography Series” which celebrates the world’s greatest cultural icons through biographical rap songs - Repackaging History through Hip-Hop. The evening includes original hip-hop bios accompanied by video and photos of icons such as Serena Williams, Malala Yousafzai, Bob Marley, Muhammad Ali, Barack Obama, Kobe Bryant, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and more. Shaun has received praise from the families of many of the icons in his series – performing for MLK, III himself – and a feature on Forbes.com.
This family-friendly performance will take you on a journey of discovery through the lives of these important historical figures. Shaun’s magnetic speaking and 10+ years of experience working in the music industry with the likes of Snoop Dogg, Lauryn Hill, and Kendrick Lamar, the audience is sure to leave entertained and inspired.
“The power of hip-hop is in the stories we choose to tell. Our stories can either build us up or tear us down” – Shaun Boothe
SNAP: Contemporary Mystery Performance
Wednesday, January 31, 2024 | 7:30 PM
Tickets: $21 – $48
Prepare to embark on a mind-bending journey as SNAP, a group of South Korean illusionists, takes the stage, playing with space, time, and the otherworldly to create a spectacle like no other. This family-friendly addition to our season program will boggle your mind with impressive powers of prestidigitation. Mixing dexterous sleight of hand, Chaplin-esque vaudevillian comedy, and ingenious visual effects, SNAP conjures a marvelous, magical cabaret perfect for the whole family.
“Wizards without wands!” – The New York Times
Selected as “The Best Magic Performance in Fringe” by Broadway World, SNAP went on to win the Best Production Trophy from “Asian Arts Awards” at the world-renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2016. SNAP returned to Edinburgh Fringe 2017, selling out four shows at one of the largest theaters at the Fringe. SNAP has gone on to perform at prestigious arts festivals around the globe, leading them to a successful 23-show run at Broadway’s New Victory Theater in 2019. Come see what The New York Times review raved “Wizards without wands!” right here in the heart of downtown Aspen.
SNAP’s performance is a true masterpiece of art, light, music, modern technology, and a myriad of other ingenious stage devices. Get ready to be transported into a world of wonder and amazement as SNAP redefines the limits of what’s possible. It’s a journey into the extraordinary that you and your family will cherish forever.
Black Violin: The Experience Tour
Friday, February 2, 2024 | 7:30 PM
Tickets: $32 – $58
Showcasing the two-time Grammy®-nominated duo Black Violin, brought to life by Kev Marcus and Wil Baptiste, you will experience a mystifying musical fusion of exquisite classical sounds and exhilarating hip-hop beats. Featuring Abraham Alexander on vocals, Alexander instills in his music a joyful passion and irrepressible spirit, giving way to songs that radiate undeniable hope. This concert performance boldly merges centuries of music and unites audiences with a message of hope and possibility. Fans can expect to be immersed in a sound that transcends categories and celebrates ingenuity and ambition, proving anything is possible.
On stage, Kev Marcus gives an electrifying violin performance along with Wil Baptiste’s magnetizing viola and vocal performance. Joining them are Nat Stokes on drums, DJ SPS on the turntable, and Liston Gregory on keys. Together they are reconceptualizing what a violin concert looks and sounds like, building bridges to a place where Mozart, Marvin Gaye, and Kendrick Lamar harmoniously coexist. Black Violin invites you to think outside of the box.
International Guitar Night XXIV
Friday, February 9, 2024 | 7:30 PM
Tickets: $32 – $58
Get ready for the 24th annual tour of International Guitar Night. We’re thrilled to bring this exceptional lineup to the Wheeler stage that promises to captivate the hearts of guitar and music enthusiasts alike. This performance is exactly the kind that the Wheeler was designed for, with its impeccable acoustics and creating an intimate experience for the audience.
The visionary behind IGN, Brian Gore has once again curated a roster of accomplished musicians, including an exciting newcomer. The sensational Luca Stricagnoli from Italy, renowned for his mind-bending acoustic rock interpretations, will leave the audience in awe. Hailing from Vietnam, Thu Le plays effortlessly with nylon string artistry that spans the realms of classical to contemporary. From the vibrant streets of Brazil, Marco Pereira, a true master of composition and performance, embarks on his final tour with IGN in 2024, promising an unforgettable farewell. But that’s not all; a fresh face to the IGN family, making her North American debut – Minnie Marks from the enchanting land of Australia. Prepare to be blown away by Minnie’s irrepressible blues slide guitar skills and soulful vocals that are sure to leave you craving for more.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of IGN – where creativity knows no bounds, and the music never stops.
DanceAspen “Limitless”
Friday, February 16 & Saturday, February 17, 2024 | 7:30 PM
Tickets: $38 – $68
DanceAspen, the valley’s premier contemporary dance company, returns to the historic Wheeler Opera House this winter presenting “Limitless.” This highly anticipated performance promises an evening of extraordinary artistry, innovative choreography, and world-class talent that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this fusion of art and athleticism that is sure to be the cultural highlight of the season.
Since DanceAspen’s first performances at the Wheeler Opera House in September 2021, the partnership between DanceAspen and the Wheeler has shown how the arts can revitalize a community. As a historic venue, the Wheeler is not the traditional dance space, with a stage that is just shy of 28 feet wide and a stage depth of just over 26 feet. With ingenuity, creativity, and perseverance, DanceAspen brings choreography to the edge of dance, quite literally to the edges of the Wheeler’s historic stage. By bringing together the best of the past and the present, the Wheeler is excited to be a part of DanceAspen creating a new and exciting future for dance in Aspen.
Aspen Laugh Festival 2024
Wednesday, February 21 – Saturday, February 24, 2024
Knock Knock Pass: $125*
We’re tickled to continue the long tradition of comedy at the Wheeler. No joke, the Wheeler opened in April 1889 with a production of A King’s Fool, hilarious! While we welcome funny to the Wheeler all-year long, nothing brings us more giggles and belly-aching laughs than presenting Aspen Laugh Festival in February. This year will be no exception, so save the dates!
Last year we introduced the Aspen Laugh Festival Knock Knock Pass, a full festival pass at a deep discount. So, we decided to do it again, while the Wheeler team keeps working around the clock on the festival line-up. Remember, supplies are limited! What’s a Knock Knock Pass you ask? Knock, Knock? Who’s there? As soon as we know, we promise, you’ll be laughing in the aisles. More to come on full line-up, single tickets, and festival pass sales.
*No additional discounts on Knock Knock Pass
Classic Albums Live performs Dire Straits: Brothers in Arms
Note for Note, Cut for Cut
Saturday, March 16, 2024 | 7:30 PM
Tickets: $38 – $58
Join us for a mesmerizing journey back to May of 1985, a time when music was forever changed by the release of Dire Straits’ iconic album, “Brothers in Arms.” This legendary masterpiece not only became one of the best-selling albums of all time but also catapulted the band to global superstardom.
The music video for “Money for Nothing” from this album became an MTV sensation and now, you can witness the magic of this entire album brought to life right before your eyes. Classic Albums Live doesn’t just play the songs; they meticulously replicate every note, every beat, every lyric, and every quiet pause between songs ensuring that the experience mirrors listening to the original album itself.
Get ready to relive every classic note and every unforgettable cut as Classic Albums Live takes the stage for an unforgettable night of musical nostalgia and sheer brilliance!
Tito Puente, Jr.
Sunday, May 12, 2024 | 5:00 PM
Tickets: $38
Son of the legendary American salsa and Latin jazz musician Tito Puente, Tito Puente, Jr. has big shoes to fill. And boy does he! In celebration of the 100th anniversary of his father’s birth, Tito Puente, Jr. embarks on an extraordinary 2023-24 Season Tour, paying tribute to the legendary “King of Mambo” and “King of Latin Music,” Tito Puente.
Always honoring his father’s legacy, Tito Puente, Jr. has also made a name for himself as one of the most exciting Latin musicians touring today. Tito Puente Jr. carries his father with him – imprinted on his physical being and locked in his soul. It’s in his looks, his joy, and his music. Tito Jr. is on a passionate mission, determined to nurture the musical legacy left by his father. He has found captive audiences who echo his passion. Crowds lured to a venue by the father are returning to see the son — and to once again participate in the high-voltage celebration that takes place on stage.
“A dazzling show filled with charisma, flair and all the right dance moves. His skill at playing, singing, and dancing was undeniable…Tito Puente Jr. shined with a talent that was all his own.”
–The Examiner
Tito Jr. reveres the magnificent, lasting impact his father had on our musical lives. “People who don’t know anything about Latin music know my father and people always, always smile when they say my father’s name,” he confides. “That is a very special gift I have been given.” Tito Puente, Jr. and his Ensemble bring exhilarating Latin rhythms that will get your feet moving!