Wheeler announces Laugh Fest lineup | Arts & Entertainment

The Wheeler Opera House has unveiled this year’s 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,” a news release says.

Patton Oswalt  

7:30 p.m. Feb. 21

The Aspen Laugh Festival 2024 kicks off with Patton Oswalt. With a career spanning comedy specials, television and film, Oswalt continues to leave a mark on the entertainment industry. 

His recent Netflix special, “We All Scream,” was not only his directorial debut but also earned him a Grammy nomination. Oswalt’s 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.

Oswalt’s comedic accolades also include multiple Grammy and Emmy nominations and a win for “Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special” for his sixth comedy special, “Talking for Clapping.” 

Beth Stelling

7:30 p.m. Feb. 22

Comedian Beth Stelling is a force to be reckoned with in the comedy world, according to the release. In her one-hour stand-up special, “If You Didn’t Want Me Then,” which is streaming on Netflix, Stelling showcases her comedic prowess and storytelling.

Originating from Chicago, Beth quickly rose to prominence, earning the title of “Best Stand-up Comedian in Chicago” by The Chicago Reader in 2010. Three years into her comedy career, she became a “New Face of Comedy” at Montreal’s Just for Laughs Festival.

 In 2011, Stelling transitioned from making her late-night TV debut on “Conan” to releasing her debut album, “Sweet Beth.” She performed on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” after Kimmel saw her stand-up at the Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles. 

Stelling’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.

 Her podcast, “We Called Your Mom,” co-hosted with her mom Diane, has gained popularity on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Beth also plays Ms. Fish on Peacock’s comedy “Rutherford Falls.” 

Patti Harrison

7:30 p.m. Feb. 23 

Described as a rising star of comedy, Patti Harrison’s resume includes the Sundance hit comedy “Theater Camp,” “The Lost City” and Nikole Beckwith’s “Together Together,” which earned 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.” She’s written for the series “Big Mouth” on Netflix and voiced characters in Disney’s “Raya and the Last Dragon.”

 Harrison has current and upcoming appearances on HBO Max’s “Made for Love,” Disney+’s “She Hulk” and film projects like Netflix’s “Electric State” and the independent film “Turn Me On.” 

Reggie Watts

7:30 p.m. Feb. 24

Musician/comedian/writer/actor Reggie Watts will 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 blurs the lines between music and comedy with completely improvised performances that leave audiences in awe, according to the release.

Recently making waves as the DJ at the 2021 Emmy Awards, Watts continues to push boundaries. His first Netflix special, “Spatial,” received critical acclaim, with The New York Times calling it “a giddy rush of escapist nonsense” and dubbing Watts “the most influential absurdist in comedy today.” 

As a solo performer with a unique musical/comedy fusion, Watts has led sold-out headlining tours in the U.S. and Europe, playing on festival stages like 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.” He also wrote a memoir, “Great Falls, MT,” adding to his multifaceted career.

 “Born in Germany, raised in Montana and currently residing in Los Angeles, Watts promises a finale that transcends the ordinary — a fitting end to the laughter-filled celebration at the Aspen Laugh Festival,” according to the release.

Festival passes and single tickets go on sale at noon Jan. 18 at the Wheeler Opera House box office, 320 E. Hyman Ave. Also for tickets, call 970-920-5770 or visit aspenshowtix.com.

For more information about upcoming events at the Wheeler, visit wheeleroperahouse.com.