This story originally printed in Sol del Valle and has been translated for our English readers.
The Wheeler Opera House echoes in the Valley with its annual comedy festival, the Aspen Laugh Festival, which welcomed a diverse selection of comedians, including the renowned actor and comedian Jerry Seinfeld. For the first time, the Latino community of the Valley was invited to enjoy comedy in Spanish with a performance by Sofía Niño de Rivera, a world-renowned comedian and actress known for being the first woman to receive a stand-up special on Netflix, among other accomplishments.
Mike Harrington, executive director of the Wheeler Opera House, who joined the team in September 2024, mentioned that the Aspen Laugh Festival 2025 was his first project after taking on the role.
Harrington explained that it was crucial to offer diverse programming, considering the significant Latino presence in the Valley and its cultural diversity. “It made sense to me to include Spanish language programming in that mix,” he said.
During the third night of comedy at the Aspen Laugh Festival, held on Thursday, March 13, Alex Sánchez, founder and executive director of Voces Unidas de las Montañas, welcomed the audience by highlighting that “Aspen would not exist without the Latinos and Latinas of the Roaring Fork Valley” and inviting everyone to “give a warm welcome to Sofía Niño de Rivera.”
The night began with a story from Niño de Rivera about her experience skiing in the mountains of Vail, sparking the first laughs from the audience with her message: “When you’re scared, just go forward.”
Niño de Rivera interacted with the audience and highlighted the presence of Latinos in the crowd, including attendees from various states in Mexico, Central and South America and even some from Europe, like Spain. The hour and a half show passed with laughter and shared experiences, leading the comedian to express, “All [of] the topics I talk about are the ones that scare me the most.”
Throughout the performance, she addressed topics such as the fear of losing a loved one and the fear of parenthood, allowing many in the audience to relate.
“I hope that anyone who comes to my show leaves with a lighter soul,” she said, sharing her hope that comedy could serve as a refuge to release heavy feelings.
At the end of the show, the Wheeler Opera House was once again filled with laughter and conversation. The warmth of the Latino community flooded the venue with 500 people making up a sold-out show.
Gianelli and Luis Díaz, from Veracruz and Aguascalientes, Mexico, respectively, traveled from Eagle to attend the event. Both expressed their joy and gratitude for the opportunity to enjoy Niño de Rivera up close..
The Díaz couple shared a hope that “there will be more [such] things to do closer [to home] that aren’t just going out and drinking.” This perspective resonates with many residents of the Roaring Fork and the Colorado River valleys, who seek more cultural activities like comedy shows, music and dancing near their homes.
Silvia Andrade and her family, residents of Glenwood Springs and originally from Michoacán, Mexico, shared the same sentiment, saying, “There are hardly any shows in Spanish for Latinos.”
Meanwhile, Marelin Delgado, a valley resident originally from Mexico City, expressed, “What I loved most about the show was seeing Latinos gathered in a place generally meant for an American audience.” Delgado added that it made her very happy to hear the enthusiastic Latino cheers in the venue. She also expressed her desire to “see more Latino shows at the Wheeler Opera House, because the place is beautiful and I feel that everyone in the community should enjoy it.”
Harrington assured that he has had conversations with Latino community leaders and members of his team to gather ideas and recommendations for future programming.
“I think there is tremendous value in bringing people together to have shared experiences; and I think representation on stage is a key component to doing that successfully,” he stated. “In such a divided world, it is important to me that everyone feels welcome at the Wheeler and experiences a sense of belonging.”
Currently, Harrington and his team are working on the next phase of the project, seeking collaborations with other local organizations to offer regular programming that involves the Spanish-speaking community.
“The Wheeler is Aspen’s home for world-class, multi-disciplinary entertainment where our efforts are rooted locally, yet recognized globally,” concluded Harrington. “The arts heal, the arts build community, the arts are universal. Everyone is welcome.”
For more information about the Wheeler Opera House, visit www.wheeleroperahouse.com