(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre presents comedian Atsuko Okatsuka's The Big Bowl Tour on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 7:30pm in the Matthews Theatre. She is an award winning comedian and actress making waves across the globe with her one-of-a-kind humor, boundless energy, and infectious charm.
Her second stand-up special, FATHER, recently premiered on Hulu and internationally on Disney+. It quickly occupied the top ten on the streamer and had multiple clips go viral, making it one of the most talked about specials to debut on the Hularious brand. Following the success of FATHER she recently announced The Big Bowl tour which will hit multiple cities across North America.
Her previous special, THE INTRUDER (HBO), won a Gracie Award for “Best Comedy Special”; The New York Times called it the “Best Debut Special of 2022” and Vulture and Variety named it one of the “Best Specials of 2022”. Atsuko's unique style of comedy — blending joy with vulnerability and unforgettable storytelling — is captivating audiences worldwide.
Her 2024-2025 FULL GROWN tour was a massive success, selling out over 200 shows in more than 100 cities across 20+ countries. Atsuko’s comedic antics continue to go viral, and clips from THE INTRUDER have racked up over 100 million views. Her energy and humor earned her a spot on The Live List 2023 (in partnership with Paste Magazine, SARA Live, and The Black List). Whether it's her hilarious antics or her knack for being a trendsetter, Atsuko’s impact is undeniable and widespread.
Tickets range from $44-$50 and are available for purchase online or by calling Patron Services at (609) 258-2787. McCarter Theatre Center is located at 91 University Place in Princeton, New Jersey.
Outside of her stand-up career, Atsuko is taking over Hollywood with roles in two films that debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival—ALL THAT WE LOVE directed by Yen Tan and GROUP THERAPY directed by Neil Berkely, produced by Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat Productions. She also wrapped filming OUTCOME (Apple+), a comedy featuring Jonah Hill and Keanu Reeves and made her Pixar debut in the 2025 film ELIO (Disney).
Atsuko’s viral moments are as legendary as her stand-up. From riding a Jeepney in the Philippines to starting the #DropChallenge that helped bring Beyoncé’s “Partition” back onto the charts, she’s a true queen of the internet. Her fans have even shown up at her shows wearing wigs styled like her signature bowl cut — a testament to how deeply she connects with her audience.
She took home a Gracie Award for “Best Special” in 2023 for THE INTRUDER and was nominated for “Best Comedian” at the Wowie Awards. Variety named her one of the “10 Comics to Watch” in 2022, and Vulture crowned her late-night debut on The Late Late Show with James Corden as a win.
On TV, she’s appeared in HISTORY OF THE WORLD PT. II (Hulu), ROOM 104 (HBO), and THE SHOW NEXT DOOR WITH RANDALL PARK (ROKU+). She was also recently featured on This American Life with Ira Glass, where she shared her inspiring immigrant story and talked about how she and her grandmother created the viral #DropChallenge together.
Atsuko’s not just a comedy star — she’s a force of nature who’s teamed up with brands like Apple, Amazon Prime, Genesis, Priceline, Kind Bar, Secret Deodorant, and Kikori Whiskey. And with FATHER, she joins the “Hularious” comedy family alongside Jim Gaffigan, Bill Burr, Roy Wood Jr., and Ilana Glazer.
Atsuko Okatsuka is proof that humor has no borders. Whether on stage, in viral videos, or on screen, her distinctive bowl cut is hard to forget and will leave you wanting more.
One of the country’s leading nonprofit professional theatres, McCarter Theatre Center is a multidisciplinary creative and intellectual hub offering theater, music, dance, family programs, spoken word, and educational experiences for all ages. Located on the campus of Princeton University, McCarter inspires conversations, connections, and collaborations through a vibrant season of classic and contemporary plays, musicals, and special events, as well as robust community and education programs.
