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Atsuko Okatsuka: The Big Bowl Tour

Thursday, April 09, 2026 @ 7:30pm



McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540

Atsuko Okatsuka 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 highly anticipated 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. 

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. 




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center's Arts in the Community free summer concert schedule for 2026 has been announced. MPAC will present six free concerts between June and August. The lineup includes the return of three of their most popular events – Bollywood Dance Party, Country Line Dancing and Salsa at Sunset, as well as singer-songwriters, and more.



Classic

Classic American Tales' presents Tales at the Dormer House every Thursday

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- From June 4 through October 15, 2026 (except for July 2), Classic American Tales (CAT) once more presents Tales at the Dormer House in which guests are treated to lemonade and tasty treats while listening to stories written by noteworthy authors, read by a variety of performers. The schedule is 4:00pm every Thursday at the historic Dormer House Bed and Breakfast (800 Columbia Avenue) in Cape May, NJ. Performances are on the front porch, weather permitting.



East

East Lynne Theater Company presents "Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years" by Emily Mann

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- The reimagined East Lynne Theater Company opens its Season Forty-Six with the extraordinary, real-life story Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years by Emily Mann, running June 18 to July 19, 2026 at the Clemans Theater for the Arts at the Allen AME in Cape May.



Princeton

Princeton Summer Theater presents "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Princeton Summer Theater's 2026 Children's Show is You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, which runs weekends from June 20 to August 1, 2026. A beloved musical since its premiere in 1967, Clark Gesner brings Charles M. Schulz's "PEANUTS" characters to the stage. The musical ventures through the highs and lows of young life, from baseball and homework to young love and friendship. With an empathetic and whimsical eye, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown reminds us of the importance of connection and joy.



2026-27

2026-27 Season Preview: Split Level Concerts at Jersey Shore Arts Center

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Split Level Concerts at the Jersey Shore Arts Center (JSAC) in Ocean Grove has announced the full concert lineup for its third season. All shows will take place beginning at 8:00pm in JSAC's Palaia Theater. The season lineup includes Willie Nile, John Gorka, Dan Bern, Catie Curtis and Band, Stephen Kellogg, Abbie Gardner, Heather Maloney and Band, and Kim Richey. As they have done in prior years, artists from the Asbury Park music scene will open many of the shows.












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