If you never guessed that an anthropomorphic, shoe-clad shell would one day become material for an Oscar-nominated film, neither did its creator Jenny Slate. Nonetheless, the Saturday Night Live alum's viral Youtube character has landed her on the same list as Guillermo del Toro, battling it out for best animated feature film at the Oscars ceremony on March 12. Lucky for Austin, we'll get to see the comedian just a few weeks later at the Moontower Just for Laughs festival.
Taking place from April 12 to 23 at over 10 different iconic Austin venues, this year's two-week festival will truly redefine "back and bigger than ever." Joining Slate on the updated lineup for the festival are fellow SNL alums Jay Pharaoh and Leslie Jones, as well as current SNL cast member Sarah Sherman.
Sherman will share the stage with Megan Stalter (Hacks) and Patti Harrison (I Think You Should Leave), while other newly-added names include Samantha Bee (Full Frontal with Samantha Bee); Ziwe host and producer of Showtime's late-night talk show, Ziwe; and drag queen Monét X Change (RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars).
These all join previously announced comedy heavyweights coming in April, including Trevor Noah, Seth Meyers, and Ben Schwartz and Friends (Parks and Recreation). Noah's Off the Record tour comes to Austin's Bass Concert Hall for four nights of the festival.
As with last year's incredible lineup (which also favored SNL alums), the festival features a whole host of original shows, live podcast recordings, drag queens, stand-up acts, and much more. With such a wide variety of comedy to consume, it's no wonder the festival is offering multiple badge options for every area and degree of interest: Comedy groupies can choose between the Club Badge, Club Plus, or Club Premium, depending on you desired level of access to presale, parties, and special events. A bonus "Bestie Bundle" earns a $25 discount on every badge when you buy two more more.
Badges are on sale now at moontowercomedyfest.com, and badge holder presales for new headliners will run Monday, February 13, through Wednesday, February 15, with all headliner tickets going on sale Friday, February 17, at 12 pm.
