After more than a century of entertaining Casper, the historic Rialto Theater is entering an exciting new chapter. Originally opened in 1921 as the New Lyric Theater, the venue has survived financial struggles and shifts in the entertainment industry. In 2023, local investors Pete Maxwell, John Trost, Jake Bigelow, and Dennis Corr purchased the Rialto with a clear mission: to restore it as a live performance space and transform it into Wyoming’s premier destination for comedy.
Casper’s historic Rialto Theater officially reopened in August 2024 with a full slate of performances, following an extensive renovation. The ownership team launched the theater with a packed calendar, offering shows every weekend to reintroduce the iconic venue to the community. The renovation balanced modern updates with the preservation of the theater’s historical charm. One of the standout features is the removal of plaster from the upstage wall, revealing the original brick behind the historic stage. This exposed brick now serves as the perfect backdrop for comedy performances, adding an authentic aesthetic that enhances the theater’s intimate atmosphere.
“We realized this space was tailor-made for comedy,” said co-owner Pete Maxwell. “The size and the look, especially the brick wall behind the stage, create an ideal setting for stand-up performances. It’s unlike anything else in Casper.”
To bring their vision to life, the ownership group teamed up with Ely Corliss of BandWagon Presents (who also publishes BandWagon Magazine) to curate a dynamic lineup of comedians. Kicking off with Dennis Regan on August 3, 2025, the opening series featured a mix of well-known national talent, including Harland Williams, Adam Carolla, Todd Barry, Dave Smith, Natalie Cuomo, and Jeff Dye. These performances have set the tone for what’s to come at the Rialto, with a strong focus on top-tier nationally touring comedy acts.
Local talent won’t be overlooked either. Wyoming native Brandt Tobler was featured in the opening weekends supporting Jeff Dye and is set to return for a full weekend of headline shows in December, demonstrating the ownership’s commitment to promoting both regional and national acts.
Unlike previous attempts to build a comedy scene in Casper, the Rialto provides a venue specifically suited for stand-up. Maxwell and Corliss have been responsible for booking the room, ensuring that each act aligns with the theater’s character and audience expectations. “When it comes to comedy, our focus has been simple.” Corliss explained. We are committed to booking talent that is, above all else, funny. We want comedians from all walks of life, bringing different styles and perspectives to the stage. The goal is to create an oasis of live comedy here in Wyoming, where people know they can always come to the Rialto for a great laugh and an unforgettable experience.” While he can’t promise you will like every joke you hear, he and Maxwell have promised to keep up the talent acquisition, and provide consistent programming week to week. “Casper hasn’t had a dedicated comedy club until now,” Maxwell said in a recent interview. “This space fills a long-standing gap and gives people a place to reliably enjoy comedy on a weekly basis.”
Beyond its comedy focus, the Rialto is also a flexible venue for smaller musical acts, weddings, conferences, and private events. From a 9 piece funk band on stage for a Halloween party, to ceremonies and speaking engagements, the venue’s versatility guarantees that the theater will remain a key player in Casper’s entertainment scene, hosting a wide range of events while keeping its identity rooted in ticketed events open to the public.
The ownership group’s dedication to the renovation is evident in every detail. Their goal was not just to modernize the space, but to ensure it retained its historical allure and charm. “There’s something special about this place,” Maxwell said. “We wanted to restore it while keeping true to its roots, and I think we’ve done that.”
Originally built as a vaudeville house, the Rialto Theater has played an important role in Casper’s entertainment history. From its early days showing silent films to its time as a movie theater, the Rialto has adapted through decades of change. Now, with a renewed focus on live performances, it is once again poised to be a key player in Casper’s evolving cultural scene.
