Matt Wexler’s Borrowing Funny gets world premiere in Denver

Borrowing Funny, a new comedy by Matt Wexler and directed by Michael Langworthy, opens Sept. 11 at Vintage Theatre in Denver and runs through Sept. 27, with two additional shows Oct. 3-4 at Clock Tower Cabaret. The play blends stand-up comedy and a high-stakes dispute over stolen material, and it arrives with festival recognition already attached.

Why it matters: - Borrowing Funny is a new Denver-stage comedy that turns a familiar industry problem — joke theft — into a live showdown. - The production arrives with pre-opening recognition, including awards and festival selections, which can help build audience interest beyond a local premiere. - The run gives Denver audiences first access to a play that aims to frame stand-up comedy as a full-on theatrical conflict.

What happened: - Borrowing Funny will have its world premiere on Sept. 11 at Vintage Theatre in Denver. - The production runs through Sept. 27 at Vintage Theatre. - Two special performances are scheduled for Oct. 3-4 at Clock Tower Cabaret. - Matt Wexler wrote the comedy, and Michael Langworthy directs. - Biz Schaugaard is producing the show. - The cast includes Katy White, Jeff Jesmer, Lexi Wilson, Darius Cade and Jordan Hull.

The details: - The story is set in the 1990s. - National comic headliner Tennille Kincaid is confronted mid-show by hometown comedian Jacey Weisz over an allegedly stolen joke. - After being fired on the spot by comedy club owner Reuben Wyatt, Tennille is replaced by overconfident slacker Byron Keithly. - Jacey calls in local police deputy Officer Jill Hail to arrest Tennille for larceny and possession of stolen property. - Reuben then proposes a head-to-head comedy kumite, a no-holds-barred contest meant to settle the dispute over material. - The premise positions the show as a battle over originality, ownership and the business of comedy. - Borrowing Funny won Best Stage Play at the New York Script Awards in 2025. - The play also received selections from the Star City Film and Theater Festival, Wolf Media Festival, Swedish International Film Festival, Las Vegas International Film Awards, The Skiptown Playhouse International Film Festival and Pasadena International Film Festival. - The production was an official selection for Act1: Scene2 at The What If Theatre. - The play was a semifinalist for Local Lab 15 New Play Festival at The Local Theater. - Borrowing Funny won best stage play at the Wolf Media Festival. - The Wolf Media Festival also hosted a podcast about the project last October on YouTube. - Ticket information is available through the Vintage Theatre and Clocktower Cabaret.

Between the lines: - The festival track record suggests the production is being positioned as more than a one-off local comedy. - The premise uses a broad, familiar conflict to explore how comedians police ownership in a profession built on original material. - The combination of award wins and multiple festival selections gives the premiere a built-in credibility boost before opening night.

What's next: - Audiences can see the premiere at Vintage Theatre starting Sept. 11. - Additional performances at Clock Tower Cabaret on Oct. 3-4 extend the run beyond the main theatre engagement. - More information and tickets are available through the Vintage Theatre and Clocktower Cabaret.