Carly Aquilino, a comedic force best known for her sharp wit and relatable humor on MTV’s Girl Code, was set to electrify Denver’s comedy scene. Ahead of her performances at Comedy Works from January 7th to 10th, we caught up with Aquilino Carly to discuss everything from her stand-up origins to navigating relationships, and even her expectations for experiencing Colorado’s famed cannabis culture. Get ready to delve into the mind of a modern comedic talent who isn’t afraid to mine life’s awkward and hilarious moments for comedic gold.
First Time in the Centennial State: Colorado and Comedy
Embarking on her inaugural visit to Colorado, Aquilino Carly admitted her knowledge of the state was, admittedly, limited but enthusiastic. “I just know that it’s cold and you can smoke weed there,” she quipped, highlighting a common perception many hold about Colorado. While the allure of legal cannabis is undeniable, Aquilino’s plans leaned towards indoor enjoyment, especially after a less-than-successful snowboarding attempt the previous year. “Maybe I’ll go a ski lodge and just hang out and eat,” she joked, painting a picture of a cozy, comedy-fueled retreat rather than hitting the slopes. This self-deprecating humor and willingness to embrace new experiences sets the stage for her engaging comedic style.
From Girl Code to Stand-Up Stage: A Comedic Journey
Aquilino Carly’s transition to stand-up comedy is an interesting facet of her career. While many recognize her from television, she actually began her stand-up journey shortly before landing her role on Girl Code. “I started stand-up a few months before I had gotten on TV – I just kind of lucked out,” she explained. This unexpected trajectory underscores her natural comedic talent and quick rise in the entertainment world. She draws a clear distinction between the two mediums, noting the delayed gratification of TV writing compared to the immediate feedback loop of stand-up. “With TV, it’s a lot easier because you don’t need that instant reaction from them as you do when you’re doing stand-up,” Aquilino Carly elaborated. The controlled environment of television production, where laughter is sometimes discouraged during filming, contrasts sharply with the raw, interactive nature of stand-up, where audience reaction is paramount. For Aquilino Carly, stand-up offers a space for improvisation and immediate connection, a vital element in her comedic process.
Life as Inspiration: Finding Humor in the Everyday
Delving into her comedic inspiration, Aquilino Carly emphasizes the autobiographical nature of her material. “I pull it from my life and things that I’ve experienced,” she stated. Her comedy becomes a relatable tapestry woven from personal anecdotes, transforming ordinary – and sometimes uncomfortable – life events into humorous narratives. This ability to find humor in the mundane, and even the painful, is a hallmark of effective comedy. Aquilino Carly articulated this process, saying, “I think it’s cool to make something funny out of something that isn’t funny, because that’s how comedians kind of work.” By sharing her experiences on stage, she forges a connection with her audience, creating a sense of shared understanding and catharsis. Her material touches on universal themes like relationships, dating, and the inevitable conflicts that arise even in loving partnerships. Jokes about navigating post-breakup dating and the nuances of her current relationship offer a glimpse into her life and comedic perspective.
Relationship Humor: Comedy is a Two-Way Street
When questioned about her boyfriend’s perspective on her relationship-based humor, Aquilino Carly revealed a unique dynamic. “Well, he does stand-up too so it’s kind of an unspoken thing,” she explained. This shared profession creates a level of understanding and acceptance, where personal experiences can become fodder for comedic exploration. While acknowledging that neither is entirely thrilled with the idea of their private lives becoming public material, there’s a mutual understanding of the comedic process and the professional nature of their work. This acceptance highlights the unique challenges and compromises that can arise when both partners are comedians, turning life experiences into shared comedic currency.
Denver Set Expectations: High Spirits and High Altitude Humor
Looking ahead to her Denver shows, Aquilino Carly expressed palpable excitement. “I think it’ll just be a really good night. I’m excited about it,” she stated, setting the tone for an engaging and energetic performance. Adding a touch of playful anticipation, she joked about her travel plans, “I’m most likely going to be fried, because I’m coming from Jamaica to Denver so I’ll be permanently stoned.” This lighthearted comment plays into the Colorado stereotype while underscoring her relaxed and approachable stage persona. She also conveyed her anticipation for performing at Comedy Works, recognizing its reputation as a top-tier comedy club with enthusiastic audiences. Combined with her plans to explore Denver during the day, Aquilino Carly’s Denver engagement promised to be a memorable experience for both the comedian and her audience.
Beyond Denver: Life on the Road and On Screen
Finally, discussing future plans beyond her Denver dates, Aquilino Carly described a life in motion. “I feel like I’m always on the road doing clubs and colleges, and with MTV in-between they’re really good and flexible,” she shared. This constant touring and television work illustrate the demanding yet dynamic nature of her career. The flexibility afforded by MTV allows her to balance television commitments with her passion for live stand-up, ensuring a steady stream of comedic output across different platforms. For fans of Aquilino Carly, this busy schedule means continued opportunities to experience her humor, whether on screen or live on stage in comedy clubs and college campuses nationwide.
Carly Aquilino performed for four nights from Wednesday, January 7 to Saturday, January 10 at Comedy Works; 1226 15th St., Denver.
