Stand up and deliver

Comedian Russell Peters on cultural stereotypes, Hollywood cliques and Whataburger

If you are not familiar with Canadian comedian Russell Peters, you should be: He’s likely telling jokes about you. Well, maybe not you specifically, but he’s probably mercilessly poking fun at your race, nationality, class or culture.

Peters says he may even make some observations about Texans when he stops in Dallas this weekend during his Notorious World Tour. “I’m a big fan of Texans,” Peters tells me. “You know what they really love is Whataburger. They can’t get enough Whataburger. Whataburger is the shit!”

Peters prefers to think of his comedy as a celebration of different cultures, a celebration that yields laughter.

By monetary measures (he’s been named to the Forbes list of top-earning comedians) and his ability to sell out arenas, Peters is one of the most successful standup comedians of his generation. He’s so beloved in his native Canada that he was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2011. But after more than two decades doing standup, he still has a lot he’d like to accomplish, including becoming accepted in Hollywood (and figuring out Texans’ obsession with Whataburger).

He grew up in the suburbs of Toronto with traditional Indian parents, and he has made a living by observing human behavior and pointing out the nuances that make each culture unique — and laughable. He says no culture, including his own, is off-limits, but he doesn’t touch religion. During some of the most memorable portions of his act, while re-creating moments from his childhood, he takes on the persona of his late father, using an exaggerated Indian accent.

Peters says besides drawing from personal experience, he gathers a lot of his material while traveling around the world. “When I go to places, I see things through my skewed vision. And because it’s already there and it already exists, I’m not fabricating it. I just bring it to light.”

That skewed vision grew out of always feeling like an outsider. “Being an Indian guy growing up in Canada made me feel like an outsider,” he says. “But then growing up in Canada you feel like an outsider again because you are just outside America. So I was double an outsider, which made me have a lot more perspective than some other people.”

Peters says he believes it’s a similar outsider’s perspective that has allowed so many Canadian comedians to enjoy success stateside. “I think Canadians have more perspective on what’s going on, and we also get the best of both worlds. We understand the British sensibilities, and we’re basically British people with almost American accents,” he jokes.

“Hollywood is like high school,” Peters says. “If you’re not in with the cool kids, you’re just gonna have to wait.”

Part of the beauty of Peters’ comedic style is that you can’t help but laugh even when he’s making fun of you; he’d say it’s because he speaks truths. He says he doesn’t make up the stereotypes he portrays; he simply relays them, sometimes with extreme exaggeration and clever impersonations. Peters prefers to think of his comedy as a celebration of different cultures, a celebration that yields laughter. He says his audiences generally know the boundaries he pushes and rarely get offended.

“If anyone is offended, it’s usually their own insecurities that are being brought to light at that point, because my intention is only to make them laugh. When people get upset or mad I get confused by it because I’m like, what are you getting mad at? You can tell that I’m obviously joking.”

Peters says he’s always up for a new challenge, and a fairly recent development keeping him on his toes these days is fatherhood.

“These kids man, you end up liking them a lot,” he says about his 2-year-old daughter. “It’s like yes, I have finally found somebody I would throw myself in front of a bus for.”

In addition to his daddy duties and this year’s tour, Peters is also trying to enhance his acting resume. He has several small film roles lined up in 2013 and says he’d like to become a “legitimate actor” with larger roles. But he recognizes that may take time.

“I’d like to be part of some big blockbuster film with a scene or two or even a nice juicy role, but that’s not up to me, that’s up to whoever makes those movies. Hollywood is like high school. If you’re not in with the cool kids, you’re just gonna have to wait.”

---

While you wait to see him on the big screen in his next role, you can catch Russell Peters at Verizon Theatre in Grand Prairie February 17.

Russell Peters delivers his own brand of no-holds-barred comedy.

Photo courtesy of Russell Peters

Russell Peters delivers his own brand of no-holds-barred comedy.

unspecified

Weekend Event Planner

Holiday shows light up the 17 best things to do in Dallas this weekend

Photo courtesy of Trans-Siberian Orchestra

undefined

The weekend before Christmas is - surprise, surprise! - filled with all sorts of new holiday events to enjoy, including two Nutcrackers, two local theater productions, six concerts, a classic film screening, and a special drag queen show. Other choices include an appearance by a huge comedian, the national tour of a Broadway musical, another local theater production, and two postseason college football games.

Below are the best ways to spend your free time this weekend. If you want more options, check out the calendar for an even longer list of the city's best events. For a big list of the best Christmas lights, go here.

Thursday, December 18

Punch Line Irving presents Dave Chappelle
The new Punch Line Irving comedy club is making its debut this week, and what better way to open than with one of the greatest comedians of all time, Dave Chappelle. The 2019 recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor has earned more than 30 nominations and awards in television and film, including for his groundbreaking sketch comedy television series, Chappelle’s Show, comedy specials, and guest appearances on Saturday Night Live. He'll perform twice on Thursday.

World Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker
This Nutcracker isn’t just a ballet - it’s an experience. It begins with the sparkle of a family Christmas party, where magic lingers just out of sight. A mysterious gift. A flicker of imagination. And then, everything changes. The tree grows. The room disappears. The battle begins. Suddenly, the audience is in the middle of a midnight clash between toy soldiers and a mouse army, led by a brave girl and her enchanted Nutcracker Prince. The performance takes place at Majestic Theatre.

Urban Arts Collective presents An Oak Cliff Carol: An Urban Ghost Story
Essence Scrooge has built a booming beauty empire - but her success came at a cost. Cold-hearted and cutthroat, she’s lost touch with her community and compassion. That is, until one unforgettable Christmas Eve, when three spirited guides from Oak Cliff appear to take her on a soulful journey through her past, present, and future. Blending the heart of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol with the rich sounds of R&B, gospel, and soul, An Oak Cliff Carol is a bold reimagining of a holiday classic. The production takes place at Bryant Hall in the Kalita Humphreys Theater complex through Sunday.

Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents Christmas Pops
In Christmas Pops, guest conductor Lawrence Loh, along with two vocalists - soprano Jasmine Habersham and baritone Reginald Smith, Jr. - return to sing seasonal favorites for the holidays. Making things even more festive are the Dallas Symphony Chorus and Children’s Chorus. There will also be an audience sing-along and an appearance by the Jolly Old Elf, aka Santa Claus. There will be five performances through Sunday at Meyerson Symphony Center.

Broadway Dallas presents Disney's Beauty and the Beast
Disney’s 30th Anniversary production of Beauty and the Beast is a breathtaking musical filled with the romance and grandeur. The enchanting and timeless tale has been brought to life like never before, with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes. The show boasts the Oscar-winning and Tony Award-nominated score, including the classic songs “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.” It runs through January 4 at the Music Hall at Fair Park.

Xbox Bowl: Missouri State vs. Arkansas State
Dallas-Fort Worth can lay claim to being the center of college football bowl season, with no fewer than five different games taking place in the area, including one of the quarterfinals in the College Football Playoff. That run gets started with the brand-new Xbox Bowl, featuring a matchup between the Missouri State Bears of Conference USA and Arkansas State Red Wolves of the Sun Belt Conference. The game takes place at The Star in Frisco.

Pegasus Theatre presents MacMurder!
Harry Hunsacker and his paid-by-the-hour assistant, Nigel Grouse, must join forces to solve a murder in the Scottish Highlands. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as the mysterious murderer sets sights on Harry himself. Can Nigel solve this mystery, save his friend, and find true love in the arms of the mysterious novelist who wanders the grounds of the estate? MacMurder! is the latest in the series of comedy murder-mysteries by Pegasus Theatre founder Kurt Kleinmann, produced in their unique Living Black & White® style, which recreate the look and feel of classic black-and-white films through a unique combination of makeup, costumes, lighting, and set design. The production runs through January 4 at Addison Performing Arts Centre.

Friday, December 19

Majestic Theatre presents It's a Wonderful Life
Frank Capra's holiday classic features Donna Reed and Jimmy Stewart in a touching tale of hope and compassion. Stewart stars as George Bailey, a depressed businessman who is saved at the last minute by a guardian angel who shows him what life would be like if he weren't around. One of Capra's most beloved and enduring films, It's a Wonderful Life earned five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. The screening takes place at Majestic Theatre.

Repertory Company Theatre presents It's a Wonderful Life
If you'd like to see what the film looks like with live actors, you can also see this theater production from Repertory Company Theatre. Part of its Courtyard Theater Series, this adaptation of the cherished and uplifting tale allows George Bailey to share the lesson taught by his guardian angel - that we all can make a difference … that all lives matter. There will be four performances through Sunday at Courtyard Theater in Plano.

AT&T Performing Arts Center presents A Soulful Christmas with Kem
R&B singer/songwriter and author Kem will present a festive evening of holiday cheer and soulful music. He has released six albums in his career, including the 2012 Christmas album, What Christmas Means. Kem will perform for one night only at Winspear Opera House.

Murray & Peter present A Drag Queen Christmas
A Drag Queen Christmas, hosted by Nina West, is the longest-running drag tour in America. It will feature performances by Onya Nurve, Shea Coulee, Jewels Sparkles, Crystal Methyd, Suzie Toot, Brooke Lynn Hytes, and Lydia B. Kollins. The event takes place at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving.

Ballet North Texas presents The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker is a cherished tradition that brings the magic of the season to life. Audiences can embark on a journey through the dazzling Land of Snow to the radiant and jubilant Kingdom of Sweets alongside Clara, Drosselmeyer, and the Prince, who will reunite with the Sugar Plum Fairy amidst the clouds, where true magic unfolds. The production will have five performances through Sunday at Moody Performance Hall.

Saturday, December 20

NCAA Division II National Football Championship
Unless you're a big fan of Division II football, you might not know that they've held their championship game at McKinney ISD District-wide Stadium every year since 2018. This year's game features a couple of powerhouses: The Ferris State Bulldogs from Grand Rapids, Michigan, who are looking for their fourth championship in the past five years; and the Harding Bisons from Searcy, Arkansas, who won the championship in 2023.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More
Trans-Siberian Orchestra will present an all-new production of their beloved The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, alongside a special second set of hits and fan-favorites that includes a 25th anniversary salute to Beethoven's Last Night. The group blends together rock, classical, and theatrical spectacle, complete with dazzling pyrotechnics, lasers, and incredible storytelling. They'll put on two performances on Saturday at American Airlines Center.

The Polyphonic Spree presents 22nd Annual Holiday Extravaganza
The Polyphonic Spree's annual Holiday Extravaganza is an evening of high energy and festive fun with the local choral rock band, holiday tunes, and special guests. Festive holiday attire is encouraged for this family-friendly event. Milk & cookies will be served at the conclusion of the event. Guests are encouraged to bring a canned good to benefit the North Texas Food Bank as well as a new unwrapped toy for Toys For Tots. The event takes place at Majestic Theatre.

AT&T Performing Arts Center presents Leslie Odom, Jr.: The Christmas Tour
Leslie Odom, Jr., best known for his Tony Award-winning portrayal of Aaron Burr in Hamilton, will perform a festive concert that features holiday classics, originals from his Christmas albums, and special performances of songs from Hamilton. The concert takes place at Winspear Opera House.

Sunday, December 21

Sarah Brightman: A Winter Symphony
Soprano Sarah Brightman comes to Dallas with her new Christmas spectacle, “A Winter Symphony.” Featuring an orchestra, choir, and special guests, the holiday show will feature Brightman performing many of her holiday classics and greatest hits. The concert, named after her 2008 Christmas album, will be at Winspear Opera House.

Photo courtesy of Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Trans-Siberian Orchestra will play twice at American Airlines Center on December 20.

comedy dance holidays music theater symphony sports movies event-planner