Cristela Alonzo, the talented comedian known for her unique perspective on life, is set to return to Dallas this Saturday to tape her third Netflix special, titled ‘Upper Classy,’ at the historic Majestic Theatre.
Alonzo, 46, has captivated audiences with her journey from childhood poverty in Hidalgo County to becoming a successful comedian and advocate. Growing up, her family squatted for years in an abandoned diner, emphasizing her struggles during her formative years.
In the early 2000s, Alonzo moved to the Dallas area, taking on the role of caregiver for her sister’s children and her mother, who was suffering from health issues. The death of her mother in 2002 triggered a deep emotional transformation that led her to find solace in comedy.
Reflecting on her career, Alonzo recalls her transition from sharing a small room with her mother to performing in a prestigious venue like the Majestic Theatre. “I have trouble understanding that I’m playing the Majestic when in 2002, I was sharing a bedroom with my mom in my sister’s house and we slept on the floor because there was no bed,” she shared during a recent Zoom call from Colorado, where she was vacationing with her brothers.
Her latest special, ‘Upper Classy,’ culminates a trilogy that began with ‘Lower Classy’ in 2017 and continued with ‘Middle Classy’ in 2022. All three specials reflect Alonzo’s personal journey and class ascension, with humor derived from her life experiences, particularly regarding money.
“Being so specific about my life actually made me very relatable to a lot of people,” she explained, humorously noting, “you didn’t have to be Latina to know that in my family expiration dates were just suggestions.”
After the release of ‘Lower Classy,’ Alonzo took a break from comedy, grappling with the rise of racially motivated ideologies that permeated society. “How can I be funny knowing that other people are miserable?” she questioned, revealing her struggles during that period.
This time away was not idle, as Alonzo focused on civil advocacy, including voter registration efforts in Florida alongside labor rights leader Dolores Huerta. Despite the hiatus, she found her way back to comedy with renewed purpose, writing material that engaged with contemporary societal issues.
Alonzo emphasizes that she does not shy away from topics that may provoke strong feelings. “I didn’t shy away from talking about anything that might make people angry,” she stated, highlighting the intersection of her comedy and activism.
With her Netflix specials gaining traction and reaching wide audiences, Alonzo is keen on using the platform to amplify the social causes she supports, particularly those affecting immigrants.
As she reflects on her journey, Alonzo recognizes the lasting impact of her upbringing, stating, “I will always be the girl that grew up in the diner.” This sentiment fuels her commitment to advocating for others facing similar struggles today.
Alonzo began her stand-up journey around 2003 while working an office job at Addison Improv. Encouraged by her sister, who fabricated a reference to help her get hired, Alonzo enrolled in a stand-up class that ultimately ignited her passion for comedy.
“I had so much fun that I was like ‘I’m gonna try to keep doing it until it’s not fun anymore,’” Alonzo recalls her initial experience in stand-up.
Ahead of her performance in Dallas, Alonzo expressed excitement over returning to familiar places like the taquerias along Harry Hines Boulevard. She fondly noted how the elote in California doesn’t compare to the delectable versions in Texas.
“Anytime I go back [to Dallas] there’s something about it that makes me feel you pick up where you left off. No time has passed in a good way,” she concluded.
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