Dave Chappelle

November 13

Chappelle Brings Comic Genius to
The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center

When Dave Chappelle’s impersonations and cultural observations are combined with his wicked sense of humor, the result is nothing short of comic genius. Chappelle will be performing his stand-up at The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center on Sunday, November 13. If you were anxiously waiting for the third season of Chappelle’s Show only to be left hanging, you don’t want to miss this show.

Armed with an expert sense of timing, delivery and ability to tap into all the subtle idiosyncrasies of the people that surround all of us, Chappelle dishes out the jokes only he could tell. Time-Out New York tried to pin the essence of what exactly makes Chappelle the incredible comic he is: “What is really arresting about Chappelle is that he seems to possess that rare balance of depth and delivery, which often makes a Pryor or a Carlin.”

Chappelle, now 32, was raised in Washington, D.C. by his mother (a Unitarian minister) while visiting his father (a teacher) in Ohio during the summers. Chappelle had his sights set on comedy at an early age. While studying at the Duke Ellington School of Art he had to have his mother drive and chaperone him to his stand-up gigs.

It’s hard to fathom now, but he was once booed off the Apollo Theatre stage in Harlem, New York – one of his first important shows. Lucky for his fans, he didn’t let that experience stop him. He quickly gained recognition on the East coast and caught Whoopi Goldberg’s attention on the Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam in 1992. Soon after, he became the youngest comedian to ever have a featured spot on Comedy Relief VI.

Just performing stand-up didn’t hold Chappelle’s interest for long. He was always looking for new creative outlets and new sources of attention, so he started starring in movies like Mel Brook’s Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993), The Nutty Professor (1996), Half Baked (1998) and You’ve Got Mail (1998).

Chappelle has also performed in numerous television specials including a cameo on The Larry Sanders Show, Comic Relief VI, Crank Yankers and his own HBO hour-long special Dave Chappelle: For What It’s Worth.

Drawing from these previous TV successes, in 2003 Chappelle received his own show on Comedy Central, aptly titled Chappelle’s Show. Quickly making a national name for himself with his sharp wit and commentary, Chappelle reached the number two slot (just behind South Park) by the end of his second season. The show featured a wide array of political rappers and hip-hop artists including: Mos Def, Kanye West and Erykah Badu to name a few. The show was so successful that Viacom offered him a $50 million deal to continue Chappelle’s Show for two more years.

With this in mind, fans were shocked this past May when Chappelle suddenly left for South Africa for an undetermined amount of time. The show was put on temporary stand-by in July until some decisions are made about its future. Though some sources have cited psychiatric reasons for the unexpected leave, Chappelle has maintained that he was away on a ‘spiritual retreat.’ Chappelle, who converted to Islam in 1998, said in an interview: “I don’t normally talk about my religion publicly because I don’t want people to associate me and my flaws with this beautiful thing. And I believe it is a beautiful religion if you learn it the right way. I’m interested in the kind of person I’ve got to become. I want to be well rounded and the industry is a place of extremes. I want to be well balanced. I’ve got to check my intentions, man.”

Now, after some time away to reflect and recharge, Chappelle has gone back to stand-up, doing what he does best – enlighteninging and entertaining audiences from coast to coast. Catch him while you can!

Tickets for Dave Chappelle in Concert at The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center, Sunday, November 13 at 8PM are $40 and $50 and are ON SALE NOW at all Texas Box Office Outlets (includes H-E-B stores in Austin, Bastrop, Bee Caves, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Round Rock, San Marcos and Taylor; Ft. Hood Bldg. #136 and Renaissance Records in Killeen), charge-by-phone at 512/477-6060 or 1-800-982-2386 or order on-line at TexasBoxOffice.com. Convenience charges may apply. All information subject to change. The Frank Erwin Center is a smoke-free facility. Convenient parking is available within walking distance in nearby state and university lots. For more information, call 512/471-7744. uterwincenter.com