Felipe Esparza Brings His Unique Comedy to the Royal Oak Music Theatre
Listen to the entire interview below.
For over three decades, Felipe Esparza has been making crowds across the globe double over with laughter, wielding a signature blend of storytelling and sharp humor that connects with audiences on a deeply personal level. Now, the Emmy-winning comedian is bringing his infectious energy to Detroit, headlining the Royal Oak Music Theatre on Friday, January 17th as part of his “At My Leisure World Tour.”
We had the chance to catch up with Felipe ahead of his show, and—as expected—he had us in stitches recounting wild stories from his time in comedy, reflecting on his inspiring career, and teasing fans about what’s next.
A Kangaroo, a Stage, and Mike Epps
This isn’t Felipe’s first time gracing a Michigan stage. While chatting with him, he dropped a hilarious story about opening for Mike Epps at the Joe Louis Arena years ago (RIP, Joe Louis). “Mike brought a guy to the show who owned exotic animals… like real Tiger King stuff!” Felipe explained with a laugh. “I opened the wrong door backstage and straight up saw kangaroos. Later, Mike brought them on stage—they were hopping around to Bone Crusher. It was insane!”
Felipe’s tone suggests you never know what to expect at one of his shows… although he assured us no exotic animals would be making a surprise appearance in Royal Oak (sorry, kangaroo fans).
From Open Mics to Winning “Last Comic Standing”
Felipe’s rise to comedy stardom didn’t happen overnight. “I’ve been doing this for 30 years,” he recalled. “I started when I was a kid doing open mics. My big break came in 2010 with Last Comic Standing, and it changed everything. I’ve been touring non-stop since.”
Winning Last Comic Standing catapulted Felipe into the national spotlight, but the success wasn’t just handed to him. Through grit, hard work, and an uncanny ability to connect with his audience, Felipe has since cemented himself as one of the most sought-after headlining comedians in the business.
And what’s the secret to longevity in such a competitive field? “Consistency and being yourself,” he said. “It’s easy to get caught up trying to please everyone, but I stick to what I think is funny. Not everyone’s gonna like everything—it’s part of comedy.”
What’s Next? A New Netflix Special
Just weeks after his stop in Royal Oak, Felipe will debut his latest Netflix stand-up special, “Raging Fool,” which drops on February 11th. The special, filmed at the Crest Theatre in Sacramento, was a family affair, with his wife directing the production.
“She ran the whole thing with her headset on! She crushed it,” Felipe shared proudly. The special was filmed across two shows—and yes, he rocked the same outfit for consistency (“Better to have two takes of everything; trust me, it’s less stressful!”).
For those who loved “Translate This” (HBO, 2017) and “Bad Decisions” (Netflix, 2020)—the latter filmed in both English and Spanish—expect Felipe’s signature comedic style and more hilarious life observations in “Raging Fool.”
A Lineup to Remember
Felipe isn’t embarking on this tour solo. He’s bringing along some close friends and talented comedians, including Buntch Escobar, Rodrigo Torres (co-host of Felipe’s wildly popular *“What’s Up Fool?” podcast), and the legendary Larry “Bubbles” Brown (whose resume includes opening for Dana Carvey and Margaret Cho).
“It’s always more fun touring with people you vibe with,” Felipe said. “It makes every city feel like home, even when you’re far from it.”
From the Stage to the Screen
Beyond comedy tours and specials, Felipe has showcased his talents in film and TV. You’ve likely spotted him in shows like Superstore, The Eric Andre Show, and Gentefied, or major films like You People with Eddie Murphy and Jonah Hill. His versatility as a performer is something he’s proud of—though stand-up will always be his first love.
There’s also his “What’s Up Fool?” podcast, which has been a top-rated comedy podcast for nearly ten years. “Nobody’s yelling at me to tone things down for a corporate audience!” he joked. “We talk freely about everything—it’s great.”
Grab Your Tickets
Don’t wait—tickets for Felipe Esparza’s “At My Leisure World Tour” are already selling fast. Catch this living legend live at Royal Oak Music Theatre on Friday, January 17th.
Visit FelipesWorld.com for tickets, tour dates, and more info. And don’t forget to stream “Raging Fool” on Netflix starting February 11th—you’ll be glad you did.
Whether you’ve been a fan since Last Comic Standing or are just discovering him now, Felipe promises a night packed with unexpected moments, belly laughs, and bucketloads of charm. Oh, and maybe some Detroit-style pizza too—he’s already hyping himself up for it.
See you in Royal Oak!
