Michelle Buteau on Blasting Chappelle, Knowing Her Worth and Making History for Netflix

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As a woman of color and a comedian who has been navigating the entertainment industry for some time now, I can certainly relate to Michelle Buteau‘s sentiments. Her journey is one that many artists, particularly women, can identify with – the delicate balance between staying true to oneself and considering the potential long-term impact of our actions.

Michelle Buteau will be ringing in the New Year with Netflix.

On New Year’s Eve, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be unveiling my own comedy special, “Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind,” at the legendary Radio City Music Hall. Back in early June, I had the honor of becoming the first female comedian to record a special at this iconic Manhattan venue. From the stage, I’ll be dishing out my unique insights on topics ranging from motherhood and marriage, all while enjoying a glass (or two) of rosé, sipped through a straw for that extra touch of humor!

This signifies that Michelle Buteau is working on her second stand-up special for Netflix, following her first one. Besides this, she’s also preparing a second season of her comedy series, “Survival of the Thickest,” produced by A24. Her initial hour, titled “Michelle Buteau: Welcome to Buteaupia” (released in 2020), bagged the Critics Choice Award for the best comedy special. Wanda Sykes and Page Hurwitz serve as executive producers for the new stand-up, being produced under their production house, Push It Productions. Additionally, Hurwitz teams up with Sandra Restrepo in co-directing the production.

By the middle of October, Buteau opened up to THR regarding the selection of the venue, as well as her strategic approach in incorporating humor about financial matters and the contentious comedian, Dave Chappelle.

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As a gamer, I can share my thoughts on the significant and heartfelt moment when I fired that shot at Radio City. The historical significance and the emotions it evoked were palpable, as evident by the tears I couldn’t help but wipe away in the post-game special. This choice was made to emphasize the gravity of the situation and to communicate a sense of nostalgia, attachment, and the weight of history that comes with such iconic locations.

I’ve often found myself gazing at well-known New York City locations, feeling uninspired while watching shows. It seems as if they could be situated anywhere – Ohio, Kansas, or any other place. With Netflix reaching 190 countries globally, I want viewers to experience a New York City ambiance when they watch my specials, regardless of their ability to visit here in person. I appreciate the sensation of the world feeling both small and vast at the same time. However, Radio City Music Hall was a venue I hadn’t headlined before. As soon as I stepped inside for a tour, I felt a strong connection – it felt magical and called out to me. When asked about female comedians who had taped their specials there, I learned that none have done so. This discovery made me feel both humbled and determined – I was ready to take on the challenge!

Presumably it’s very expensive to book and very hard to fill.

Well, you’ve got a unique situation here. Normally, if I were another producer or manager, I might advise my client to look elsewhere and save their money because the costs are covered by their fee, and I feel inclined to say this, but I predominantly cater to light-skinned black performers. Typically, smaller venues allow for two shows – an early one and a late one. This way, if you don’t get what you want, you can adjust during editing. However, with Radio City Music Hall, I only have the chance for one show, which is quite expensive even for me to afford. Yet, this project feels significant, and I wonder why no one has done it before. I believe in karma, so I’m just going to trust that things will work out. So, we’ll see what happens. (Laughs)

In your work, it’s noticeable that your 5-year-old twins play a significant role. Since they can’t contribute their thoughts yet, I’m intrigued about how you decide what’s suitable to present, given the need for appropriateness?

It’s often a delicate balance we tread. You yearn for authenticity, for honesty. Yet, in hindsight, could your actions potentially cause deep regret or pride? Will people reflect on this time and say, “Wow, she faced immense challenges, stayed true to herself, made an impact, and prospered”?

Don’t you think there are some jokes you might tell at comedy clubs, but exclude from a Netflix show?

Absolutely, I’d like to clarify – last year, I embarked on a 20-city tour, and there were numerous elements I left out in the final production. Live performances have certain aspects that are best experienced unrecorded. It’s a chance to express yourself truly, even saying things you might only dare with a couple of drinks, and then deciding what to share on a permanent platform like Netflix, something that will endure throughout all generations.

During the performance, you make a jab at Dave Chappelle, and this isn’t the first time. I must ask, what motivates you to provide him with stage time in your own show?

I’ve always been an inclusive person. And especially with comedy or anything in the arts, we have to speak truth to power. I don’t understand why we get to make fun of and punch down and berate on beautiful communities because the world is changing and we should change along with it. I mean, that’s what should happen. Change isn’t linear, but as performers, we also have the power to move that needle. And quite frankly, I really wish more performers that have a bigger platform than me would also speak out, because it’s the reason why an injustice will happen for so long. No one’s calling it out.

If we get a chance to not just point out an issue, but also find humor in it, pay taxes on our earnings, and make money, that’s a double win. I’ve attended numerous protests and hashtagged a lot on social media, but if I truly want people to ponder, I need to disguise the message like I do with veggies for my kids. I must blend my activism with humor, so you can share it with your coworker by the water cooler on a Monday morning and maybe pick up some knowledge along the way.

You often use humor when discussing money, be it earning it or desiring it. Many women, specifically, might find this subject off-limits, but your open and candid approach is quite unusual. What’s the source of this perspective?

I’m really kind of over gender roles. I think your role is to be a moral human being. So, I’m really over the fact that men get to talk about what they want, but women shouldn’t. I’m over the fact that I’m supposed to be a size eight with straight hair and just speak when spoken to. And so if I want something, I’m going to ask for it and say I want it and there’s nothing wrong with that. I want to take the shame out of, well, basically everything. Except for putting your sneakers on my coffee table. There’s a lot of shame in that. Don’t do that. That’s disgusting. Ask if you should take your shoes off at the door.

At this point in your career, do you feel like you’re being paid what you’re worth?

Nooo! Especially when I see what others are making. The men! Whew, baby!

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Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind at Radio City Music Hall streams on Netflix Dec. 31.

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2024-10-21 17:25