02/09/2026
This past weekend we experienced a first which caught a little us a bit off guard given the performer's long list of accolades. We attended THE MIDLIFE MIXTAPE TOUR by Cristela Alonzo in both Lubbock, TX and Midland, TX; it was the first time Cristela would perform at either city. The inaugural shows were energetic and did not disappoint.
The shows opening act Stephen Halasz warmed up the crowds with eclectic humor which not only has the audience laughing but also had us contemplating the truth behind the jokes because as we never thought about them as reality. They fall into the category "things that make you go hmmm". His physical comedy and slapstick comedy has us rolling.
After Stephen warmed up the crowd, Cristela Alonzo was introduced and the crowd responded with cheers and applause; you could almost feel the excitement in the air. As she took the stage she stated that she had never been to the two cities to perform. Intrigued by West Texas cities she asked the audience questions which the engaging audiences were thrilled to answer. It's not everyday person of Cristela's caliber wants to learn about your hometowns.
As the nights went on the energy in the room didn't stop; whether it was audience members randomly providing comedic banter of their own or it was in response to Cristela asking questions, the audience wasn't shy by any means. The show covered topics such as current events, politics and everyday life topics i,e, shopping, moving etc., In interviews and her podcasts Cristela has described herself as reserved but when she performs she gives her all in her performance. Throughout the show the audience gets a glimpse of her life and her persona. She kept the audience engaged and laughing making the task look easy and flawless.
Cristela stated that Lubbock and Midland were intentional destinations on her tour and went on to let the audience know that she understood that not everybody could travel to see a show; the solution she decided to come to the people. For those that live far from a metroplex to easily access live performances whether it is comedy shows, concerts, Broadway shows, etc., it was refreshing to have someone recognize the reality. As the shows came to an end Cristela let the audience know she would be doing a meet and greet with no strings attached. We waited our turn in line, got a picture taken and chatted about West Texas.
As mentioned before Cristela has many accolades to her name. She made TV history when became the first Latina to create, write and star in a network TV show 'Cristela' (ABC), Author of Music to My Years: A Mixtape Memoir of Growing Up and Standing Up; Voice of Disney's CARS 3 character Cruz Ramirez and in this role, Alonzo became the first Latina lead in a Disney-Pixar film. She also has three Netflix Specials: Lower Classy (2017), Middle Classy (2022), Upper Classy (2025), just a few of credits to her name.
Do yourself a favor and check her out, you won't be disappointed
THE MIDLIFE MIXTAPE TOUR IS COMING TO A CITY NEAR YOU...
Tickets: cristelaalonzo.com
