I got to meet more people I really look up to the other day, almost unexpectedly.

Not *totally* unexpectedly. I mean, I did go see them live and sat as close to the stage as humanly possible, but I didn’t really know if they’d come out afterwards or not. But again, like Donald Glover before, these comedians surprised me with their down-to-earth approachability, even more so because they’re all superstars. Sure, Glover is Just For Laughs’ Rising Star this year, but Tim Minchin plays ARENAS now, and Rove/Christmas aren’t all that different.

After the show, I was going to eat at the L’Astral’s attached bistro, but the Down Under Trio were dining there, too, so I moved along not wanting to disturb them. Can’t say it wasn’t exciting to be ABLE to have dinner in the same room as them, though. 

Thanks to all three of them: Rove McManus, Jarred Christmas, and Tim Minchin, for their autographs (WITH messages, Rick Mercer…) in my writing book that I just happened to have with me. 

Lessons learned, among others:

1. Stay humble at all times. All three of these guys were genuinely appreciative of every single fan they met. Rove McManus had a daily talk show for a decade in Oz, Tim Minchin is one of the most in-demand comedians and musicians in England, and Jarred Christmas is quickly becoming a global name. All three of them were just fun, normal guys the minute they got off the stage, delaying their dinner, giving hugs, learning names, and signing anything requested.
2. Localize your act. As great as Donald Glover was, some of the more American bits in his set didn’t hit quite as hard in Canada. Especially French Canada. Jokes about presidents and GameStop just need a little more set-up, I suppose. Rove and Jarred both took things an all the way and then some by having pretty extensive local bits, including dealing with BC Grizzlies and Montreal Bixis, respectively. It really gives a performer huge cred in the moment, and makes a show more personal when they’ve clearly taken the time to absorb your culture: it’s the thought that counts.