As a Christmas elf turned world-renowned humorist, David Sedaris is a true underdog story.

Working as Santa’s little helper was one of the many dead-end jobs Sedaris held as a young man, and became the inspiration for the essay that catapulted him into stardom. His reading of “Santaland Diaries” was broadcast on National Public Radio’s Morning Edition in 1992, and in a 2011 interview with CBS News Sunday Morning, Sedaris claims the reading “just changed everything overnight. It was like somebody came along with a wand and said, ‘Here you go. Here’s everything you’ve ever wanted.’”

The essay has since become a holiday tradition, and led to numerous bestsellers, including Me Talk Pretty One Day, When You Are Engulfed in Flames and, his latest collection, Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, all of which contain side-splitting stories on family life, cultural differences and life abroad.

But while Sedaris’ hilarious and irreverent observations work well on the page, the rhythm and cadence of his voice in his live readings makes the work come alive, offering a new way of experiencing the stories. Sedaris brings that nuance to The Smith Center, reading new work and answering audience questions.

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m. May 4, starting at $49 plus tax and fee. 702.749.2000