Comedian and actor John Mulaney is currently in Texas, performing as part of his national tour, the Mister Whatever Tour. Known for his unique storytelling style, Mulaney intertwines personal narratives with humor, drawing on his life experiences to engage audiences. His reputation has solidified over the years, having gained acclaim as a writer and host on Saturday Night Live, in addition to winning multiple Emmy Awards.
During an interview with Texas Standard, Mulaney discussed the origins of his tour’s name, stating, “There’s no great reason for it. I guess that I’ve grown up a little. I’m sort of a guy now, not quite a man, in between stages. Mr. Whatever sounded appropriate.” As a parent, he humorously noted that children refer to him as “Mr. Mulaney,” acknowledging the shift in his identity.
Mulaney’s comedy blends personal anecdotes with observational humor, a technique he finds effective given that many of his life experiences are not inherently dramatic. “I do have life experiences, and normally, while describing them, I note that I was thinking about a TV show or a movie at the time,” he explained. This method allows him to connect with his audience through shared cultural references.
Reflecting on his experiences in Texas, Mulaney reminisced about his first headlining gig at the Laff Stop in Houston back in 2007. He likened Texas to a father figure with various characterful cities as his children. “Dallas is trying to do everything right, Houston has a good job but is just boring, and Austin is the artistic kid at the table,” he shared, illustrating his perspective on the distinct personalities of Texas cities.
The tour has also prompted Mulaney to refine his act, which he describes as an ongoing process. “We tour and tour and tour and then record the special, whereas musicians record the album and then play it as they recorded it,” he noted. This approach allows comedians to develop their material in front of live audiences before finalizing it for recording.
Looking ahead, Mulaney hinted at the possibility of recording a special from this tour, although he has not yet set a date or location. He is scheduled to perform at Wrigley Field in July 2024, a notable achievement as it marks a significant venue for a comedy show. “It’s owned by the Cubs organization, and they obviously knew that I’m from Chicago,” he explained, highlighting the connection to his hometown.
In discussing his past experiences, Mulaney also touched on his time as a writer for Lorne Michaels on SNL, especially in light of the recent unveiling of the Lorne Michaels collection at the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas. He expressed admiration for Michaels’ impact on comedy, joking about wanting to find a memo praising his work.
As Mulaney continues his tour, fans can expect a mix of humor, nostalgia, and insightful commentary on modern life, all delivered with his distinctive charm. His ability to connect personal and observational comedy resonates widely, ensuring his performances remain highly anticipated events across the country.
