John Mulaney, the acclaimed comedian and actor, is currently performing in Texas as part of his national tour, the Mister Whatever Tour. Known for his ability to transform personal experiences into engaging narratives, Mulaney’s comedic style has garnered him a dedicated following. He has gained recognition as a writer and host on Saturday Night Live, released several successful stand-up specials, and earned multiple Emmy Awards.
In an interview with Texas Standard, Mulaney discussed the origins of his tour’s name. “There’s no great reason for it,” he explained. “A lot of my early specials were called ‘kid’ or ‘baby’ something. I guess I’ve grown up a little. I’m sort of a guy now, not quite a man, in between stages. Mr. Whatever sounded appropriate.” His lighthearted take reflects both his personal growth and the evolving nature of his comedy.
Mulaney’s performances often blend observational humor with personal anecdotes. He remarked on his approach, saying, “I don’t have a ton of life experiences that are interesting. 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.” This unique perspective adds depth to his humor, creating relatable content for his audience.
Reflecting on his experiences in Texas, Mulaney shared, “The first club I ever headlined in my life was the Laff Stop in Houston in 2007.” He likened the state to a father with various sons representing its cities, describing Dallas as responsible and business-oriented, while calling Austin the artistic and free-spirited “emo kid” of the family. His playful characterization highlights the diverse culture of Texas cities.
As part of the tour, Mulaney is set to perform in San Antonio, where he expressed his fondness for the city, referring to it as “that kid that’s just always fine but doesn’t visit a lot.” His ability to connect with audiences in various locations demonstrates his versatility as a performer.
Mulaney discussed the creative process behind his current tour. “It’s funny; we’re the reverse of musicians,” he noted. “We tour and tour and tour and then record the special, whereas musicians record the album and then play the album as they recorded it.” He is currently in the process of refining his set, which may lead to a future special. “I haven’t picked a date or a place to shoot it, but I bet I’ll record a special,” he stated.
One of the highlights of Mulaney’s upcoming schedule includes a performance at Wrigley Field in July 2024. He proudly noted that he is likely the first comedian to perform at this iconic venue, which holds special significance as he is from Chicago. “Hometown boy makes good,” he quipped, emphasizing the importance of this milestone in his career. He added, “Wrigley is great… it’s good for sound,” highlighting the unique acoustics of the historic ballpark.
During the interview, Mulaney also shared his views on the recent unveiling of the Lorne Michaels collection at the University of Texas. Having worked as a writer on Saturday Night Live, he acknowledged Michaels’ immense impact on comedy. “The impact is enormous,” he said. “It was kind of fun, about the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live, to pay tribute to him.”
Mulaney’s engaging storytelling and unique perspectives continue to resonate with audiences, making his tour a noteworthy event in the comedy landscape. As he travels across the country, his blend of personal experience and humor promises to entertain and connect with fans at every stop.
