Comedian and actor John Mulaney is captivating audiences across Texas as part of his latest stand-up tour, the Mister Whatever Tour. The tour showcases Mulaney’s unique storytelling style, blending personal anecdotes with observational humor. Known for his work on Saturday Night Live and his acclaimed stand-up specials, Mulaney is making a significant impact with his performances in cities like Houston and San Antonio.
During a recent interview on Texas Standard, Mulaney explained the origin of the tour’s name. “There’s no great reason for it,” he said. “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.” His humorous take on the name reflects his evolving persona as he navigates parenthood and his career.
Mulaney’s comedy often draws from his own life experiences, albeit with a twist. “I don’t have a ton of life experiences that are interesting,” he admitted. He frequently intertwines references to pop culture while recounting personal stories, keeping his material relatable and engaging.
Reflecting on his experiences in Texas, Mulaney fondly recalled his first headlining gig at the Laff Stop in Houston back in 2007. He likened Texas to a father figure with distinct personalities for each city. “Dallas is like trying to do everything right and run the family business… Houston has a good job but is just boring as hell,” he remarked. “Austin is the artistic, libertarian son who does whatever he wants.”
As he continues the tour, Mulaney is crafting a new set that may lead to a future special. “We tour and tour and tour and then record the special,” he explained. “I haven’t picked a date or a place to shoot it, but I bet I’ll record a special.” His tour schedule includes a notable performance at Wrigley Field in July 2024, marking a milestone as he becomes one of the first comedians to headline at the historic venue.
Mulaney’s connection to Lorne Michaels, the creator of Saturday Night Live, also surfaced during the interview. The recent unveiling of the Lorne Michaels collection at the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas sparked Mulaney’s nostalgic remarks about his time on the show. He humorously expressed a desire to find a note declaring him as Michaels’ favorite writer, showcasing his playful spirit.
As Texas embraces Mulaney’s comedy, fans eagerly anticipate more performances throughout the state. The Mister Whatever Tour not only highlights Mulaney’s growth as a comedian but also reinforces the strong connection he maintains with his audience through humor and relatable storytelling.