“Audiences from Texas are the best because their comedy palates are very evolved,” the comic flatters. “You guys are sophisticated in that way.” After spending eight years on the unfortunately canceled MadTV, Lee has renewed inspiration to perform live. “While I was on Mad, I didn’t do stand-up. I didn’t really want to be known as a stand-up, which is stupid. [But] stand-up is the only thing where you have complete control of your franchise. You’re the boss of your own destiny.”
In the coming year, Lee has his sights on filming his first one-man special (this tour is a tune-up of that material.) Lee, whose film credits include The Dictator, Pineapple Express and the Harold and Kumar movies, says getting back to stand-up been a process of becoming comfortable. “It took me years to get comfortable again. [It doesn’t matter if] it’s ten people. I’ve performed in front of 20,000 people! You gotta get comfortable.” Despite his successes, Lee remains focused, humble and dedicated to his craft. “I’m still hungry. I’m still trying things. Stand-up is all about walking through fear, taking chances and failing. The more you fail, the better you’ll get.”
8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Improv Comedy Showcase, 7620 Katy Freeway. For information, call 713-333-8800 or visit improvhouston.com. $22 to $32.
Fri., Feb. 14, 8 & 10:30 p.m.; Sat., Feb. 15, 7 & 9:30 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m., 2014
