One of the hardest working men in show business is in Plano this weekend. Actor and comedian David Koechner will perform six sets at the Plano House of Comedy between Thursday and Saturday. While he loves doing television, movies and voice-over work, he says he gets a particular sense of satisfaction performing for a live audience. It also helps keep food on the table.
“The irony is that I have five kids so I can’t stay home. I’ve got to go earn money baby,” he jokes.
Koechner’s kids have long been part of his comedy routine. In light of his recent divorce, he’s been adding new material that touches on that.
His year-long American tour is called “Blue Skies & Dirty Lies.” Blue represents everything being wide open for him now. The dirty lies part is a humorous reflection on how during a struggling relationship, people will often lie to each other about nearly everything.
“It’s almost like find the lie in this story,” he cracks. “It’s more a philosophical thing than anything.”
Many people may know Koechner best as the recurring character Todd Packer on “The Office.” Saturday’s matinee show will feature “Office” trivia. Since the television show has such a devoted following, Koechner and his longtime tour partner, Rob Maher, thought trivia would be a fun addition to their tour.
The “Office” set features standup, behind-the-scenes stories and tales from Koechner’s multi-decade career, interspersed with three sections of Office-related trivia.
Koechner first gained wide national attention as over-the-top sports reporter Champ Kind in the 2004 film “Anchorman.” He recalls laughing quite a bit on the set. The cast would typically do a couple of takes to get the scene down. Then they would do another take and ad-lib.
“It’s already written so you know the joke, but what will make you laugh is the delivery that’s not expected,” he says.
He is quick to point out that the only things he has in common with Todd and Champ are their height and weight. Otherwise, he could not be more different from them.
Other projects Koechner says people still recognize him from are the films “Waiting,” “Out Cold,” and “Krampus” among others.
He’s currently a regular on “The Goldbergs” and recently finished filming an episode of “Justified.” He will continue to tour through the year in between filming sessions. After that, he has a couple of film and television projects in the development stage that he hopes will lead somewhere.
“For me, any time you’re working is a joy,” he says. “You’re lucky to work in showbusiness so I’m just happy any time I work.”
David Koechner Blue Skies and Dirty Lies
At Plano House of Comedy
730 Lone Star Drive
Thursday, Aug. 11, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 12. 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 13, 3 p.m. (The Office Trivia with Todd Packer)
Saturday, Aug. 13, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Tickets may be purchased at tx/houseofcomedy.net/shows-tickets
