Simply the Vest: Paula Poundstone

Not many comedians have the luxury of growing up. This is no fault of their own; when you base a career on a shtick or tag line, a theme or gimmick, you’re forced to carry it with you or face the turbulent world of rebranding. But watching a 40-something discuss keg stands and bro-ing down with the same fervor as a 22-year-old just gets very depressing (ahem, Carrot Top). Paula Poundstone made this transition seamlessly. She still talks about cats, sure, but she’s also a voice we’ve come to rely on for quick political wit on NPR’s quiz show Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me. Always fast to give a less formal opinion on the weekly topical rundown, Poundstone has held onto her cult following and expanded it to include the most rabid of all subcultures: lovers of NPR. She still treks the hotspots doing stand-up and she’s still wearing those vests, so get a dose of political cat comedy when she visits Dallas at 8 p.m. Saturday. Her Saturday-only show is at the Lakewood Theatre, 1825 Abrams Parkway, and tickets range $30 to $105. Visit lakewoodtheater.com.

Sat., June 2, 8 p.m., 2012