People talk 12/19

Poundstone performs after rehab release

Self-deprecating humor seemed to suit Paula Poundstone, who is engineering a comeback after legal troubles landed her in jail and drug rehabilitation.

She told the audience at the Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz on Friday night, "It's kind of strange to see this many seats not in a circle," referring to her stay at the Promises rehabilitation facility in Malibu.

Poundstone was performing for the first time since she pleaded no contest on Sept. 12 to felony child endangerment and a misdemeanor charge of inflicting injury upon a child. She completed court-ordered drug rehab and was placed on five years probation.

"This is my first night performing since I've been a criminal," the 41-year-old comedian said during the two-hour performance detailed Monday by the Los Angeles Times.

In exchange for her plea, prosecutors dropped three counts of lewd acts upon a child.

Earlier this month, Poundstone's attorney said her three adopted children will have monitored visits.