As a result of the inordinately large Manhattan cocktail at The Stonewall Inn the evening before, I was feeling a little “fragile”. Thus, the morning was even lazier than usual. This did not matter, and the design of my long stay here does allow for such times. I did not have any engagements until later in the afternoon.
The “6” took me to Times Square-42nd Street, where I walked a little north to the queue outside the Ed Sullivan Theatre. I was here to se Mr. Stephen Colbert record the edition of “The Late Show” due to be broadcast later in the evening.
When the nice person checked my ticket, she noted that I was “priority”. This is most likely because I made the booking some time ago. Television, and radio recording audiences are frequently overbooked to ensure a full studio. Therefore it is important to join the queue in time to guarantee entry. My special status put me in the front grouping so I would definitely get in.
The wait outside was nearly two hours. Once admitted to the theatre and through security, we were seated, but then given a “restroom break”. The recording is “closed set” so this would not be an option later.
Paul Mercurio was the warm-up act. He had a significant skill in picking members of the audience and “riffing” comedy on whatever they told him. He was very good, and made sure that everyone was suitably “psyched” for Mr. Colbert.
Louis Cato, and the band came on next. Every band member had a solo as part of the jazz/funk improvisation. This also helped to excite the audience is what is a notoriously cold theatre.
When I previously saw a recording of “The Late Show” in 2022, Mr. Colbert spoke to the audience and answered questions before the show began. I noted that he did not on this occasion. I wondered if this perhaps a sign that he is not “feeling the love”, given the news of his cancellation announced some days before. In fact, there was a protest outside on this matter, and a petition was to be given to the bosses of “Paramount”, who own the “CBS” network that broadcast the show.
Mr. Colbert completed his monologue, on various news stories. He touched upon the show cancellation, as well as the latest utterings of Mr. Trump. The latter received significant “boos” from the audience, in line with the political association this show is known for.
There was then a sketch in hot air balloon alongside Steve Buscemi, who was also to be the first guest. He is soon to star in the latest series of “Wednesday”, on the streaming service “Netflix”. I recognised him from the movie “Armageddon”, which I have seen many times. He came across as well, and I got the impression that he and Mr. Colbert were good friends.
Guest number two was Molly Gordon. She has co-written, and will star in the upcoming movie “Oh, Hi!”. I had not heard of her, or of the movie but she did a very nice interview.
I enjoyed the recording very much indeed. I have a fascination with media, and how these things are created. It was particularly interesting to watch Mr. Colbert discuss each interview beforehand with a (presumed) publicist. This must be to ensure the correct questions are asked, and no “forbidden territory” is breached.
The show is very much recorded “as live” with a minimum of edits, stops, and additions. This brought to mind the way in which I record my own radio show. There is a beauty in a “live” media experience.
There is a strict rule in there being no photography at any time in the theatre. So I was not able to take any photographs.
Dinner was simple, and taken back at the apartment. I enjoyed a turkey, and cheese wrap from a local delicatessen with a plethora of options.
