Live At The Tonight Show

As previously indicated, I had tickets to see the Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien. It was a very good time. My report: We got to the studio about 3:00, having illicitly parked in the subway lot nearby. There was myself, an alumni friend, and his neighbor. We walked towards the studio gate, and were intercepted by a show staffer. That was kind of odd. I suppose it was necessary though, as we may not have quickly found our way to the proper place otherwise. There was a separated open-air corridor where I checked us in, and where we waited for a while before going inside.

I have to observe that the staff members who interact with the audience are quite strict and forceful. The studio and areas thereabouts are a rigidly controlled environment where nothing jeopardizing the taping is tolerated. I don't fault them for all that entirely, but the vibes created by it make it difficult at times to really relax and enjoy the show. Once inside, I was glad for the chance to look around at the set. It's frequently said that the set is tiny compared with how it appears on tv, and that's entirely true. It's not very big at all. It's a very handsome set though, and left me envious of the crew.

For a while after that, there was recorded music, which grew progressively louder as the show drew closer. That was succeeded by a warm-up guy, who loosened up the audience while effectively neutralizing any serious risk of undue rowdiness. That guy really was pretty skillful about it. He then handed things over to Andy Richter, who gave way to the band, which played some live music.

It was then that, somewhat abruptly, the show began. It's not unlike seeing a ballgame. The bulk of it is in front of the cameras and on the air, but much is left to been seen only by the live audience either during the broadcasted segments or during the commercial breaks. I don't know why they tape the show during an hour with spaces for the commercials, but that's what they do. Now, wherever the camera is, there are things going on elsewhere. If the band is playing, Conan will just be sitting at his desk, or if Conan is doing an interview, the house band will silently communicate so as to be ready for their next cue.

It was a good show. There was a great remote segment where Conan and Slash went checking out guitars from craigslist. It was hilarious. Then Norm MacDonald was the lead guest, and was on for two segments. He's great, and was as you would expect. He was followed by Jim Gaffigan, who I don't care for, but who looked not bad in the movie he was promoting. Last was musical guest Neko Case. I hadn't really heard their music before, but it was entertaining.

After the show itself, they tape promos for the late local news to air. That was as entertaining as anything. I would imagine that the guests just want to get out of there, so their ornery mood makes it relatively slow going. They taped three promos. I think they were for LA, New York, and one for everyone else.

And like that, it was over. We really were there quite a while, and the waiting was tedious, but the good stuff was great and went fast.