Report on the Colbert Report

I love Stephen Colbert. Thus, I love the Colbert Report. 2 months ago, we applied for tickets to see the show, and yesterday we were there. I admit I had never seen the show before yesterday (part of that whole not-watching-tv thing) but I know who Stephen is and I know that he is funny. As a result, it was the best show ever. Why?

1) they had just come back from vacation
2) Amy Sedaris was the guest
3) "impromptu" tumbling
4) Stephen Colbert

The answer, of course, is 5) all of the above.

We waited in line outside for 2 hours, then were shown into a small room (via metal detector) which we waited for another 1/2 hour. Finally we were allowed inside the studio. There were 4 of us, so we were pushed to the back left corner. Not a big studio, but we could have had better seats. We were on the other side from where Amy was and from where the camera occasionally panned across the audience. This is why there are no shots of des in the show.

The guy next to me that wasn't Craig tried to get in on our fun. He used all the tricks - complimenting my nail polish (though it is pretty awesome bright green) and making small talk until Craig gave him a look that said "I don't understand why are you talking to my girl." It wasn't a threatening look, just pure confusion. Everyone knows I don't talk to stupid people in social situations. So that guy kept on listening to our conversations, but wisely stayed out of them after that.

Here are the rules we were given pre-Stephen:
1) all cell phones must be turned off. Apparently they don't want cell phone rings picked up by the cameras.
2) we can ask Stephen any question we want, but no autographs or hugs.
3) all cell phones must be turned off.
4) when they come back from commercial, the stage manager will count down from 10. At 3, we start screaming and clapping.
5) all cell phones must be turned off.

There were probably some more, but I think that "all cell phones must be turned off" was mentioned a few times. Everyone abided (abode?) by these rules, and nobody was kicked out never to be seen again.

There was a stand up comedian to warm up the audience. A very bad stand up comedian. He succeeded in warming us up only in that we were all the more excited when Stephen finally came out. He ran around the audience, briefly running up the aisles, dancing, woo-ing, and having a great time. He then held a Q&A session. Someone asked how Stephen felt while giving the White House Correspondant's Speech, and he replied "fully erect."Good laughs, all around.

It was awesome to have the host's friend as the guest instead of some boring politico. The show was much much better, and even though I haven't seen the movie (Strangers With Candy) even I could appreciate the chemistry. And the tumbling. Amy ripped off her dress to reveal a sequined leotard-thing, and Paul Dinello and Stephen took turns climbing all over each other and being hilarious.

I haven't seen the version of the show that aired yet, but unless some clever mixing was done you will be able to hear my group, Captain(s) Loud. At one point Stephen waved (wove?) a flag and everyone cheered. Actually we wove the flag several times throughout the show. There were several minutes of the audience chanting "U-S-A!" which may or may not be in the show. That was started by the Diministrator, one of the Captain(s) Loud. Of course it was picked up by Craig, who is Chief Captain Loud. Then picked up by the rest of the audience and eventually, yes, Stephen. I really hope that got in the show. That was some damn enthusiasm, fiercely pro-American.

Watching the show in person took only slightly longer than watching it on tv, if you don't count all the before stuff like the comedian ("comedian") and the rules ("all cell phones must be turned off"). There were no re-shoots or rehearsals or anything that didn't air. I'm sure they must have practiced the tumbling at some point, but they did it on their own time. All the more for shocked reactions, though Stephen did say he was full of food so he "hopes he won't do any tumbling tonight." Nobody got that reference until later, when they actually did do tumbling.

After the show, we went to eat thai food. It was good. Too much eggplant in my eggplant / tofu dish, but acceptable. I miss Sophia's in Davis. Best bar / thai restaraunt / combination ever. Ever. Someone send it to NY so I can eat there every day. Stephen was with was at dinner, but only in spirit. In reality, we saw him only during filming. He ran onto stage right before and ran off right afterwards. But he's a big star now. 4 emmy nominations (we were informed last night).

Stephen Colbert, you will always have a special place in my heart.