I was lucky enough to watch two of my biggest heros and role-models back-to-back this week, and I am honestly still having a hard time grasping how amazing that was. That’s why, I wanna give you guys an idea of what it’s like and how best to try to get into these live tapings of arguably the funniest and wittiest political comedy shows in history.
Tickets
Check online, always. Usually, after big breaks, they release a whole ton, so keep an eye out then (I scored them first week of January, right after Colbert’s 3-week Christmas break). Also, check when you’re really close to the date. For example, check the night before or the morning of the show, usually, some folks cancel or some VIP tickets are removed, so, you might find a pair or a handful of available tickets you can reserve.
Reserving Doesn’t Guarantee
This is like The Daily Show, your online reservation and confirmation only allows you to stand in line. The ticket is issued to you when you’re standing there, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Unlike TDS though, CR doesn’t need you to spend your whole day in line. The doors open at around 6:00PM, so be in line well before that. I showed up at 5:10PM and was #87 in line, don’t show up any later. CR have set up a tent outside so you don’t freeze your asses off while waiting, and they quickly start letting people into the indoor waiting area at around 5:45PM
The Show
Stephen is perhaps the most vivacious and lively person I have every seen. He runs, jumps, screams and waves all the time, even when he is out of character. What’s special about Colbert is that he is basically always in character, EXCEPT right before the taping of his show, when he goes out of character and answers 3-4 questions from the audience. Now, that alone is something to go crazy for, cause Stephen didn’t even break character when he appeared before the US Congress to establish his Super PAC last year!
You all see how extra-enthusiastic the audience always is. They’re always on their feet and chanting “STEPHEN! STEPHEN! STEPHEN!” And, I must say, I am guilty as charged! The laughs you’d normally laugh get immediately amplified because everyone around you is as excited as you are. Also, Stephen is an improv actor, and he really really really does feed off of the audience’s energy. In other words, the bigger and louder the laugh, the more beautifully Stephen wraps up a hilarious joke or pun.
CR’s set is amazing and getting to see it up close was a real treat. From all the souvenirs and trinkets he keeps on his bookshelves, to the screens and props we are all so fond of. Watching Stephen live was exhilarating in every way. My only wish is that we got more alone-time with Stephen! There was so much I wanted to ask him!
I did manage to find out though that he loves his Brussel sprouts baked in the oven with bacon, and that the CR has bought an ancient type of BIC pens that are no longer manufactured, simply because they are “chewy” enough for Stephen, who nibbles at their ends before coming up on stage (that’s why you see him biting on a pen in the January 16, 2013 taping I attended, as an inside joke with the live audience!)
