California Dreamin' Part 7 - The Late Late Show

Last full day in LA, and the original  reason my trip was extended to this day was finally here! Craig was back in town and it was time for my very first Late Late Show taping. I had lots of good advice on what to do  from my many friends who have shared their experiences.Thank you all! 1iota had me worried for awhile, not posting the schedule for Late Late Show tapings past April 18th until I was just a week away from leaving for California. They had reassured me via email that there would be a taping that day, but I needed that computer copy of a ticket in my hand to feel secure.
Oddly a tweet to @joshrthompson where I mentioned that I was nervously waiting for a post was followed an hour later by 1iota posting two weeks of taping days (no guest mentions) starting April 30th. Coincidence? I'm not sure what happened there but thanks! I jumped online and had a priority ticket within seconds.

Ready for a full day in the CBS Television City/Grove/Farmers Market area, I made the drive over there in just a few minutes. It actually felt a little bit like going to work (I wish!). Even more so after I parked and walked over to the street next to the CBS parking lot, where I met up with other audience members. http://twitpic.com/9i9u0w  It was only 2:30 in the afternoon, and the taping was scheduled for 5 PM, so we had time to chat and share Craig stories while we waited. Then Ryan with 1iota showed up and started preparing us for what was to come. He had us cheering on the street! Tour bus guides called out to us as they passed by. It was getting festive out here! After we passed through the security gates and handed over our cell phones, we found seats in a waiting area next to the gift shop.  We were told we could shop and use the restrooms now. Best to be prepared and not need a bathroom break past this point.  Ryan introduced Chunky B, who did a great job creating just the right atmosphere for what we were about to do, "make great television with Craig Ferguson."  As we walked through the hallway, I saw Jeff Arnold, stage manager, someone I've missed seeing on the road and in those great musical cold opens. It was good to see his smiling face!

Then it was time to go to the studio. I haven't been in a television studio in awhile, but it does feel comfortable. I've been hanging out in the corners of studios most of my life. When I was a kid, my Dad took me along when he went to the local CBS in Louisville to play bass on some of the shows they taped there. That time, along with lots of years working in radio, is probably why I had this 'going to work' feeling.
Still, even though we've been told this is a small studio, the size was a bit of a surprise. That long shot you see when Craig walks through the doorway makes the distance across the stage seem farther than it is.
I enjoyed having a look at the cameras and the lighting arrangement. I was seated in the front row, stage left, the side opposite Lesbian Row.  I could see Josh a little bit and Michael quite well, as he was in front of  me just a few seats to my left.
I would give you more details about the pre-show fun, but it might take away from the enjoyment of seeing it for the first time. If you get the chance, go! Needless to say, we were ready for Craig. When he walked onstage we were out of our seats cheering. As much coaching as Chunky B may do, this crowd was enthusiastic for real. It certainly felt that way to me!
Craig was fresh from ten days on the road and ready for some fun. He and Josh/Geoff were fantastic together. The guests were Jim Gaffigan and Cat Cora. The chat with Jim was hilarious. I enjoyed the chats and planning between segments too, especially the preparation for the cooking segment, watching Craig putting on the jacket and toque and seeing Geoff being dressed in his cooking outfit. The cooking segment was such a treat, uproariously funny, with the added advantage of the wonderful cooking aromas. Made me hungry!
When the show was over, Craig thanked us and introduced Josh as the genius behind Geoff Peterson. That was very nice moment. Not in a hurry to leave, but it was time. Again in the hallway I saw Jeff Arnold, this time with a little time to chat, as we prepared to go. What a great experience! I was already thinking of returning to celebrate the move to the new studio.

It was dinner time, and I was wandering around Farmer's Market and the Grove. http://twitpic.com/9i9vw4 I checked the menu at Morel's and decided to sit outside to enjoy my last dinner in California there. http://twitpic.com/9i9uhf  http://twitpic.com/9i9usa It was cool and overcast, so the waitress put me next to a heater. Very comfy sitting there people watching, I was also treated to the full "Dancing Waters" show, with great jazz and pop standards playing while what many of us now consider Craig's fountain put on a full display. It was the perfect way to spend the last evening of this California journey. http://twitpic.com/9i9v81

Thanks to RSA News for posting all these blogs! And a big thank you to Craig Ferguson, who continues to inspire me to choose adventure. I am truly grateful. ♥ #RSA