First LA, Then the Road
It will be a busy week for Craig Ferguson, who begins his week in Los Angeles taping a pair of episodes of the Late Late Show on Monday and Tuesday before heading out on the road. He’ll be at the Chicago Theater on Thursday night and then heads to Washington, DC on Friday to record his new stand up comedy special. As he has done in the past, he’ll perform two shows before the cameras on Friday. The better of the two will become the foundation for the special, but if various parts of the other show have a bit that sounds more sharp or gets a bigger laugh, he’ll have the ability to edit in segments of the other as needed. By taping both shows, they’ll also have more raw material for shots of Craig at different angles and views of the crowd. Josh Robert Thompson will again open for Craig and get the crowds rolling. Craig & Company then get a break through the Thanksgiving holiday and return to LA for new episodes of the Late Late Show on November 26th.
We Want Your Stories Will you be seeing Craig perform live in Chicago or Washington? We want to hear your stories! Craig’s fans from around the country have sent us stories, blog posts and pictures (no flash photos or videos, please) from live shows and we are delighted to share them with the rest of the robot skeleton army. We especially like to see photos as soon as possible after a show, so fans can see Craig for themselves. You can send us your story using our Contact Us page. You can attach photos there as well, or use our new Flickr photo page to upload your pictures. Or if you have your own blog or website, you can always tweet us a link, which we’ll be happy to post. We always like sharing your experiences with other Craig fans.
Late Night Shows
A recent New York Times story paints Conan O’Brien in an unflattering light, and includes a brief mention of Craig, praising his monologues as “daring.”
Late Late Show Art
The RSA’s @keepintouch0 sent along a collage of LLS bits and pieces, including a TARDIS in the background.
Nice Hat
Craig espouses the benefits of a small hat, complete with French subtitles.
Video courtesy: arya1788
Tonight’s Guests
Monday on the Late Late Show, Monday, we’ll see an interview and performance with Nikki Reed, along with comedian Dave Attell.
Also on Monday, a last-minute guest popped up. Actor DJ Qualls tweeted:
On Tuesday, Craig chats with Toby Keith who will also perform, plus author J.R. Martinez.
Election Roundup Newsday compiled a roundup of the late night talk show monologues following Tuesday’s elections, including Craig Ferguson‘s thoughts from Wednesday’s show.
Upcoming Chicago Show
The Chicago Tribune offers a very brief story promoting Craig’s upcoming appearance at the Chicago Theater, even joking that there are some people who go to be early and might not be familiar with our fearless leader.
For a Good Cause
As if you needed another reason to appreciate and respect Craig Ferguson, here’s another, tweeted by an employee of the Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation during their fundraising event on Saturday night:
Thanks to @CraigyFerg for performing at the 35th Annual Gala for @ChildrensColo. So generous to donate back your performance fee!
Mitch Interviews Craig
Back in 2009, author Mitch Albom interviewed Craig about his autobiography, American On Purpose.
Video courtesy: Fergufool
This Week’s Guests
Lucy Punch
It’s another week of all new episodes of the Late Late Show, beginning Monday with an interview of and performance by Nikki Reed and comedy from Dave Attell. Tuesday, Craig welcomes back singer Toby Keith for an interview and performance, plus he’ll be joined by author J.R. Martinez. Wednesday, actor Billy Crystal and actress Berenice Marlohe are Craig’s guests. Actor Max Greenfield and actress Lucy Punch are on Thursday’s show. And on Friday, watch for actor James Spader and journalist Cynthia Littleton.
Craig in Denver Craig Ferguson spent his Saturday evening in Denver, performing at a fundraising event for the Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation. On his trip from the airport on the city’s eastern outskirts, Craig tweeted a photo:
Just downloaded Angry Birds Star Wars. This is probably my last tweet for a while. #pigsinspace
Radio Contest Craig will perform at the Chicago Theater on Thursday, November 15th and then heads to Washington, DC for two shows at the Warner Theatre on November 16th. If you live in Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia or West Virginia, you could win tickets to see the show. You can enter a contest by radio station MIX 107.3 by signing up online. Again, you MUST be a resident of Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia or West Virginia to be eligible, according to the station’s contest rules. Note: We are not affiliated with this contest but pass along the details for your information.
Appearance Leads to Honor
Because of an episode of the Late Late Show, actress Daniela Ruah will be the guest of honor at a gala for the Los Angeles Sephardic Jewish Film Festival on Sunday. One of the festival’s organizers was watching the show when Ruah appeared back in January. When she talked about going home to Portugal for Hanukkah, the organizer reached out to her, as reported on the website JewishJournal.com. Thanks to the RSA’s @MissGraoully for the link!
Lynn on Superstition
Craig’s sister, the wonderfully talented writer and actress Lynn Ferguson, recently gave a live reading of her essay on superstition that combines poignancy and humor to make an important point.
The Late Late Show guest list has been updated to include Cory Kahaney, Nat Faxon, Tim Meadows, Kristin Davis, Bianca Kajlich, Jamie Foxx and Quentin Tarantino. You can see the most up-to-date listings any time on our Guests page.
Lights Out A power outage struck Hollywood on Thursday afternoon, and the Late Late Show did not escape, leaving Craig Ferguson and guest Eric Idle in the dark during the taping of Friday’s show. Idle tweeted:
Strange experience. Just did Ferguson, and the lights went out. We did the show in the dark. Be on tomorrow. Sang Lonely Trout…he too.
He added on Friday:
I’m on Ferguson tonight. He always makes it so painless it’s a shame to take the money. Actually it’s only a tiny shame. Like the money.
Here is a clip from Friday’s show:
LL Cool J’s Music
The hip-hop world is buzzing after LL Cool J’s appearance on the show Thursday night, where the multi-talented artist told Craig that in February, he’ll be releasing his first new album in five years. The website HipHopDX.com was among the many site reporting the news.
Bigger on the Inside
The Doctor Who fan website Kasterborous.com noticed actor David Morrissey‘s recent appearance on the show and his conversation with Craig about the TARDIS on the desk.
Woking in the Dark
Craig has coped with power outages in the studio before. Back in 2009, he remarked that the lighting was “slightly improved.”
Video courtesy: n0tyham
Tonight’s Guests
Friday on the Late Late Show, Craig welcomes actor Eric Idle and actress Emily VanCamp.
Guest Update
Comedian Lewis Black has been added to the list of upcoming guests on the Late Late Show. You can see the full listings on our Guests page.
Hiking to Hollywood
Back in February, the RSA’s Terry Wood, who blogs for outdoor retailer REI, sent us a story about how he hiked through the hills of Hollywood to attend a taping of the Late Late Show. This week, he’s written a new story about a second trip of urban exploration, and again, he winds up Craig Ferguson‘s studio audience at CBS Television City. Thanks for sharing your story, Terry!
Super Bowl Shows
CBS has announced that immediately following its broadcast of the Super Bowl on February 3rd, 2013, it will feature an episode of the Sherlock Holmes reboot drama Elementary. It will be followed by your late local news and as we have reported, a special episode of the Late Late Show in New Orleans.
Dragon Holiday Special
A new How To Train Your Dragon-themed Christmas special is coming to Fox on December 17th. Entitled Dreamworks Dragons: Gift of the Night Fury, it will feature the voice cast from the popular animated film, including Craig, reports TVEquals.com. The article also reminds us that the sequels to HTTYD will be in theaters in the summers of 2014 and 2016.
Keep Calm
The RSA’s @dorindaletitbe spotted a version of a popular British wartime poster that sounds to us like sensible advice.
Earthquakes and Steven Seagal
In an episode of the Late Late Show from 2005, Craig talks about earthquakes and other signs of the apocalypse, including Steven Seagal having a hit record in France, leading to a rant on celebrities branching out.
Video courtesy: Fergusongirl
Tonight’s Guests
Thursday on the Late Late Show, Craig chats with actor LL Cool J and actress Naomie Harris. On Friday, Craig welcomes actor Eric Idle and actress Emily VanCamp.
Guest Update
The Late Late Show guest listings have been updated to include actor James Marsden. You can see the most up-to-date listings on our Guests page.
Matthew Perry on LLS
In a last-minute substitution, actor Matthew Perry will appear on Wednesday’s Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. He’ll be there to talk about his new show Go On and have some fun chatting with our fearless leader. Craig tweeted:
Thanks @mathewperry for handling my fruit on the show tonight. #code // Aw crap. I meant @MatthewPerry not the imposter. I’m confused from all the fruit handling.
Seeing a Show in Person
The RSA’s @ThoseThingsILov recently had a chance to see a taping in person of the Late Late Show at CBS Television City in Los Angeles and wrote up a great account of her visit.
Craig in Denver The Denver Post gives a brief mention of Craig’s upcoming fundraising appearance in Denver for the Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation. Individual tickets for the event have been sold out for months but corporate tables are still available. And tickets are still available for Craig’s upcoming shows in Chicago, Washington and Milwaukee. Details are on our Live Comedy Tour page.
New Imagineers Video
The band The Imagineers, featured during Craig’s week of shows from Scotland earlier this year, have released a new video for their song “Shackles” and sent it to us.
Video courtesy: TheImagineers1
Tonight’s Guests
Wednesday on the Late Late Show, there has been a last-minute substitution and we’ll see actor Matthew Perry in place of actress Carrie Fisher, who will return at a later date. Craig also interviews actor/director RZA. On Thursday, Craig’s guests are actor LL Cool J and actress Naomie Harris.
Guest Update
The Late Late Show guest listings have been updated through November 20th, including Wednesday’s last-minute switch of Matthew Perry for Carrie Fisher. You can see the most up-to-date listings on our Guests page.
Seeing the Late Late Show
We always invite our readers to send us their stories of seeing Craig Ferguson live on his stand up comedy tour or during a taping of the Late Late Show in Los Angeles. The RSA’s @pinkbirdie48840 recently attended a week of shows in the new Studio 56, and tells us about her adventure.
[stextbox id=”custom”]I just spent a week in LA seeing tapings of TLLS and had the most wonderful week ever! I’m a small town Wisconsin farm girl, now living in Michigan. I’m working on completing my “bucket list”, and one of the items on the list is to meet Craig Ferguson. I didn’t get to meet him last week, but I did have a great time anyway!
I flew out to LA on Sunday, October 28th and got the scare of my life riding in a shuttle van on the 405 from LAX to my hotel. It was 9pm on a Sunday evening and the traffic was crazy! The shuttle dropped me off at my hotel on Fairfax, Farmer’s Daughter, right across the street from the CBS studios. I chose the hotel based on location and it turned out to be an awesome decision on my part. The hotel is a renovated motel, turned into a “boutique hotel.” I thought the food was excellent and I strongly recommend the mac & cheese there. It’s awesome!
Monday morning, my first order of business was to check out my surroundings. I had a nice breakfast at the hotel restaurant, “Tart,” then headed across the street to the Farmers Market and the Grove shopping mall. This is where various views in the opening sequence of the Late Late Show were shot. Of course I had to take pictures of these spots, to prove that I had been there. I was looking like a typical tourist and I didn’t care, because that’s what I was: A tourist! I shopped for souvenirs for friends back home. At the Grove, I wandered right into a taping of Extra with Mario Lopez. I didn’t see any stars wandering around, but did see a lot of trophy wives, strutting their stuff.
Deciding that I had enough for the moment, I headed back to my hotel for a quick nap before the taping of the Late Late Show that afternoon.Before heading for California, I did my homework and scanned the 1iota.com website on a daily basis, waiting for the shows to be announced for the week I was going to be in LA. Once the tickets were available, I requested tickets for the whole week. Monday was granted immediately and I was put on the waiting list for the rest of the week. After about a week, Tuesday was granted as well. I just kept my fingers crossed for Wednesday and Thursday.
I got there 1 hour before the time on my ticket, hoping for a good seat. I did this every day and it worked to my advantage. Monday I was in the front row, and the rest of the week I was in the second row. Alas, as much as I wanted to sit in Lesbian Row, I was not going to be granted that wish. The audience wrangling crew is a wonderful group. They are helpful and patient and Ryan is hilariously funny! After Monday, they recognized me the next three days with a “Hey, you’re back!” There was not a word from him Chunky B, the warm up comedian as he handed me candy as I entered the studio each day.
I should have written down the guests that I saw, and when, but I thought I’d be able to remember. Now sitting here, I can’t come up with all the names or when I saw them. I can tell you that I saw shows that aired on October 30th and 31st, November 1st and 2nd, and shows that will air on November 15th and 19th. I do know that I saw Jay Leno, Regis Philbin, Rashida Jones, Alton Brown, Michael Sheen and Joel McHale.
After Tuesday’s taping, I received an email that indicated I had been granted a ticket for Thursday’s show, so Wednesday was the only show that I still did not have a ticket to. I went Wednesday and stood in line anyway, with my waiting list status, hoping I’d get lucky. I was there early, as usual, and when they came around asking to see our tickets, I said I didn’t have one and that I was on the waiting list. The gentleman behind me said, “You’re with me! My friends bailed on me and I have extra tickets!” Holy crackers! I felt like I had just won the lottery!
I did have a close encounter with Josh Robert Thomson (the voice of Geoff Peterson) while waiting outside the studio on Wednesday. I said, “Hi” to him and he said, “Hi” back, after recovering from the shock of someone recognizing him! I also talked to Chris, the show’s stage manager. I told Chris that I missed the musical numbers and he said to email Craig to let him know. I said, “No way! Craig hates being told what to do! You tell him!”
While standing in line all week, I met some of the nicest people from all over the US. Some were CraigyFerg fans, some were fans of that day’s guest. On Thursday, I met a couple of ladies from Pennsylvania who were rabid fans like me! Everyone was super friendly and we kept each other entertained for the couple of hours we were in line waiting for the show. I enjoyed every single taping, and watched in awe as Craig performed his magic. I was impressed with how businesslike he was (usually!) between segments. The shows went by so quickly. On Wednesday and Thursday, I even caught some of the candy Craig threw into the audience.
On Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, I did the Hollywood bus tour, checking out all the famous sites, taking pictures like a good tourist. I did not see any stars while out and about. On Thursday, my last full day in LA, I went back to the Grove/Farmers Market and while there, a production assistant came up to me and asked if I would be willing to be in the crowd behind Mario Lopez while he taped Extra. I agreed, and can be seen in the episode that aired that night. They also gave me an Extra t-shirt!
I left LA early Friday, after another hair raising shuttle ride to the airport. While I don’t think I could live in LA permanently, I would like to visit again, and I’m sure that I will want to see more tapings of the Late Late Show in the future.[/stextbox]
Postcards to St. Louis
One of Wednesday’s guests will be Carrie Fisher, who spoke recently with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch about Star Wars, her books and more.
RZA Rocks
Wednesday’s other guest is actor RZA, once best known as part of the Wu Tang Clan, a group Craig’s mother enjoyed. Now, he has made the jump to directing with the film The Man with the Iron Fists, as the Los Angeles Times reports.
Tonight’s Guests
Tuesday on the Late Late Show, the re-run fairy visits with the October 2nd episode featuring actress Mindy Kaling and comedian Carrot Top. Because it is Election Day, the encore show may be broadcast very late or even pre-empted “in your region” due to election coverage from CBS and your local news. New episodes resume Wednesday, when Craig welcomes actress Carrie Fisher and actor RZA.
Guest Update
The guest listings have been updated through November 16th, adding actress Naomie Harris to this Thursday’s show. You can see the most complete and up-to-date listings on our Guests page any time.
Will you be seeing Craig perform live in Chicago or Washington? We want to hear your stories! Craig’s fans from around the country have sent us stories, blog posts and pictures (no flash photos or videos, please) from live shows and we are delighted to share them with the rest of the robot skeleton army. We especially like to see photos as soon as possible after a show, so fans can see Craig for themselves. You can send us your story using our Contact Us page. You can attach photos there as well, or use our new Flickr photo page to upload your pictures. Or if you have your own blog or website, you can always tweet us a link, which we’ll be happy to post. We always like sharing your experiences with other Craig fans.
Also on Monday, a last-minute guest popped up. Actor DJ Qualls tweeted:
