Uncategorized

Craig is Back!

After taping a week of episodes of the Late Late Show in Scotland (to be broadcast May 14-18) and some well-deserved time off, Craig Ferguson returns to Los Angeles for all-new episodes of the Late Late Show beginning Monday, April 2nd.  While Craig has been taking a break from the show, he has also been taking a break from Twitter but fear not, needy tweeters.  He will most likely be back on the tweety box sometime soon.

Craig Ticket Contest
If you live in live in the Medford, Oregon area, you could win tickets to see Craig at the Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater on April 26th.  YOU MUST live in the area where the local CBS television station KTVL broadcasts to be eligible.  Check out the full contest rules for more details.   For three days, April 23-26, they will put up a special telephone number during their morning newscast, and the 10th caller each day will will a pair of tickets.  If you are the 10th caller, you will need to come to the television station, show a photo ID and sign a form to certify that you live in the station’s coverage area to receive the tickets.  Good luck!  If you don’t live nearby, you can also buy tickets for this or any upcoming show.  See our Live Comedy Tour page for dates, times, locations and ticket links.

Pantomime Cows

While searching the web for information about pantomime horses like Secretariat, the RSA @hoborobot found an interesting article about the history of pantomime cows. There is a long history of four-legged creatures on stage.



Personalized Plates
The RSA’s @pibbles8 found a license plate that is chuckle-worthy.

New Brave Ad
While we were away, a new ad for the Disney/Pixar animated feature film Brave was released:

Video courtesy: Disney/Pixar

This Week’s Guests

Hannah Simone

Tune in for a week of all-new episodes of the Late Late Show, beginning Monday with TV host Julie Chen and basketball player Pau Gasol.  Tuesday, watch for actor Ted Danson, actress Hannah Simone.  Craig’s guest on Wednesday is actor Jeffrey Tambor.  Actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan and actress Jennifer Coolidge are in the studio on Thursday.  And on Friday, Craig welcomes actress Laura Linney.

Please note: Monday’s episode of the Late Late Show may be delayed in the Eastern and Central time zones due to CBS coverage of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. If coverage of the game and any post-game festivities extend beyond 11pm ET/10pm CT, the evening’s remaining programming, including your local news, Late Night with David Letterman and the Late Late Show will “slide” later. We’ll keep you posted on Twitter if the show’s starting time is delayed. The show’s start time in the Mountain and Pacific time zones should be unaffected.

Ridgefield, CT Show To Be Rescheduled
As we reported here on Monday, Craig Ferguson is planning a live stand up comedy performance for this summer at the Ridgefield Playhouse in Ridgefield, Connecticut.  The show was originally scheduled for June 4th and the venue had already started to sell tickets but has since temporarily taken the show off the calendar.  The Playhouse box office tells us that there was a scheduling conflict and that discussions are under way to find a new date.  Once that date is selected, the link will be restored and tickets will go back on sale.  We’re also keeping an eye open for more early June east coast shows to be announced, so keep checking back on our Live Comedy Tour page for updates.  Meanwhile, tickets for all of Craig’s upcoming live shows in April are on sale.  Book early to avoid disappointment!

Scotland Guests
So far, we have heard reliable information that at least three guests are going to be featured during the week the Late Late Show goes on location to Scotland.  We have shown pictures of actor Michael Clarke Duncan and actress Mila Kunis on location where the show was taping and we have seen reports that actress Emma Thompson will be a guest, which seems likely given that she will co-star with Craig in the animated film Brave, which will be released just a month after the Scotland episodes are shown.  If any of our UK roboskellies have seen or heard about other guests being taped for the show, please let us know.

Canadian Women
Canada’s CBC News in Saskatchewan spotted Craig’s Canadian friends in Tuesday’s opening segment.

New Companion
According to BBC News, British actress Jenna-Louise Coleman has been tapped to be Doctor Who‘s new companion in series 7, which is scheduled to premiere this fall. Filming for the new series is already under way.

Picking on Michael
You might be asking yourself, has Craig only been picking on LLS Producer Michael Naidus recently? The answer is… no. Not by a long shot. But whatever you do, don’t call the cops. Audiences can be so capricious.

Video courtesy: HoppyNinja

Tonight’s Guests
Wednesday on the Late Late Show, Craig chats with actress Elizabeth Banks and we’ll enjoy the comedy of Bryan Miller.  Encore presentations return Thursday, with a rebroadcast of the November 15th show featuring actor Ewan McGregor and comedienne Paula Poundstone.  And on Friday, watch for the November 30th show with author David Sedaris and comedian Jeff Cesario.  The re-run fairy visits all of next week and new episodes resume on April 2nd.  Details are on our Guests page.

Spring Break
[stextbox id=”custom” bgcolor=DBF7D8]As the last new episode of March is broadcast, Craig & Company are enjoying their spring break and we will be doing the same. Since most Late Late Show and Craig-related news will be slowing to a crawl over the next ten days, we’ll be taking a break from our daily posts until the show resumes production on April 2nd. Of course, if any big Craig news happens between now and then, we’ll be sure to post an update and alert you on Facebook and Twitter. Thanks as always to our loyal readers for your support. We’ll see you back here on April 2nd![/stextbox]

Scottish Stones
When the Disney/Pixar animated feature film Brave hits theaters this summer, it will give moviegoers a chance to experience the flavor of the Scottish landscape which forms the setting for the story.  Among the landmarks to be featured are the Stones of Callanish on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, the western islands of Scotland. As the website Scotsman.com explains, local businesses are excited that the mysterious stones will be seen by a worldwide audience.

Disney/Pixar Tour
Wired.com blogger Jim MacQuarrie has been invited to visit the studios where Brave is being produced. He’ll be there in early April and is asking his readers if they have any questions to ask the people behind the new film.

Baby Matarese
Congratulations to comedian Joe Matarese, who has frequently opened for Craig on the road, and his wife who welcomed their second child on Tuesday morning:

My wife and I had our second child today at 9:06 am! A beautiful little girl! Willa Matarese! Here she is everyone. http://pic.twitter.com/TJlcTTrE

‘Ghosts’ Wins Awards

LLS guest Stuart Neville‘s novel The Ghosts of Belfast has won two literary awards for its French-language version.  Details are on his website. Craig production company has optioned the film rights to the novel.  Thanks to the RSA’s @bgrhubarb for the link!



Instant Joke
With Larry King looking on, Craig was interviewing Dr. Sanjay Gupta when the three of them decided to go on the road, if only for the joke.

Video courtesy: banaram100

Tonight’s Guests
Tuesday on the Late Late Show, Craig’s guests are actress Kathy Bates and stylist Brad Goreski.  On Wednesday, Craig welcomes actress Elizabeth Banks and comedian Bryan Miller.

Guest Update

Ted Danson

The confirmed guest list for the Late Late Show has been updated through April 3rd, and there will be a new episode on April 2nd following the NCAA men’s basketball championship game. Encore presentations of the show wrap up on March 30th with the December 15th episode with Sean Hayes and John Hodgman. New shows in April will include Julie Chen, Pau Gasol, Ted Danson and Hannah Simone. For the most up-to-date listings, check out our Guests page.

Moichendising!
As Mel Brooks so wisely pointed out in the movie Spaceballs, it’s all about the merch.  Our friends who follow all things Disney over at StitchKingdom.com are reporting that Disney and Pixar are developing a video game based on the upcoming animated feature film Brave.  It will be available on a variety of platforms and will allow players to relive the movie experiences of the lead character, Merida, as well as go on new adventures.  On systems that support it, you’ll be able to shoot your own bow and arrow or ride your horse through the Scottish countryside.  Watch for it online and in stores this summer, to coincide with the film’s release.

Brave’s Writer
The newspaper Herald Scotland recently profiled Brenda Chapman, the writer behind Brave about her Scottish heritage and her inspiration to create the film.

Rice on Werewolves

Upcoming LLS guest Anne Rice recently did an interview with Southern California Public Radio about her new book, which marks a return to the genre that first brought her to prominence.


Goodbye, Possums
After more than 60 years on stage, beloved veteran comedian Barry Humphries has announced that he will be retiring at the end of his current live tour. As Australia’s Sunday Telegraph reports, he will be hanging up the purple wig of his most famous character, Dame Edna Everage. Here is a look at Dame Edna with Craig in 2009.

Video courtesy: TVsCraigFerguson2

Tonight’s Guests
Monday on the Late Late Show, we’ll see the extended interview Craig did with author Anne Rice that he decided to hold over so it wouldn’t have to be edited for time, plus enjoy the comedy of Geoff Tate.  On Tuesday, Craig welcomes actress Kathy Bates and stylist Brad Goreski.


Guest Update

Another guest has been added to the future guest list for appearances coming up in April; comedian Matt Kirshen.  You can see the complete listings on our Guests page.

April in the West, June in the East
We’re still a month away from Craig Ferguson‘s spring stand up comedy tour on the west coast and he is already booking shows for the summer on the east coast. First to be announced is the Ridgefield Playhouse in Ridgefield, CT on Monday, June 4th. Tickets are already on sale and this is a small venue with fewer than 500 seats, so book early to avoid disappointment! Because this date is on a Monday, we’re guessing that more shows will be added between June 1st and 10th, so keep an eye our Live Comedy Tour page for updates.

More Basketball
In the past week, there have been 52 games played in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.  With the field narrowed from 68 to just 16 teams, there are only 15 more games to go.  A dozen will be played this week, which could delay the Late Late Show on Thursday and Friday, plus the championship game on April 2nd could push schedules back.  We’ll keep you posted here and on the tweety box.

Any More from Scotland?

Pictures and stories from Craig’s visit to Scotland seem to have dwindled as quickly as they appeared.  We have not seen any notable new pictures, tweets or blog posts about his time there during the past week.  If you are in Scotland and have a story to share, please let us know.  We’re hoping to hear more about guests, locations where taping was done or other tidbits about the upcoming shows to share.

Sean Connery’s Voice
Sir Sean Connery has come out of retirement to voice an animated character in the new film Billi the Vet. As our friends at the Scottish Actors blog report, the film will premiere at the Sonoma International Film Festival in April.  Thanks to the RSA’s @CozyHobo for the link!

The Craft of Acting
Craig introduces us to Sir Cornwell Barnes, who interviews Daniel Craig about acting.

Video courtesy: RoQu3tO

This Week’s Guests

Bryan Miller

Just as we saw last week, there will be three new (freeze-dried) episodes of the Late Late Show this week, followed by two encore presentations.  Monday on the show, we’ll see the once-delayed interview with author Anne Rice and comedy by Geoff Tate.  Tuesday, Craig welcomes actress Kathy Bates and stylist Brad Goreski.  Then on Wednesday, watch for actress Elizabeth Banks and comedy by Bryan Miller.  On Thursday, we’ll see the November 15th, 2011 episode with actor Ewan McGregor and comedienne Paula Poundstone.  And on Friday, it’s the November 30th, 2011 show featuring author David Sedaris and comedy by Jeff Cesario.  As before, the Thursday and Friday episodes may be an hour late or more, due to CBS coverage of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

The following week, we can expect another visit from the re-run fairy.  You can see all of the listings on our Guests page.

 

Update: New Tour Venue
Craig Ferguson has added the Ridgefield Playhouse in Ridgefield, CT to his 2012 tour, with a performance on June 4th. Tickets are already on sale and this is a small venue with fewer than 500 seats. Book early to avoid disappointment! For dates, times and ticket links to all of Craig’s live stand up comedy shows, visit our Live Comedy Tour page.

Back on Time
Coming up this week, we’ll see three new (freeze-dried) episodes of the Late Late Show Monday-Wednesday, followed by an extended visit from the re-run fairy on Thursday, Friday and all of the following week. Thursday and Friday’s shows may again be delayed due to NCAA men’s basketball tournament coverage on CBS. Usually only the Eastern and Central time zones are affected, but on Friday night even the Mountain time zone late night shows were pushed back a few minutes. For the most up-to-date schedule, please visit our Guests page.

Craig in Scotland
Craig Ferguson has been in Scotland all week, taping a week’s worth of episodes to be aired in May. We’ve not heard an official word if taping has been completed or if there are still some segments to be recorded. We’re counting on our Scottish skellies to give us the scoop. If you see Craig out and about, please let us know.  Pictures are always welcome.

Lollipop Theater
Among the many charities Craig Ferguson supports, the Lollipop Theater Network is close to his heart. He serves on the advisory board of the group, which brings first-run movies to children’s hospitals, giving children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses a chance to see new films, meet members of the cast, enjoy group activities and more. They are kicking off a fundraising campaign and as of this writing, have reached 15% of their goal.


Mid-March Birthdays
In addition to being St. Patrick’s Day, Saturday, March 17th is the birthday of actor Kurt Russell (who encouraged Craig to get his pilot’s license), actor Rob Lowe and singer Nat King Cole. Sunday, March 18th is National Biodiesel Day and the birthday of President Grover Cleveland, actor Peter Graves and singer/actress Vanessa Williams. Here is a little Nat King Cole for your enjoyment:

Video courtesy: catman916

Home In Scotland
Once Craig Ferguson took his show on the road to Paris in the summer of 2011 and proved it was possible to make great television with a card table and dream, it was only a matter of time before he would find a way to use his home country as the background for a week of shows.  While the crew has been quiet about most of the specific places they have been taping, we know that they have spent time in Glasgow, nearby Cumbernauld and the capitol city of Edinburgh.

In addition to Michael Clarke Duncan (as seen in the Scottish Sun) and Mila Kunis (as reported in the Daily Mail, and Geoff Peterson (he was spotted in Cumbernauld) we can now add actress Emma Thompson, who appears with Craig in the upcoming film Brave, to the guest list for the week, as reported in Glasgow’s Evening Times. If you don’t want to sign up, click here to read the

TV star Craig’s back on stage at the Tron
By MATTY SUTTON

Comedian and television presenter Craig Ferguson returned to Glasgow and was joined by Hollywood stars as he filmed for his hit American TV show at the theatre where his showbiz career began.

Craig, who was born in Glasgow and brought up in Cumbernauld, was at the Tron Theatre.

His guests for The Late Late Show included Michael Clarke Duncan, who starred in The Green Mile, and Mila Kunis, of Forgetting Sarah Marshall and who is also the voice of Meg in Family Guy.

It is understood British actress Emma Thompson is also in the city to be filmed for the show.

Craig is filming a week’s worth of episodes of The Late Late Show In Scotland.

He has already filmed at different locations around Cumbernauld, including his old school, Cumbernauld High.

The 49-year-old started his career at the Tron, where he played comedian Bing Hitler. In the 1980s a film was made of his act at the theatre, which helped him on the way to fame.

However, Craig came under fire last week when he was described as a “traitor” after jokingly saying Cumbernauld “usually wins the prize for the second-worst town in the UK (after Hull).”

The TV chat show host joked: “With the statute of limitations finally expiring, it seemed like a great time to go back.”

Craig Photos
As the Scottish press realized that Craig was in the country, they sent reporters and photographers to take a look.  The RSA’s @Fergufool has been assembling some of the best photographs in her blog. We’ve put together a slideshow of some of the best pictures of the week:
[ssg-superb-slideshow=20=600=480=7000=500=0=NO]
A Band Ahead
The rock ‘n roll band Rockett Queens may soon appear on the Late Late Show, as they tweeted:

Soon on the @CraigyFerg ‘s show …!? 🙂 ahah

Help From Yelp
If you’ve ever thought about going to see a taping of the Late Late Show in Los Angeeles, you might want to check out some of the advice from audience members on Yelp.com. Thanks to the RSA’s wasabiluver for the link.

Magic in the Streets
We’re looking forward to Craig working his magic in the streets of Scotland but until then, here is a little bit of street magic from Paris to tide us over:

Video courtesy: CBS

Tonight’s Guests
Friday on the Late Late Show, watch for a rebroadcast of the November 14th, 2011 episode with actress Poppy Montgomery and author Charlie Higson. Due to CBS coverage of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, the show will likely be delayed by approximately one hour in the eastern and central time zones.