Approximately two weeks ago I discovered, thanks to Murph's Russell Crowe News Page -- my home page of course, that RC was going to be a guest on Craig Ferguson's Late Late Show. Now I love Craig Ferguson and thought this was a perfect opportunity to see both Craig and RC. When RC was on Craig the last time, their chemistry was awesome and clearly RC enjoyed his time there. Went to the CBS website, tickets were available, downloaded those puppies and I was set. I couldn't wait to get home and tell my better half (Mr. Wonderful aka Mr. W) the absolutely BRILLIANT news. He was, ugh, thrilled. But loves me and agreed to accompany me. Ain't love grand! Now I'm not a risk taker at all period. If you tell me to go stand over there and wait to be called, that's what I'll do. No searching about to see what I can discover or make happen so from this point on the only exciting thing was this girl was smart enough to know to sit to the left side of the studio and not in the center. At least I knew that much before going in anyway just from watching Craig's show and knowing how the set was arranged. I had a beeline clear view, aka no camera obstruction, of RC. There is a lot of waiting, standing around, waiting, sitting around (my feet are quite swollen today). I expected this but when you're in it, it seems like an eternity. Finally you're in the studio and you soon realize from the warm-up guy that the studio audience is considered a TV Show Enhancer. They coach you on applauding, laughing, no yelling out, whistles etc. Bottom line, the studio audience is there to help create the atmosphere FOR THE TELEVISION AUDIENCE. You are essentially another intricate part of the show and Craig's performance. If you watch the Late Late Show, Craig's style is to talk literally into the camera creating intimacy with the TV audience. He interacts somewhat with the studio audience but not that much. This is not a bad mouth as the show is made for the TV audience, I mean...hello! RC was introduced, walked out waived to the audience, smiled a lot and the chemistry between he and Craig was undeniable. Craig was the naughty boy instigator and if I can go out on a limb and say RC being the "goer" that he is (as I really don't know the man) jumped in whole-heartedly and seemingly was enjoying himself to the fullest. And now there were TWO naughty boys on set and the audience is loving every minute of it. Loving the two animated gentlemen, their true laughter, and just watching them enjoy each others company for 15-20 min (?) or so. Some really funny stuff, double entrendre's a fly'n and great big smiles all around. Wink wink, nudge nudge smiles. At the end, I was SO glad that RC chose the "mouth organ" rather than the awkward pause to end his visit. What can't this man do? Then it was over and RC was gone. The light had left the room. Craig did a few more segment pieces and it was over. And in truth I was happy with the experience, yet sad as well. What I didn't realize is that unlike a concert (seen TOFOG twice in concert) or some other kind of stage performance (for me dance) where the performance is done for the audience that is right there, this type of show is produced for the television viewing audience...period. So that intimacy, at least for me, was missing. It's like you are still on the outside peering through the window at what's going on. I've been in the pit at a TOFOG concert to have RC seemingly look into my eyes and talk or sing directly to me. Who hasn't said to themselves, is he actually talking or singing to me????? Who can forget his eyes, his eyes in every film he's done. That's where the story is -- it does seem to be true that the eyes are the window to the soul. Anyway, all the Late Late Show staff were awesome. It was a fun, naughty, long day. And I was so thankful that my Mr. W had an excellent time as well. I slept most of the way home and didn't last long once we got there. I recorded the show last night on the home DVR (preset for anything showing RC of course) and will be watching it tonight! |