How Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ Kept Its Studio Audience Entertained as Biden’s Speech and a Lengthy DNC Night Delayed Airtime

As a seasoned movie lover and Chicago native, I must say that the Auditorium Theatre has always held a special place in my heart. With its grandeur and historic charm, it’s a venue that truly captures the essence of our city. But let me tell you, watching “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” live from there is an experience like no other!


CHICAGO – The Auditorium Theatre in downtown Chicago was tranquil on Tuesday morning, likely due to the late-night activities from the previous day. On this occasion, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” initiated a four-night series of live shows at the venue (which is part of Roosevelt University’s campus). The episode concluded around 1 a.m., Chicago time.

It might be because the Auditorium appeared somewhat lifeless during lunchtime, with only one man present outside the theater, lugging two large backpacks. He could either be patiently waiting to get tickets for the show or perhaps a student from Roosevelt University, choosing that particular location to lounge and spend hours on his phone.

Apart from some live broadcast trucks parked at the rear and a large billboard displaying “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” in Chicago featuring Colbert holding a Chicago hot dog, there were minimal indications that CBS’ late-night talk show was preparing to begin its second night’s residency later on. Pedestrians, including Roosevelt University students, casually passed the Auditorium without giving it much thought. Despite this, audience members were instructed not to queue until 6 pm; however, eager fans had already started lining up as early as 4:45 pm on Monday.

As a movie critic, I must admit that the extended first night of the Democratic National Convention turned my usual late-night viewing into an unexpected marathon at the auditorium. Thankfully, I had filled up beforehand! Typically, “The Late Show” graces our screens in the Central Time Zone at 10:35 p.m., but this extended event rearranged the schedule.

President Joe Biden’s speech began close to 10:30 p.m., and it lasted almost an hour, leaving CBS with thirty minutes of local news still to air. Consequently, “The Late Show” on Monday didn’t start until around midnight Central Time, or 1 a.m. Eastern Time.

“Colbert remarked during his speech that the night was unusually special and lasted an exceptionally long time. In essence, he pointed out that we had recently transitioned into the initial night of the election year 2028.”

The eager audience erupted in applause and excitement when the show eventually started at nearly 1 a.m. ET, according to one production source. It was a particularly lively and passionate crowd, despite the late hour.

As a devoted cinephile, I always look forward to my evenings at the historic Auditorium Theatre, a grand venue that first opened its doors in 1889 and can comfortably accommodate almost 4,000 spectators. By 8 p.m., it’s time for us, the eager audience, to take our seats. At this juncture, the show starts playing a countdown or some relevant content to keep us engaged while we wait for the live broadcast of “The Late Show.” This is crucial because Stephen Colbert’s monologue often references current events, and it’s beneficial if the audience is well-informed. After the Democratic National Convention concludes and CBS switches to local news, that’s when our warm-up comedian emerges, energizing the crowd in anticipation of “The Late Show.”

How Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ Kept Its Studio Audience Entertained as Biden’s Speech and a Lengthy DNC Night Delayed Airtime

In his opening, Colbert remarked that the Auditorium was both stunningly beautiful and steeped in history, yet vast. He then called for a camera shot to the upper balcony area. He commented that it was the first theater he had ever performed in where the last row of seats were equipped with additional oxygen due to its high elevation.

As a movie enthusiast who stayed up late on Monday, I found myself among the fortunate audience members graced with the presence of none other than former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and the brilliant Julia Louis Dreyfus, both guests on Colbert’s show. The evening kicked off with a humorous pre-recorded skit featuring Jennifer Hudson, Nick Offerman, Sean Hayes, Jason Sudeikis, Robert Smigel, and George Wendt satirically expressing their affection for the Windy City in a playful rendition of a “Chicago National Anthem.”

The show carries on with live broadcasts every Tuesday, featuring special guests like Nancy Pelosi, Hakeem Jeffries, and a cameo from Laura Benanti, who often portrays Melania Trump. Wednesday’s episode will host Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of Transportation, along with a performance by Chance the Rapper from Chicago. Finally, Thursday’s show will go live after Kamala Harris’ acceptance speech for the Democratic presidential nomination, welcoming Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and a performance by Mavis Staples and Jeff Tweedy.

Given the news that speakers are being requested to shorten their speeches for Tuesday’s DNC, it’s possible that “The Late Show” might begin promptly – or even earlier, before midnight.

How Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ Kept Its Studio Audience Entertained as Biden’s Speech and a Lengthy DNC Night Delayed Airtime

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2024-08-21 00:17