John Mulaney’s Star-Studded ‘SNL50’ Musical Sketch Includes Hot Dog Adam Driver, Kate McKinnon’s Giuliani and Scarlett Johansson Joking About Colin Jost

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John Mulaney led viewers on a five-decade exploration of “Saturday Night Live” during its 50th anniversary special, tracing the highs and lows of the show’s NYC roots. From the series’ debut in 1975, Mulaney’s celebrity-filled retrospective saw him persuading past cast members Pete Davidson and David Spade that living in grungy ’70s New York was still a time worth cherishing.

The portrayal shifted to a retrospective view of the city over successive decades, featuring Adam Driver in a hot dog costume, Kate McKinnon appearing as a disgraced ex-mayor Rudy Giuliani, and Scarlett Johansson channeling Audrey from “Little Shop of Horrors.” Jost’s real-life spouse, Colin Jokingly became the punchline of some jokes. Additionally, Nathan Lane belted out a tribute to cocaine, using the melody of “Hakuna Matata” from “The Lion King,” which he had also sung in the film as Timon.

Additional performers at the event were Paul Schaffer, former musical director on “SNL”, and G.E. Smith. Previous cast members Jason Sudeikis and Will Forte sang from the spectator area, alongside Kristen Wiig who appeared as a green M&M character. In the crowd were Jenna Ortega and Kevin Costner.

Or:

At the event, we saw Paul Schaffer, once a musical director on “SNL”, and G.E. Smith. Singing from the audience were Jason Sudeikis, Will Forte, and Kristen Wiig in a green M&M costume. The crowd included Jenna Ortega and Kevin Costner.

Or:

The event featured Paul Schaffer, who used to be “SNL’s” musical director, as well as G.E. Smith. Jason Sudeikis, Will Forte, and Kristen Wiig dressed as a green M&M sang from the crowd. In attendance were Jenna Ortega and Kevin Costner.

After 9/11, Giuliani was portrayed by McKinnon singing “I’m discarding my opportunity” to the rhythm of “Hamilton’s” “My Shot,” with Lin-Manuel Miranda in full Hamilton attire. Johanssen and Paul Rudd sang “Suddenly eBikes” to the melody of “Suddenly Seymour” from “Little Shop of Horrors,” while Kenan Thompson and Maya Rudolph sang “One Day More” together with Nick Jonas and Taran Killam dressed as pizza rat.

The story starts in 1975, when Mulaney was counseling Davidson and Spade about moving to New York. He warned them that New York was struggling, describing it as a bankrupt, grimy mess on the verge of collapse. Despite this, Spade was eager to leave while Davidson wanted to stay, saying “We’re artists and visionaries, and New York is our home. So give me one hot dog laced with heroin!

Later on, Mulaney prompts Hot Dog, portrayed by Adam Driver, and Heroin, played by Maya Rudolph, to express what New York embodies. They sing to the rhythm of “Fame”, crooning: “Blame! You’ll be shot in a cab! You’ll be stabbed on the subway train!

After that, Mulaney moves the pair to 1980s New York. “We’re at a high-powered lunch on Wall Street. They inquire if New York is okay now, he replies. ‘If you’re white, yes! It’s due to the surge in the stock market and a popular diet that’s been taking over the city.’ At this point, Lane bursts out, singing “Hakuna Matata,” but replacing it with ‘Cocaine and some vodka, what a fantastic era. Cocaine and some vodka. It’s how the Mets win their games!’

“I bet Disney’s gonna be psyched!” Mulaney says about the reworked lyrics.

By the 1990s, New York had grown significantly more costly. As we approach the ’90s, Times Square was set to transition from being a hub for pimps and pornographers into something even more soiled: cartoon mascots, according to Mulaney’s observation. However, the established order would not depart without a fight.

More to come

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2025-02-17 06:46