By LAUREN KASZUBA
Co-Arts Editor
From the Summer Stage in Central Park in the heart of New York City…it’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” sponsored by T-Mobile.
Saint Rose alum Jimmy Fallon and his Tonight Show crew took on something that has never been done before in late night television. Sponsored by T-Mobile, over 1,000 audience members watched as “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” was the first ever late night show to be broadcast from Central Park…and I have to say, the Sept. 13 episode was quite the success.
To begin, “The Tonight Show” intro received a one-time makeover just for the special event. Whereas the traditional intro, directed by Spike Lee, features gorgeous clips of New York City landmarks, the Central Park episode intro was switched up a bit, featuring stunning shots of various NYC buildings and a few restaurants. Fallon is also seen running into Central Park before his introduction, whereas in the traditional intro, he is seen walking into Rockefeller Center. I thought that this one-time change in intro was absolutely fitting for such a special occasion and it was extremely well done (not to mention, fun).
Another aspect of this special show that was done right was keeping the original set design and format. I couldn’t believe it when I saw the set on camera; it looked as if the crew had picked up the set in Rockefeller Center and moved it straight outside (I mean, in some aspects, they did). I felt as if it was important that they kept the original set seen regularly on the show. Had they changed it, perhaps it may not have felt like the traditional Tonight Show as much.
Fallon kept to his regular format as well. Running out from behind the famous blue curtain, greeting the audience, presenting a monologue, and performing his usual skits and games. Again, while I watched this, I felt like I was watching a regular episode of the show, but I also felt like something so special was happening – and that something special was history being made. Maybe it’s just my television-production-major mind that made me think this.
Guests for the show included Blake Lively and Carrie Underwood. Following the monologue, both women, Fallon, and special guest Henry Golding (from “Crazy Rich Asians”) all partook in the ‘Name That Song Challenge.’ Sitting in with house band The Roots, the New York Philharmonic helped The Roots slowly begin to play a song that the contestants, who paired into groups, had to guess. Fallon and Lively came out as the champions as Lively correctly guessed Ricky Martin’s hit, “Livin’ la Vida Loca.”
Following this, Fallon interviewed Lively, mainly discussing how Lively pulled off a great “Baby Spice” costume in 1997. Showing a photo of Lively dressed up as Spice Girl “Baby Spice,” next to a small girl, Lively insinuated that her costume was so convincing that it was enough for the small girl to want to take a photo with her, thinking she was the actual “Baby Spice.” Fallon and Lively also discussed Lively’s new movie, “A Simple Favor,” which is in theaters now.
Next, Carrie Underwood and Fallon chatted, talking about Underwood’s new album, “Cry Pretty.” The topic of Underwood’s pregnancy also came up, which lead to discussion about her 3-year-old son, Isaiah. Spoiler alert: Underwood secretly hopes that her son will be into music when he grows up.
To wrap up the show, Underwood gave a fantastic performance of “Love Wins,” a song that can be heard on “Cry Pretty.” Underwood’s powerful vocals with the combination of the fantastic, glow-stick-filled crowd was absolutely impeccable.
Overall, this episode was chill inducing in the most positive way. Seeing the large audience almost every time the show cut to commercial (or everytime they wanted to get a wide shot of the audience in general) made it feel as if you were there being apart of television history. Fallon made this important episode so much fun, just like he does with all episodes. Just through the screen, I could feel how special this certain episode was, from start to finish. I believe that this was the right show to make late night television history; I don’t think any other late night show could’ve done it any better.
If you’re a Tonight Show fan and haven’t seen this episode yet, I highly recommend watching it. You will not be disappointed, I promise you.
