Last night was one of those "unique" nights at the bar that definitely needs describing by yours truly, especially in light of the fact that I didn't have my handy camera with me.
The night started out with dual birthday parties organized for two of our bartenders, BABY GIRL and WINNIE COOPER. The both of them share the same date of birth (October 14th), so the last few years they organized a joint birthday bash at the bar. It usually turns out to be a raucous affair and of course, tonight was no different. This year's bash was a bit different because a third party was taking place at the same time, a "boys night out" involving FIRE MARSHALL ED's firehouse. And to add to the mix, yet a fourth party gathered in the back of the bar, though I'm not quite sure what they were celebrating.
So all of a sudden we're dealing with a full bar of revelers with party people mixing amongst one another and it's become a real party. The bartenders were slinging drinks as fast as they could and I'm making sure that everything is running smoothly, while at the same time, checking my watch. Why? Because I had another appointment to tend to. Earlier in the week, I got invited to the "live" airing of NBC's "30 Rock" at Rockefeller Center and I was meeting MR. LOW-KEY at about 9:30pm. We needed to be at the actual "30 Rock" by 10:15pm, so as we got closer to departure time, I was in panic mode, making sure that everything was running smoothly. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a work-a-holic and it takes a lot to pry me away from the bar when I'm on duty. So as we got closer to departure time, I could see MR. LOW-KEY looking at his watch, so I gave my staff last minute directions, crossed my fingers and off we went!
We met up at a bar a block away from the studio with a guy who's wife worked on the show along with MRS. LOW-KEY. After a round of drinks, we made our way over to 30 Rockefeller Plaza and met up with the ladies, who were waiting patiently for us. After saying our hellos, they got us in the "good line" and within a few minutes, we were whisked through the security checkpoint and given cool green tickets, good for admission for the 11:30 live West Coast airing. The first thing I thought of was "Cool- this will be a nice souvenir from the show". Alas, as soon as we made our way to the studio, the NBC pages gave us wrist bands and made us give back the tickets (WTF).
We got inside the studio and as it turns out, it was the same studio used for "Saturday Night Live". The "Saturday Night Live Band" played for us during the warm-up, followed by the introduction of the whole "30 Rock" cast. Looking around the stage, there were various sets throughout and it pretty cool to see the stagehands maneuver everything, like poetry in motion.
Next thing you know, it was showtime. I was eager to see how they would pull off a whole show in less than 30 minutes, non-stop without any re-do's. Sure enough, the cast was great and the whole episode was pulled off with very little snafus. What mistakes there were, the cast members handled it well and kept the show moving. I was pretty impressed and entertained at the same time. I was actually disappointed when the show ended, it had gone so quickly. The ironic thing about tonight's show? The storyline revolved around Tina Fey's character's 40th birthday! Pretty cool.
After the show, we went down behind the studio to wait for the ladies to wrap up with their work stuff. While we were waiting for them, all of the cast members and guest were mingling around us like it was nothing. I met MATT DAMON and his very pregnant wife (I actually kept running into them throughout the rest of the time we were there and at the after-party). WILL FORTE, TINA FEY, TRACY MORGAN and a few other members of the cast were mingling amongst us and it was cool to see them in relax mode. Of course, I'm dying to take pictures of them but I didn't want to creep them out, especially after they'd just finished their show.
The cast party took place around the corner, at BILL'S BURGER and BAR, a new dining spot also located within 30 Rock. Of course, we get to attend and we spent the next hour or so, enjoying a pretty nifty open bar and passed finger grub. The whole cast and crew were there, along with LORNE MICHAELS, the producer of Saturday Night Live among others. Of course, I bump into MATT DAMON again, this time almost knocking down his very pregnant wife (I apologized and they were cool about it. It was crowded). After enjoying some fine cold pints of Sixpoint Sweet Action and some yummy finger foods, it was time to get back to the bar. So I thanked MR & MRS LOW-KEY for the great time and off I went, back to the safe confines of Murray Hill. Of course, I was wondering what I would be walking into when I got back to Third and Long.
Sure enough, the bar looked like a SCUD missile hit it. Definitely remnants of a big party taking place. By the time I'd returned, most of the bar had emptied out, yet, both of the birthday girls were still holding strong, though barely. Pretty funny actually.
As it turned out, everyone had a good time, myself included. And the bar is still standing after all is said and done. I'm glad I went to the show, especially after watching the East Coast taping later in the night. I think our taping was better. In any case, a memorable night for all. Happy birthday once again BABY GIRL & WINNIE COOPER!
That's It. That's All I Got (for now).
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