Live from Chicago, It's Saturday Night!
New York may be where well-renowned actors often end up, but it's Chicago that deserves the credit for their training. Saturday Night Live has come to the area where many of its comedians had their starts just down the street at Second City Improvisation Club. The beloved American program constructed Saturday Night Live the Experience to give fans the chance to follow production week leading up to the Saturday night show, while also offering interactive elements to allow the fans to be part of the experience.
Having spent 15 years of my life growing up in New York state, NYC was a beacon of excitement, adventure, and exploration achievable through weekend getaways, field trips or take-your-kid-to-work days. With every arrival in Grand Central Station came the familiar sense of energy and exhilaration that, to me, signaled that I was in The Big Apple. Those same characteristics are achieved every Saturday Night and are one of the reasons why SNL is a source of comfort, humor and entertainment for me. Going into the exhibit, I expected the sets to be set up in a way to relay the same emotions.
Monday
Image Credit: Jackie Wegwerth
Visitors learn that Monday begins with generating ideas. They brainstorm the talents of that week’s host, and how to best showcase them in sketches. Writers and actors bounce ideas off of each other with Lorne Michaels, with head writers having the final say in what will make it into the show. The writers then take the day to expand on their ideas.
In the same area, visitors have the chance to see a replication of Lorne Michaels's office. Just around the corner from his desk is an appearance from Land Shark: a recurring character first introduced as a response to the film Jaws. Contrasting the screams achieved by the shark in Jaws, Land Shark sparked laughter on screen. This laughter is mimicked and carried through the corner of the exhibit and carried visitors through to the following display.
Tuesday
Image Credit: Jackie Wegwerth
Tuesday's focus is writing. Writers expand on the ideas from the previous day and work late into the night to complete a fresh variety of sketches. No topic is off limits, which adds to what makes SNL so unique.
The majority of SNL's writers and actors have a background in 'improv' comedy, which proves useful in a live show that may not always go as planned.
The Tuesday room displays an old script in a glass table, while a video is projected sharing commentary from esteemed SNL writers such as Seth Meyers about the energizing challenge of completing this writing in just one day. Despite the challenge, the writers continually succeed in producing content to be reviewed the following day.
Wednesday
Image Credit: Jackie Wegwerth
On Wednesdays at four o'clock in the afternoon, the team of writers, actors, producers and host sit around a table with Lorne Michaels. The next three hours is used for an initial read-through of the scripts.
Later that night, the actors and writers learn the final schedule. Writers from selected sketches work on applying feedback from the meeting and the teams work towards planning the hair and makeup needed for each sketch. Set designers quickly work to divide and conquer the set plans in preparation for their visit to the scenic shop at 6 am the following morning.
Thursday
Image Credit: Jackie Wegwerth
Set designs take shape on Thursdays. As SNL only has three permanent sets, (the main stage where the host stands, the stage for musical performers, and the "Weekend Update" set), each Thursday has a lot to accomplish in their few allotted hours.
Also on Thursdays, SNL scouts for extras, looks for props, and starts shooting pre-taped segments. The musical act also arrives for the start of rehearsals.
The Thursday of the exhibit allows fans to see some of their favorite sets up-close. They're invited to relax on the couch from Wayne's World, or stand up for their hand at a round of Jeopardy as Turd Ferguson.
Friday
Image Credit: Jackie Wegwerth
The production accelerates on Friday. Sets are sent over from the shop in Brooklyn and pre-taped segments are wrapping up. The photographer finishes signature bumpers for the host and musical act as writers deal with numerous revisions.
The Friday room displays several of the iconic SNL costumes throughout the years. Next to their display is a screen looping clips from pre-recorded segments of the past. Passersby halt at the sight of it and join in rounds of laughter.
Saturday
Image Credit: Jackie Wegwerth
Last minute touch-ups are quickly made by individual departments. Everyone keeps working until the first audience arrives for the 8pm dress rehearsal. After finishing, the group leaves and a new crowd rolls in for the 11:30 live show. Depending on audience reaction from the first run through, sketches could ultimately be reduced or cut entirely.
The exhibit concludes with a video of Tina Fey hosting a series of highlight clips on a replica of the famous stage. The video screen is rolled away by a young employee and visitors snap back to reality. Though not truly in New York City, guests walk away with the same feeling of joy and happiness that is felt by the live audience on the show coast. It succeeded in matching the emotions I felt upon arrival in Grand Central Station and left New York City energy vibrating throughout Chicago.
