I was in New York for the past three weeks, and it was one of the best times of my life. Sure, a good part of it was devoted to school work, but that’s not to say that a fair portion involved leisurely activities. I have some yarns that involve an adopted concept called “The Tyson Zone,” but that will be explained in another blog all together. The story I want to tell you is about my adventure resulting in me getting into the Saturday Night Live studio audience. Buckle your seat belts ladies and gents, for you’re about to go on the ride of your life.
On the 9th of May I was getting my drink on with some of my colleagues. After knocking back a few, my SNL pals, Brendan and Dave, stopped by my room and told me it was time to go wait in the line in front of 30 Rock. I was stoked, and I was drunk. It was a recipe for both fun and success. Once we readied the necessary provisions, we were on our way at approximately 2 in the AM.
While we waited in the subway station one of our party noticed strange figures in the tunnel, and we just assumed that they were ghosts. If you’ve seen the Ghost Busters films, you’ll know what I mean. Dan Aykroyd represent, yo. Then Brendan and Dave started reciting lines from Daredevil of which I’ll never forget: “You see that light at the end of the tunnel? It’s not heaven, it’s the C-Train!” I think the line is hilarious on it’s own, but when you’re given a Christopher Walken-ized rendition it’s that much funnier. The train eventually came, and we were rapidly approaching our destination.
We got off of the train, found 30 Rock, got some food, and then we watched Walk Hard. We were pretty close to the front of the line, so I was pretty sure that we were going to get in. As the night went on, we just hung out and laughed like a couple of girls at summer camp. It was glorious. When 6:00am rolled around we were asked to stand up and wait another hour, so we did. Finally, a stern-looking blonde woman came out and told us how the standby line operated. While she was talking I remembered that I was going to see the David Mamet play November, and that I wouldn’t be able to join the others in the dress rehearsal. My compadres shook their heads in dismay, but I was optimistic that I’d be able to get into the live show, so I was stoked when I got my ticket. I was number 22 and I figured that this would ensure my entrance and would bring my year-long dream of seeing Shia LeBeouf in person to fruition.
We went home and slept all morning, and afterwards had a little bite to eat before the big show. November was hilarious and Nathan Lane was a laugh riot. After the play, I hustled over to 30 Rock to get in line. It was once again explained to us how the whole procedure was to go down, and at this point I was jittering with anticipation. The line started to move. I got through the metal detectors. I was on the elevator and was now ascending to the eighth floor where comedic magic was going to occur very shortly. I was given my bracelet and I took my seat in the far right corner. It wasn’t the greatest seat, but who was I to complain? I was going to see Saturday Night Live, live.
The show was unreal. That’s all I’ll say about that. It’s what happened after the show that made that night so special. Since my seat was one of the furthest from the exit I was one of the last to leave, but unbeknownst to me at the time, this would prove to set me up for an opportunity of a lifetime. When I finally got into the final stretch of hallways I looked around to take it all in (that’s what she said), and that’s when I saw him. That him was no other than Bill Hader of Superbad and SNL (obviously) fame.
All I could think was “Oh my God… He’s right there.” I waved to him, and he waved back. I had to talk to him. I walked over and extended my hand which he thankfully received in a handshake. I told him it was an honor meeting him, and that I was stoked after waiting so long in the standby line that I got to meet him. He kindly told me that that was awesome, and in my head I was in total concurrence. Those thirty seconds were unreal. I met Bill Hader, and nobody could take that away from me. Had I of known I could’ve brought my camera I’d have physical proof of the actual encounter, but I do have my bracelet if that’s any certification. I have a new appreciation for Saturday Night Live, and I think you should all know that Bill Hader is the man.
