The Late Night Variety Show’s Irresistible Appeal

What makes it work?

On television, there have been and are numerous late night talk shows, many of which have achieved enormous success. All of them feature a variety of entertainment consisting of topical monologues, comedy sketches, celebrity interviews, audience participation, and musical performances. Some of the most well-known are: The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Late Night with David Letterman, The Jay Leno Show, and my current favorite Conan. Essentially, in addition to a personable and charismatic host, each of these successful shows have one thing in common. Their entire format is a series of entertaining events that happen in sequence. Entertainment is always what’s happening, and each segment is presented in such a way, the viewer’s maximum enjoyment is ensured.

Everything Ready, Behind the Scenes

In April of 2008, I had the pleasure of being a part of a Master of Ceremonies Workshop with the lovable and ever-popular Mark Ferrell. Jay Leno’s monologue was aptly used as an illustration of the expert planning that goes into every facet of a successful show. Mark described what goes on behind the scenes to set the stage for this regularly-scheduled show-opener. Though the audience is seldom aware of what’s happening, many things are in play that contribute to the experience. Jay Leno is ready for his entrance off stage. He’s all decked out in a specially-selected suit. The band starts his theme song, but before going out, he waits for that particular point in the music where the guitar is hitting that exciting high note. That’s the special cue. Only then does he make his entrance, and as he does, the audience spontaneously breaks into enthusiastic cheers and applause. Jay proceeds to his mark, the exact spot where he will stand, right in the focal point, center stage. His clothing, his posture, and his familiar Jay Leno demeanor are all part of what’s needed so he can now proceed with the carefully-conceived and well-rehearsed monologue—the first entertaining event of a series that will make up the evening’s show. And at the monologue’s completion, the band is right on cue, maintaining the fun and excitement, and segueing into the next enjoyable moment.

The Role of That Lovable Host

Relying on a masterfully-designed script, each host is the consummate Master of Ceremonies, adept at comfortably moving the show along from one entertaining scene to the next. The audience, staff, and featured guests depend upon his ability to maintain control over the proceedings. The success of the show is gauged by the overall quality of the entertainment experience, and this rides upon what the host does, and more importantly, on the way he does it. Though the personalities of each successful host vary considerably, they all possess the skills to keep the audience very comfortable, and of course, entertained. During his workshop, Mark Ferrell had us view clips of various celebrities in their roles as a Master of Ceremonies. He loved to have us watch David Letterman, pointing out how natural he was introducing one of his guests, how effortlessly he built the anticipation, guided the audience, and directed their response with a comfortable applause cue—all signs of an effective M.C.

So? What’s the connection to my wedding?

Everything! Look up at the flash header at the top of this page. It’s the entertainment that sets the tone of your reception, keeps your agenda flowing smoothly, and maintains the interest of your guests. The “Late Night Talk Show Host” of your wedding celebration is your Master of Ceremonies who uses music as a tool throughout the proceedings. Your wedding’s entertainment experience hinges on the way he does what he does. As Peter Merry says in The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!, “Choose someone who has the talents you find appealing, the skills to turn your dreams into reality, and the personality to entertain your guests in a style and manner that will fulfill and exceed your expectations.” Just like a successful late night variety show, a wedding reception that will be amazing and magical, that will truly reflect your personal style and keep your guests entertained from beginning to end, REQUIRES extensive planning, preparation, and skilled direction. In accordance with your priorities, nothing else comes near to contributing as much to the successful outcome of your special day.

AFFECTING THE MOMENT