October 14, 2015 - Jack Black, Nick Woodman, Michelle Dorrance

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Episode GuideEPISODE NUMBER: Season 1, Episode 27 (Wednesday, October 14, 2015)
GUESTS: Jack Black | Nick Woodman | Michelle Dorrance
SEGMENTS: Monologue | How About That Democratic Debate | Jack Black | “My Kind of America” with Jack Black | Nick Woodman | Michelle Dorrance | Stephen Gets a Tap Dance Lesson | Michelle Dorrance Performs Tap with Jon Batiste & Stay Human
SUIT REPORT: Dark Suit | White Shirt | Brown Patterned Tie

Monologue

Stephen comes out and brings us the big news about one of our favorite things - beer. Yes, beer. The word from the business world is that Anheuser-Busch wants to buy out Miller for approximately $104 billion dollars… which Stephen retorts by saying about half that amount can purchase a beer from Yankee Stadium. The merger is worrying some people because this mega-corporation will soon own about 70 percent of the beer market.

Stephen promises a ‘tall frosty show’ for us and reviews the guest line up.

Another mention was regarding Delta Airlines reporting of its half-billion dollar profits, which Stephen said ‘they’ll now be charging you a fifty dollar celebration fee.”

How About that Democratic Debate

Stephen discusses the recent Democractic debate and how ‘different’ it was, in its lack of outrageousness. The only profane banter was on the back wall which kept scrolling ‘F CNN’ across. Most of the topics were of the usual - tax the rich, inexpensive college, “once a month bagel day will be doughnut day’.

With little to no surprise Stephen pointed out how Bernie Sanders stayed true to his message - regarding percentages of income levels between the citizens within the high and low ends of our economic spectrum.

“I would not want to split a check with Bernie Sanders. “What is this? Five percent of the people at this table are paying 40 percent of the tip, which should be 15 percent or 20 percent for good service (etc.)………… This brunch is rigged, this brunch is rigged.””

Another highlight of the debate was from Hilary Clinton, but spoken by Bernie Sanders, regarding the American people being tired of her e-mails.

Her big night was impressive to her husband Bill Clinton, “potential future First Lady ladies man”, whom tweeted from his hotel room while watching the debate.

Other highlights of the debate were from former Virginia senator and “man holding in a burp”, Jim Webb whom kept demanding more time, and Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee, who wasn’t asked many questions and answered the ones he did of him being the ‘new guy in the Senate’.

Interview — Jack Black

Jack Black made a huge stage presence as usual, literally sliding onto the stage. Black said ‘the floors looked shiny and he wanted to make an appearance.’ After partaking in two Advil together, they get into the meat of the interview.

They discussed how they met - at Two Towers theatre, which Jack didn’t recall. They both have admired each other from afar for ages.

The movie Goosebumps, inspired by the novels from RL Stine, is his newest project. The movie is scary, but not too scary - suitable for kids over age 7. “Just enough to thrill, not to traumatize.” The script was perfect and he knew his kids would absolutely love it. Other family-friendly works he has been in are School of Rock and Kung-Fu Panda.

They went further to discuss his rock career with Tenacious D. When asked to compare the life of a movie star with that of a rock star, he says the rock star life is better (easier). Tenacious D has been around since the 80’s with their first official gig around 1994.

“My Kind of America” with Jack Black

In this highly entertaining performance between Jack Black and Stephen, Stephen invites any of the presidential candidates to use the song for their campaign.

“It’s generic enough to not offend anyone but generic enough to love by everyone…”

Interview — Nick Woodman

Stephen sits down with GoPro CEO and founder Nick Woodman, who has equipped himself for the interview with a GoPro attached to his head. Stephen has followed suit in placing one on his head as well as in his drink to document his water intake.

They discussed the evolution of the GoPro camera and how Nick got the idea. He mentioned that a lot of his ideas and inspirations came to him over a surfing trip when he decided he needed to take a vacation, though his mind was working the entire time with this grand idea. This trip turned into a 5-month venture and wiped out his savings, but came home with a prototype and the status of a potential billionaire. The GoPro camera systems have been a huge success, especially to those involved in active sports and activities. Nick loves using the GoPro camera with his family to document fun times with his children (3 sons) and wife, and even shared an adorable clip of one son with the audience.

Interview and Performance — Michelle Dorrance

Expert tap dancer and 2015 McArthur Genius Grant winner Michelle Dorrance came out to speak briefly with Stephen about her career. She has a strong desire to continue the tap tradition and started her own dance company, Dorrance Dance NY. She views tap as ‘form following function’ and much of what she does is derived from this dance form, similar to that of a percussive instrument.

Stephen had a desire to learn a few steps, which Michelle helped him with and he performed graciously prior to the main event when Michelle took the stage. She performed phenomenally.

  • Gina

    The top of the show was pure fire! It reminded me of the good old days. He fired off so many impressions in such a short period of time. I always love how watching Stephen is actually the act of watching a gaggle of personalities that may wander out any unpredictable time. I am glad, from a comedy standpoint, that our fine crop of Dem candidates will also be entertaining. I also like how when a joke really lands, the space is so big the laughter just crackles (“First Ladies’ Man” Bill Clinton.)

    The bit with Jack Black was super silly. I found the backup dancers a little odd, but at least they got to try a big musical comedy number. Did anyone think of “Friday” when the confetti came down at the end? I have always felt that Jimmy Fallon’s special talent is elaborate musical numbers. I know Stephen can also be great at them. Jack was a worthy co-dueter with his crazy riffing. Co-duetter’s a word, right? Sure.

    Karenatasha was saying how surprised she was to see dance highlighted so much on the New Show, as it were, but, it’s proven to be really crowd pleasing. I am glad that Stephen got a chance to live his dream of learning tap. He is such a great dancer, and moves so well, he should keep working on it. It’s a skill he definitely use on the show! The dance with Michelle Dorrance/ Batiste/ Stay Human was just perfect. It harkened traditions of old but still felt fresh. No doubt her new dance school will get the Colbert Bump.

    I keep thinking of the Myers Briggs lady telling Stephen his show would be “glorious.” It’s getting there. He’s doing great!

  • http://www.twitter.com/milquetoast7 tamara

    I can’t even articulate how perfect this show was from start to finish. So much that gave me great joy. YES.

  • Erika Bade

    I missed the first half of the show….I can’t wait to see it! :) As for the second half….I tuned in right before the music number with Jack Black (I would LOVE it if a politician decided to use that song, just for fun. Come on Chafee!) and thought the show was really great. Tap dancing is a lifelong dream of Stephen’s? ME TOO! I have always dreamed of learning how to tap dance but never have. I guess us INFP’s really like tap dancing! He did amazingly well, even if he got a bit of coaching before. I tried a time step once and I still can’t get it down. It was so great watching him, especially when he screwed up slightly and had to start over. Oh what would I give to see him dressed up like Fred Astaire and do a little dance. I wonder if Stephen is more of a Fred or Gene Kelly fan? ANYWAY, Michelle Dorrance was amazing to watch. I’m definitely going to have to look up more on her. Thank you Stephen for featuring dance on your show.

  • http://www.twitter.com/milquetoast7 tamara

    thank you! you’re my favorite! :)

  • http://www.colbertnewshub.com/ Colbert News Hub

    via Ariel Dumas:

    Eric Drysdale and I wrote this song for @colbertlateshow! @StephenAtHome & Jack Black nailed it, of course.

  • http://www.colbertnewshub.com/ Katie (Blogger Name: Clem)

    Stephen’s coverage of the Democratic Debate was hilarious! I really liked the interview with Jack Black and I’m glad Stephen talked about Black’s band Tenacious D. “My Kind of America” is the perfect rock anthem! It doesn’t get more patriotic than that! Michelle Dorrance was absolutely lovely. I’m glad she helped Stephen live out this lifelong dream of tap dancing. He was fantastic. Michelle’s performance was beautiful. Jon Batiste & Stay Human played the perfect song to accompany Michelle. You will not see a performance like that anywhere else in late night. Brava!

  • Amanda Wells

    This was a fun episode. The song with Jack Black was goofy and really entertaining. The tap dancing with Michelle Dorrance was my favorite moment in the episode. Stephen did a fantastic job considering he only just learned those steps earlier that day.

  • J.

    Just when I think I’m at my maximum adoration, he goes
    and says, “We’re gonna do it, kiddo.” He hugs my heart without even trying.

  • Stephanié Colette (Kirsten)

    The whole My Kind of America performance was too funny!

  • llama

    I gotta say, this is a rare thing for me…I liked every guest. I am not a huge Jack Black fan, but I like him. He is obviously down for doing fun stuff with Stephen. Good to know! I also liked the Go Pro segment. I am trying to decide whether or not to buy a Go Pro and it’s always fun to see what Stephen would do with them, and he didn’t disappoint. Now we can say we know what his water glass sees when he takes a drink. Finally, of course, how can anyone not love Stephen tap dancing? This show is a keeper.