Comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short tested out jokes for the “SNL” 50th anniversary special at the Comedy Cellar in NYC on Thursday — along with stars including John Mulaney, Chris Rock, Ray Romano and many more, who all showed up unannounced.
“It was all a surprise,” says a spy, adding that none of the comics had been on the schedule, and wound up popping up separately — and in groups — at the club that’s known for its A-list drop-ins.
Martin took the stage to rehearse what our spy says sounded like a monologue, being joined by his “Only Murderers in the Building” co-star Short, who we hear did a number of impressions.
Also taking the stage to do stand-up sets were “SNL” alumni Rock, David Spade, Colin Quinn and Leslie Jones, as well as current cast member Marcello Hernandez.
Adding to the superstar line-up of comics were Romano, Aziz Ansari and Nate Bargatze.
The audience was just as starry.
A spy tells us they saw Woody Harrelson and “Borat” star Sacha Baron Cohen in the crowd.
On Sunday the famed show will film “SNL 50: The Anniversary Celebration” at NBC’s famed Studio 8H.
The special is three-hour long extravaganza bringing back alumni and celebrities that have been a part of the comedy show’s history.
Martin has been on the show, created by Lorne Michaels, 35 times and hosted 16.
Short was a cast member during the show’s 10th season, and is part of its “five timers club,” hosting five times.
Mulaney, another five-time host, wrote for the show from 2008 to 2013.
We hear that when they weren’t taking in the show in the club’s main room, the comics were hanging out upstairs in the Olive Tree and posing for pictures with fans.
“It was an electric atmosphere all night long,” says our spy.
