Live from New York, it’s Thursday night!
“SNL” writers past and present came together for a read-thru of the “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” at 30 Rock in New York Thursday evening, just days before the landmark broadcast on Sunday.
The official “SNL” social media accounts shared a photo taken at the table-read, showing a bevy of famous faces hard at work gathered around a conference table laden with sandwiches and snacks such as cookies and chips.
The snap was captioned simply, “SNL50 anniversary special read-thru!!!”
Kate McKinnon, Seth Meyers and John Mulaney were among the show’s esteemed alumni clearly visible, with many commenters suggesting the photo also included Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Paula Pell, who have all been confirmed as returning to help pen the special.
Current writers and cast members Colin Jost and Kenan Thompson were also among those crowded around the cramped table, which sat “SNL” creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels at its head.
“SNL50” spirit has been sweeping New York in the run-up to Sunday’s show. Even the MTA has joined in celebrating “Saturday Night Live.” Since Feb. 10, Thompson has been the voice of the transit authority, relaying messages to New York City subway riders to pay fares and stay inside moving subways cars.
“Live from New York, it’s Kenan Thompson from Saturday Night Live. Ima keep it real with you with the dos and don’ts of the subway,” the “SNL” writer and star says in the narration. “Do pay the fare. I see you trying to jump the turnstiles. Stop it right now. I’m serious. Just tap your phone and keep it moving. Do keep those arms and legs inside the subway car.”
“That’s right, I am talking to you,” Thompson continues. “Don’t subway surf. I can’t believe I have to even say this. Ride safely New Yorkers. And check out ‘SNL 50: The Anniversary Special,’ Sunday on NBC and Peacock.”
The three-hour show telecast live from Studio 8H will celebrate the sketch comedy’s show’s half-century on America’s airwaves and bring back past cast members such as Adam Sandler, Poehler, Andy Samberg, Chevy Chase, Chris Rock, Eddie Murphy, Will Ferrell, Jane Curtin, Tracy Morgan, among others.
In an exclusive interview with The Post, veteran “SNL” production designer Keith Raywood shared details about just how crammed with talent 30 Rock will be come Sunday.
“We [will] have about 450 [audience members] in the studio, which is essentially about 200 people more than we would normally have,” he revealed.
“Imagine all the people who have been on the show – those cast members and hosts. It’s a lot of people [there to see them]. And, those seats don’t normally exist,” he added.
“SNL50: The Anniversary Special” airs Sunday (not Saturday!) at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock.
