SATURDAY SPECIAL: Born to Rock

In this SATURDAY SPECIAL we are taking a look at the theatrics and antics of the truly Boss host - whether as the actual Boss, Bruce Springsteen, or in the haute couture Boss of Hugo - of this year's Emmy Awards, the host of his eponymous LATE NIGHT talk-show on NBC and an SNL alum from the Class of Tina Fey, as well as a movie star in his own right: Jimmy Fallon! Next week is big, brassy Broadway week on his show and there will be plenty kick-assery to witness - including the hottest, smartest and sexiest show of the season - but first things first. The many masterful - and never masturbatory, as is so often the case with hosts from TV - musical performances throughout the Emmys were spot-on hilarity and a welcome respite from the usual lameness that deadens and makes leaden award shows and their success is wholly due to Jimmy's effortless effervescence and joy. Jimmy's joy compounded by Jimmy's jams - and awesome entrance - made the night come alight! So, today we are highlighting the great GLEE-tastic Emmy opener - "Born To Run" - as well as a sampling of his many musical performances throughout the years, both on Saturday Night Live alongside everyone from Tina Fey to Robert De Niro to Justin Timberlake, and on his own show LATE NIGHT WITH Jimmy Fallon in a hilarious sing-off - 6 BEE - versus Amy Poehler! Plus: A bonus song with Jake Gyllenhaal!

Jokin', Jokin' Jimmy Fallon

Jimmy can joke. Jimmy can sing. But can he do both at the same time? If these clips stand as any evidence then, yes: yes he can. He can hold his own (though occassionally cannot suppress a laugh) even alongside the best in the biz - Justin Timberlake, Lea Michele and many more! Every single night next week (9/13) on LATE NIGHT WITH Jimmy Fallon, the affable and appealing host will present a performance from a hit Broadway show, as well as a host of other Broadway baby abating and special surprise songs. Monday is this year's Tony-winning MEMPHIS; then Tuesday comes Sean Hayes performing a song from the Burt Bacharach/Hal David/Neil Simon musical PROMISES, PROMISES; Wednesday is Green Day's AMERICAN IDIOT; and Thursday is the premiere performance by the Broadway cast of Broadway's newest cutthroat cult, soon-to-be smash, hit: The Public Theater's riveting and rowdy BLOODY, BLOODY Andrew Jackson (which starts previews three days later). BroadwayWorld will be proud to be presenting clips and photos every day next week with all this content and much more! Stay tuned to BWW and check out LATE NIGHT WITH Jimmy Fallon on NBC to make sure you don't miss any of the awesomeness and rock star attitude and aptitude on display all Broadway Week! Like Andrew Jackson, say (and sing) "Yea Yea!"

Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake's impersonation of The Bee Gees is so precise and direct it could easily be confused with homage. Perhaps it is both. Whatever it is, the interviews in these talkshow segments are always hilarious and catty and the harmonies are always soaring and caterwauling. Check out this most recent appearance by the faux Gibb Bros in this clip from the most recent season of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE on NBC which starts its 35th season in two weeks. Do the hustle to THE Barry Gibb TALK SHOW!

 

If just one Gibb just doesn't jibe well with you, then dig the jive of this clip from a few years ago where Jimmy and Justin receive an extra-special surprise amidst the disco heaven - or is it hell? - they always seem to occupy on their Gibb gabfest. Flaunt those gold chains and work that three-piece-suit! Class of Fey Saturday Night Live at its best!

Jimmy's parody of GLEE - 6 BEE - contained many highlights, so it is recommended to watch the whole thing on Hulu, but these two clips are proof-positive that not only does Jimmy's adoration for performance and theatre come through in his performances, but his kooky chemistry with Amy Poehler makes a solid case for a modern day hipster THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG. Who wouldn't want something fresh, funny and contemporary with a bit of a sardonic bite on Broadway? 6 Bee: The Musical?!

Here's my personal favorite part of 6 BEE! What's yours?

Proving he is not only the boss of late-night - Letterman or Leno? Please - Jimmy Fallon takes on network TV on all networks in a thrilling and propulsive GLEE-infused rendition of Bruce Springsteen's classic Jim Steinman-esque epic rock arena anthem "Born To Run" alongside Tina Fey, Steve Carrell, Betty White, Lea Michele and many more! Whether on Broadway, a soundstage or a studio - THAT is how you make an entrance like the real deal rock star ala da true Boss! Born to run or born to rock? Or both? Either way, enjoy the experience of Emmys 2010 at its most rockin'!

BONUS: "Hedgehog Song" with Jake Gyllenhaal!

Be sure to stay tuned to BroadwayWorld all next week for the hook-up to the hilarity and hotness sure to be seen on Broadway Week on LATE NIGHT WITH Jimmy Fallon! Rock out and rock on!

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