The Not So Late Show at Shadowbox Live’s Backstage Bistro is back for round two this Saturday evening. In its season premiere hosted by Johnny DiLoretto and Sommer Marie Sterud, Columbus’ only live talk show’s newest season will hone in on politics. The Trump presidency in particular. Saturday’s first show is titled “Bring on the Trumpocalypse…”.
“I thought with all of the political commentary from both sides why not build the show around this idea,” said DiLoretto. “I know people would probably expect me to take this on a negative spin, but that’s not the plan. Let’s start trying to bridge some of these communicative gaps.”
DiLoretto explained that he knows that not everyone who voted for Trump is a racist or a hateful person, and he wants to hear more from a variety of voices at his upcoming show.
“It’s a talk show, but this time I’m going to be doing some listening,” he added. “But it will be funny, I’ve got Trump jokes.”
The season’s continuation beyond this Saturday will be on the final Thursday of each month. The show’s guests will be among local voices and issue advocates on all sides of the political spectrum delving into the week’s chosen topic.
This Saturday Ohio State Representative (R) Mike Duffy will join political professor and healthcare expert Dan Skinner on stage, walking the audience through what’s happening with the Affordable Care Act, the realities of repealing it, possibilities of replacements and what that means to people. Two science experts Dan Mushalko and Robert Pyatt will also be on stage, aiming to tackle the meaning behind “fake news”.
The two hour show, DiLoretto explained, will be segmented each time including interviews just like your typical talk show. Amongst the segments will also be a musical performance weekly from the Shadowbox Live Backstage Bistro house band MojoFlo.
“Sometimes we do sketches and comedy bits but really it’s a platform to showcase the brightest personalities and performers in Columbus,” said DiLoretto.
“It’s sort of a love letter to the people of Columbus,” said DiLoretto. “My hope for the audience every month is they walk out having had a few laughs and having learned a couple of things about some people that live in the city.”
Pre-show festivities this Saturday and each month following will begin at 7:30 p.m. with music and comedy. Showtime will be at 8 p.m.
For more information on the Not So Late Show visit www.shadowboxlive.org.