Tina Fey talks touring with Amy Poehler and filming the new 'Mean Girls' movie on Jimmy Fallon's show
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Tina Fey, the acclaimed comedian and actress, recently graced 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon', bringing her trademark wit and humor to the stage.
The conversation revolved around two exciting aspects of her current endeavors - the ongoing tour with her longtime friend Amy Poehler and the much-anticipated release of 'Mean Girls,' featuring fresh faces like Renee Rapp and Chris Briney.
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler's hilarious mom-cation tour
Fey began by shedding light on the sheer joy of touring with Poehler, likening it to a "paid mom's vacation away."
She shared, "We go on a plane, we go someplace, we go to a nice hotel, and all we do is, like, mom stuff all day." The duo's routine involves exploring the local scene, attending museums, enjoying brunch, and, of course, delivering their hilarious show.
Drawing parallels with fellow comedians Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock, Fey humorously added, "It's exactly like whatever Chappelle and Rock are up to on the road."
Describing the post-show vibe, Fey explained, "After the show, I'll be like, 'I don't want to get a drink, do you?' And she's like, 'I don't either. Good night.'"
The camaraderie and fun shared by the two comedic powerhouses were evident as Fey reminisced about the enjoyable times they spend together.
Fallon in awe: celebrating the comedic magic of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler's live shows
Fallon, in awe of their comedic prowess, remarked, "Two of the funniest human beings I know. It'd be amazing to watch you guys live."
Fey confirmed the enjoyment factor of their shows, which encompass a mix of joke-jokes, question-and-answer sessions, and improv. "We improvise a little bit in the show, and it's like we never knew how to do it," Fey confessed.
Reflecting on their audience, Fey shared, "Our audiences are great. It's so many, A lot of times, it's just, like, Gen X women, like us."
She further detailed the diversity of their shows, ranging from evening performances to 4:00 pm shows, where the audience is described as sober, ready to laugh, and armed with HomeGoods bags from their pre-show shopping.
Tina Fey's hilarious encounter with a Rowdy bachelorette party and teasing Fallon's accent attempt
The conversation took a humorous turn when discussing a rowdy experience in Philly, where a bachelorette party added an unexpected twist.
Fey chuckled, "Philly was the rowdiest of any American city," recounting the intervention by the security team when the party's enthusiasm crossed some boundaries.
Switching gears to her connection with Philadelphia, Fey confessed that her Philly accent comes back immediately when she visits.
She even teased Fallon about his unsuccessful attempt to master the unique Philly dialect. "I tried to teach Jimmy Fallon this accent," she laughed, "and he's, like, one of the greatest impressionists in the world," revealing the challenges even the seasoned Fallon faced with the distinct accent.
Tina Fey's dive into 'Mean Girls' flming, from real schools to casting challenges
The conversation seamlessly transitioned to the highly anticipated release of 'Mean Girls,' where Fey shared insights into the filming process.
The movie, set to open this Friday, was shot in a real school in Middletown, New Jersey, called Mater Dei. Fey expressed her affection for the abandoned Catholic school aesthetic, where sets, dressing rooms, and offices were all within the school premises.
Reflecting on her husband Jeff, who wrote the music for the film, Fey chuckled about his penchant for collecting crucifixes from the school.
She marveled at the success of translating lessons learned from the Broadway musical adaptation back into the cinematic version, combining fluid and cool visuals with pop-style music.
Fey teased the audience about Renee Rapp's fantastic performance, especially in collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion for an end credits song, which she described as a "banger."
The casting process for 'Mean Girls' was not without its challenges, particularly for the role of Gretchen.
Fey shared her meticulous approach to casting, emphasizing the need for someone "smart but fragile" for the role. The endearing story of choosing Bebe Wood for the part added a personal touch to the casting journey.
As the interview wrapped up, Fey left the audience with a tantalizing preview of what to expect from the new 'Mean Girls.'
Promising cozy nostalgia, a talented young cast putting their own spin on the characters, and delightful surprises, Fey ensured that audiences would leave the theater very happy.
