Like every other card-carrying member of Team Coco, I'm thrilled that Conan O'Brien's sold-out performance Tuesday in Minneapolis will be populated by some familiar bits and friends. Andy Richter. La Bamba. "Walker, Texas Ranger" clips. A certain self-pleasuring bear.
But based on reports from his shows in the past month, "The Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television Tour" is at its best when it strays from the established set and zeroes in on jokes and guests with local ties. Unlike his archenemy Jay Leno, who bombed earlier this month when he recycled ancient jokes for the White House Correspondents Dinner, O'Brien understands that the best performances are tailor-made for audiences thrilled to be getting something unique.
Expect anything from O'Brien slipping into a Twins uniform to chomping down on a Jucy Lucy. And then there's the possibility that some unannounced guests may stop by. Since O'Brien is attending a Monday-night fundraiser for Sen. Al Franken, it would make perfect sense for Stuart Smalley to make an appearance. I also can't help but notice that Cobra Starship is playing at First Avenue, right down the street.
To make your own guess, consider past pop-ins from the tour:
Eugene, Ore., April 12: Spoon performed and "30 Rock's" Jack McBrayer pulled the "Texas Ranger" lever.
Seattle, April 18-19: Dave Matthews sang "Bartender" on O'Brien's 47th birthday. The next night, Eddie Vedder appeared for three songs, including a updated version of John Lennon's "Oh Yoko," now titled, "Oh Coco."
San Francisco, April 22: Chris Isaak and O'Brien jammed on "That's Alright, Mama."
Los Angeles, April 24: The most star-studded concert yet included cameos from Jon Hamm, Jonah Hill and Aziz Ansari, plus a duet of "Superman (It's Not Easy)" with a Superman-garbed Jim Carrey.
