After a crazy busy week and family and fun-filled Easter weekend, I finally find myself with a few spare minutes to blog about my trip to Chicago to see The Oprah Winfrey Show.
I just brought my tiny point and shoot camera with me, so I didn't take many pictures. A reminder that I really need to invest in a good quality PAS b/c I'm bummed I didn't make more of an effort. But they don't allow cameras or cell phones in the studios so it's not like I missed a golden opportunity to photograph Oprah herself! *You know I would have given my left arm for that shot!*
So here's some "borrowed" photos of our hotel, The Allerton:
From Expedia
The hotel was very nice and perfectly located right on the Magnificent Mile. The room was a tad small b/c we got one with two double beds, but about what you'd expect in a big city boutique hotel. Still, everything was fresh, clean, and updated, so I'd definitely go back.
So this is Diane, Laura and I in the hotel lobby, just before leaving for the show.
I chose to wear the black dress I originally purchased from White House Black Market, along with this sweater from The Limited:
I was pretty happy with how the look came together and, as it turned out, I was probably slightly over-dressed, if you can believe it. There were people there in jeans, so maybe I stressed out too much. Nah, what am I saying?! This was my one and only chance to be in the presence of such an inspiring, iconic woman - I was NOT going to go in just any old thing from my closet!
We arrived at the studios around 7am and waited in line. It was a very chilly morning, so we were pleasantly surprised to find the waiting area completely covered and sheltered from the blustery Chicago winds.
It was after taking this shot that I was yelled at by security to "put [my] camera away and stand against the wall!" Yikes! I knew we'd have to give up our cameras inside but I didn't think photos while standing in line were off limits!
Luckily, we only had to wait about 10 minutes before we were ushered inside for our stroll through security.
As you might imagine, security was VERY tight. We had to check our coats, had our purses searched (where all cell phones and cameras were removed and checked separately) and all had to pass through metal detectors. It all ran rather smoothly, however, and the staff was courteous and efficient.
We were then seated in the "audience green room". This room is just outside the studio doors and is filled with photos of Oprah with various guests from the show. You can see some images of it after the halfway point of this video from Season 25: Behind the Scenes (and no, Oprah did NOT come in here for our show!). We waited here for about a half hour and were then called into the studio itself.
I have to say, I got a little misty walking in - up until that point, I'd managed to hold myself together rather impressively. But seeing the studio that I'd only seen on TV up until that point, seeing the lights, the cameras, the screens, the stage, the high black chairs ( 5 of them lined up on stage), the red chairs in the audience...just so surreal! I wish I could show you pictures, but, of course, I couldn't take them myself. And just try to find a photo of the studios online - you absolutely cannot. They must have an entire staff whose job it is to take down unauthorized photos!
So anyways, we took our seats, which were first come, first served except for those special parties called in early. We ended up in the left center section, in the very back row, just 4 seats over from the hallway where I've seen Oprah and other guests enter the studios. Back row sounds kind of crummy, but when you consider that there are only 12 rows in the entire studio, it's not so bad. And I thought our seats were pretty terrific.
All of the screens in the studio said "20 Years Younger Challenge" which eluded to the topic we were in for. This was the first hint any of us had about our show's topic. After the rest of the audience was seated, Sally Lou, the Senior Audience Supervisor came out and warmed up the audience. We did a little dancing, and little hugging, a little singing - she was very fun and had tons of enthusiasm. Wouldn't you, if you worked at Harpo?! She then told us about that day's topic - Bob Greene's 20 Years Younger Challenge. Along with Bob Greene, Oprah would be talking to 3 other lifestyle experts as well as 20 women who had undergone the challenge and were ready to show off their results.
So after a little more chit chat, it was time for Lady O! The anticipation was killing me so thankfully we weren't kept waiting for very long! Bob Greene and the other experts came out first and Oprah followed shortly after. She was wearing a super cute bright pink cardigan and striped skirt (if I remember correctly - this is where the experience starts to become a bit of a blur for me!). And she definitely looks thinner in person - I guess the camera does add 10 pounds because I thought she looked great. Also, she was sporting a sassy new hair-do! Judging from today's show which still showed her with long hair, it was likely a BRAND new hair cut - a very cute little bob. So there's your very first scoop!
Oprah greeted Bob and the guests and chit chatted with them for a bit, then they all took their seats. Andre, her hair stylist, came over and did some last minute touch-ups and she joked around with the audience. I have to say that what you see with Oprah on the show is EXACTLY what you get with Oprah in person. She was so gracious, so funny, so charming. Really trying to put everyone at ease (I think you could feel the nervous energy in the room - or maybe that was just me?!).
In no time at all, cameras were rolling and we were taping the show. I was expecting there to be some cuts, some re-do's, some flubbed lines...but there were absolutely NONE. They ran through the show from start to finish with virtually no mistakes. I'd say they taped maybe 50 minutes worth of footage - Oprah first interviewed Bob and the other experts (a nutritionist, a dermatologist & a sleep expert) and talked about Bob's new book "20 Years Younger". Then they brought out the 20 women who had undergone the challenge and did a big group reveal. After that, Oprah moved down into the audience and took a seat facing the stage while the 20 women sat on various white leather couches, benches & ottomans. I tell you, watching the crew switch the set in between segments was pretty cool. I guess after 25 years they've got all of this down to a science because everything was just so smooth, so efficient, so effortless.
Oprah finished the show from the audience (oh to be one of the lucky ones right down in front!) by chatting with the ladies and asking unscripted questions of the experts (we could see her teleprompter from our seats). During the final segment, she informed the audience that we'd be going home with Bob's new book:
It's not a trip to Australia (like my husband was hoping for!), but I'll take it.
After taping wrapped, Oprah and the guests stayed and took questions from the audience. I would have loved a little more time with Oprah herself (most of the post-show questions were for the sleep expert), but I know they had another taping to do. Oprah took photos with a few members of the audience (one woman who was 106 years old!) and then said her goodbyes. She thanked us for going through all of the trouble to come to the show, getting our hair done, nails done, buying a new outfit...she was just so kind and lovely. Even more than I expected.
And just like that, it was over.
But WOW, what an amazing experience. The excitement and sheer magnitude of the experience for me had me tearing up on more than one occasion. I just can't help but feeling so fortunate to be one of the lucky few to see her last season of shows. I don't know what karmic good deeds I did that lead to this opportunity, but I'm so grateful and know I'll never forget this experience. And to my good friend, Diane, for allowing me to come along for the ride, THANK YOU! It meant so, so much to me.
So our episode is supposed to air this Wednesday. Be sure to tune in and look for the girl in the purple sweater in the back row, stage right! Hopefully I don't look like too big of a fool!
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