Seth Meyers brings Trump-bashing act to Minneapolis

Seth Meyers/AP photo by Greg Allen

Seth Meyers may have planned on easing up on the political humor when he graduated from the "Weekend Update" desk on "Saturday Night Live" to "Late Night with Seth Meyers." Then Donald Trump got elected.

"For those of you who don't know, I'm in the business of talking about the news," he told fans at the State Theatre Friday night. "And business is booming."

Meyers, who dressed and spoke more casually during the live performance (over a dozen "F" bombs) than he does during his 11:35 p.m. NBC program, proceeded to run through his greatest hits on the president, ripping him for everything from the color of his skin ("it looks like the heel part of a catcher's mitt") to why he would get annoyed going to church ("an hour of watching someone talk about the glory of someone who is not him"). He also repeated stories about his 2011 stint as host of the White House Correspondents DInner. Some believe that Meyers' roasting of Trump as that event helped spur the fuming businessman's desire to run for office. Meyers did little to dispel that theory.

The theme was not a surprise for anyone who routinely watches the former "SNL" head writer on TV. Stephen Colbert may be getting the most attention, but among the network shows, "Late Night" has been the platform for the sharpest, most relentless, jokes about the current administration.

The crowd had no problem supporting what was, in many ways, a rerun. When Meyers remarked that he actually respected Mike Pence, one audience member responded with a loud series of boos.

"A witty point, counterpoint," ad-libbed the comic.

Meyers was more memorable when he segued into stories about his family and was particularly winning when he delivered punchlines from his wife's perspective. That personal touch is missing from most of the late-night programs, with the exception of "Jimmy Kimmel Live."

Meyers may also win over more fans if he gives them a little more bang for their buck. TIcket prices, whcih ranged from $30 to $60 would normally be considered reasonable -- if your headliner provides some appetizers. Meyers only performed for an hour with no opening acts, video clips or a Q&A. He may want to consider one or more of those extras in the future.