THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
MONDAY, JULY 21, 20
TALK SHOW
Local TV personality aims
AMELIA ARVESEN
news@kansan.com
The host of The Not So Late Show, Mike Anderson, plans to marry a couple, receive a body wax and haircut, earn the key to the city and take several selfies during 66 hours of constant entertainment in order to set a world record.
Anderson will attempt the world's longest marathon television talk show from 10:30 p.m. on July 25 to 4:30 p.m.on July 28 to beat Nepal's 2013 record, which clocked in at 62 hours and 12 minutes.
"To me, I don't see a reality that happens with me not making it," Anderson said. "So far everyone has asked me that question. I will die at this desk before giving up."
The Not So Late Show, normally 30 minutes, features a collection of skits interviews and audience interaction Anderson, who recently received his Ph.D in communication studies from the University, said he not only wants to make it the longest but also the most entertaining.
"People can tune in to see if I'm loopy, they can tune in to see how crazy I am especially in the later hours they can see the endurance factor, but I also want them to see 'What can he come up with at 4 a.m. on a Sunday?' " Anderson said.
His co-host and sidekick, Adam Lott, will add to the chatter, but he said he isn't required to be on camera for the duration. No matter the outcome, Lott said he wants Anderson, a man with the "heart of a champion," to succeed.
"He takes a genuine interest in people and I think that's something you really can't fake or pretend to be," Lott said. "I think that's why he's so apt and good at his job."
The attempt has been in the planning stages since last September, and with one week to go, Anderson exudes confidence. Meanwhile, producers Kevin Dobson and Brendan Costello won't know what to expect until show time.
"We just want to make sure we're following the rules on everything," Dobson said. "There are a lot of things we need to check off the list."
The rule book, Anderson said, is nearly seven pages, and it includes having 10 audience members present at all times. Anyone can sign up to be a part of making history, and perks include concert tickets, t-shirts, hand painted beer mugs and food.
Anderson will be in the spotlight but he said he wants the community of Lawrence to represent the achievement just as equally.
"Someday there's going to be a bus and they're going to stop outside and say, 'This is where The Not So Late Show set a world record,' " Anderson said.
He said just as he was ready to binge on Netflix,a tree knocked out power lines, cutting his electricity. He said he walked to Java Break,the 24/7 coffee shop, thinking he could spend a few hours near caffeine; however, it was closed for maintenance.
In his preparation, Anderson stayed up for 60 hours to test his endurance and even then, he had to overcome a few obstacles.
He resorted to watching " Knight Rises" for a fractie time at the TV station instead he says is a natural source fo show persona and energy.
"Something about this about this stage with light you just pop up," Anderson
In addition to espresso a shots, competition will also derson.
"At 62 [hours] 13 [minute then be the world record it'll be a celebration from the end, and that should ride h Dobson said.
Once Anderson finishes the show on July 28, Channel highlights of the show to World Records, to be decla new world record holder.
1. There must be at le audience members
2. There must be two ness time keepers
3. Audience members keepers cannot be studio for longer th stretches