“The Midnight Show” by Lee Kelly & Jennifer Thorne
“Women were not supposed to be funny.”
Co-authors Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne are back with their fourth novel together, transporting readers to the vibrant and dynamic 1980s late-night sketch comedy scene in New York City. There’s glitz and glam, but what happened behind the scenes? 40 years later, the stars of The Midnight Show are divulging secrets, addressing rumors, and shedding light on how the show transformed their lives. But there’s one star who isn’t available, and her disappearance still hasn’t been solved.
The narrative: about The Midnight Show
Rolling Stone reporter Madeline Cohen has a pitch: the 40th anniversary of the disappearance of Lillian Martin is this year, a case that hasn’t been solved since that unforgettable night in 1983. The mystery might not be solved, but Madeline knows there’s more to share about Lillian’s legacy, how she inspired a generation of female comedians, and discover what was really happening behind the scenes of The Midnight Show.
Told in mixed media format – interviews, emails, transcripts, and articles – The Midnight Show shines light on women in a male-dominated industry, blends comedy and depth, and captures an era formative for entertainment.
The nightcap
Two authors, two nightcaps – choose your own adventure! First, the B-52 shot is a sweet, layered drink, popular in the 1980s. Each ingredient is slowly poured over the back of a spoon to prevent mixing, with the bottom layer being a coffee liqueur, like Kahlua, then the middle layer is Irish Cream (Baileys), and topped with an orange liqueur, like Grand Marnier. You can stop there or add overproof rum to light and serve as a “Flaming B-52.” Rumors say this shot was named after The B-52s, the 1970s/80s band.
Another 70s/80s iconic cocktail was the Harvey Wallbanger. But let’s make it a mocktail, dubbed the “Harvey Dryhumper” by Jennifer. Freshly squeezed orange juice, vanilla syrup, and lemon juice are the staples. And after *workshopping this a bit, we recommend adding a splash of ginger ale or club soda for flavor balance and sparkle.
*Note — workshopping may still be in process
In the episode
Get to know Lee and Jenn in our episode of Narratives & Nightcaps. We talk about:
THE MIDNIGHT SHOW is the 4th book Jenn and Lee have co-written, so we go back to the beginning of their collaboration and how the duo started.
Tackling the mixed-media format for this story was less “divide and conquer” like it may have been for past books. The two talk about their creative process, developing a cast of authentic characters, and their own improv approach.
The complex role of humor in this story and everyday life. How comedy entertains and provides a lens through which serious topics can be discussed. It’s a balancing act between laughter and reflection. As Lee says in this episode, "Comedy is a lifeline... it's a core human experience. We all deserve to be funny. Men and women, everyone."
Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne’s The Midnight Show will have you Googling the cast because they feel so real, you’ll laugh along with sketches, and see how humor heals and offers a unique lens to approach serious topics. Whether you’re feeling nostaligic about the decade, are searching for a compelling story, or need permission to be your true self — this is it.
“I think there's not one right way or wrong way to exist in a space and to be true to yourself. And if success is something that isn't working for you, you have automony to make different choices and give yourself grace as you sometimes navigate it in a messy way,” Jenn added.
Listen or watch to the full author interview on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Purchase your copy here.