No, not the episode, ‘Casino Night.’ A real casino night!
Last night’s event was VIP Casino Night at the Mohegan Sun Casino at Pocono Downs. And it was … spectacular.
From the intimate venue (a private tent just outside the main casino) to the luxurious spread of food and open bar, to the energetic live band, the night was the perfect occasion to get up close and personal with the cast of The Office.
The cast arrived about half an hour into the party, and right away, they started mingling with the crowd, playing at the tables, and even dealing blackjack. (Brian dealt blackjack the ENTIRE evening.) At one point, both Creed and Craig performed with the band. (Creed performed his guitar solo from Booze Cruise’s deleted scene!)
Event attendees got to play for some pretty cool prizes — watches worn by Michael Scott, fake mustaches from the upcoming episode, ‘Branch Wars,’ and Dwight’s green recorder! (Which was eventually won by a friend of mickeyrandy, an OTCR regular.)
I got a chance to briefly say hello to Kent, Angela, Kate, Ed, Craig, Bobby Ray, Brian, Creed, Oscar, and Jason.
It was an absolute joy to meet so many Tallyheads, most of whom seemed in a happy daze to be standing so close to the show’s stars. More than a few were especially excited to see Ed Helms.
One of my biggest thrills of the evening was meeting Jason Kessler, one of the newest members of The Office writing staff. He said it was a “dream come true” to work on the show. He is hopeful to be the lead writer of an episode this season! Yay Jason!
We were told on the buses that transported us to the casino that “this is a VIP event, and we want you to act like VIPs.” Don’t know about the acting part, but we were certainly treated like VIPs.
A few photos to be posted shortly …
P.S. After we returned to the hotel, we were getting ready to sleep when we heard a small commotion in the lobby below. I rushed down to the first floor to see Craig Robinson finish playing the last notes of The Office theme song on the lobby piano. Perfect ending to the evening.
This weekend sounds like a dream come true. Unfortunately, for those of us that couldn’t go, reading your reports is so bittersweet.. I can’t wait to read more to torture myself!
I continue to be incredibly jealous.
If this is an annual event, I am so coming next year. Thanks for all the details and soon-to-be-pictures!
It sounds like everyone is having a blast! YAY! Thanks so much for keeping the ones of us that couldn’t make it (as mentioned by angie #1) updated. I am pretty much glued to Office Tally for the weekend! Have a great time everyone!!!
ohhhhh this is so bittersweet. i wanted to go so badly… but i’m glad all of you are having so much fun!
Get those pictures up girl! Since when did you need sleep, Tanster? :)
[from tanster: lol. there are many sleep-deprived people in Scranton this weekend.]
Many gold yogurt lids to you for updates aplenty. Remember: sleepiness is weakness of character.
Smiley.
[from tanster: *giggle*]
Thanks so much for the update tanster! The party sounded like so much fun and I love that people were so excited to see Ed Helms! (My favorite too! :) ) Can’t wait to see the photos. I’m so glad those of us who couldn’t be there can at least enjoy the weekend vicariously through you!
Thanks for the incredible updates and pictures!! I am so sad that I could not be there, but at least you are giving us the next best thing!
Wow! It sounds like you are having a great time! I can’t wait to read more about it :) :)
Thank you Tanster! All of us poor souls who are uable to be there are refreshing this page hourly to look for more updates.
” After we returned to the hotel, we were getting ready to sleep when we heard a small commotion in the lobby below. I rushed down to the first floor to see Craig Robinson finish playing the last notes of The Office theme song on the lobby piano. Perfect ending to the evening.”
your life > my life. I wish I didn’t have school so I could go frolic with Office actors :(
Thank you for allowing us to live vicariously through you!
lol I am so jealous! It sounds like you had fun. Thanks for all the info Tanster. I can’t go to the convention cause I’m in Canada, but I can’t wait to see all the photos you took/are taking!
Way to go Heather!! I better hear some mp3s of that recorder getting some action. Er…you know what I mean.
I had prepared myself mentally for the absence of a Weekend Tally report in light of the Convention. I was thrilled to venture to OT this morning, only to discover that the site has been maintained and that you have set up a Satellite OT operation in Scranton with detailed reports, audio and visuals. Wow — what a nice gift.
Rest assured, your act of selflessness is greatly appreciated. May you get the opportunity to have some private moments and down time for yourself to enjoy the Convention.
Yeah thanks for sharing Tanster. I couldn’t spend this week-end without knowing what was happening live in Scranton!
So, have you seen some OT tees already?
Thanks for the updates, Tanster! It’s especially great to hear from the new writers. Glad to hear you’re having such a fun time :)
It sounds like you are having an amazing time, tanster! Thank you so much for taking the timee to share this with us who aren’t there. I would say you rock, but I think you already know that. Eh, what the heck, YOU ROCK! Thanks again :)
Sounds awesome! Glad everyone is having fun! Thanks for the “on-site” updates, you are too cool for school.
“act like VIPS” hehehe…
Tanster it sounds like the best time… I’m so jealous. Also.. who knew Craigg to be such a party guy?! I wanna go next year just to get the chance to have a beer with Darryl! haha
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences! I’m glad you’re having such a fantastic time!
Ah Tanster I saw you at the Today Show on Friday morning! I was across the way behind the cast – I saw you in the VIP section and in that field where Angela & Brian were being interviewed. It was so fun!!
Hey Tanster I also saw you on Sunday when you were leaving the Radisson. It was right after I finished breakfast and I was going to go up and say hi but you looked busy so I didn’t want to bother you. The whole thing was great though, and the cast members were incredibly kind and generous!
I have some great shots from the look alike contest-but I’m not sure how to post them? Also want to thank the cast and writers for coming here-nothing this big has ever hit Scranton before! It was so much fun!