While most Saturday Night Live fans have been subjected to watching re-runs and youtubing old sketches, 150 people were treated to a one-time performance by SNL cast members at a Manhattan theatre.

With special guest host, Canadian Michael Cera, the live show was put on to benefit behind-the-scenes staff who are out of work because of the ongoing Hollywood writer’s strike.

The special stage performance of SNL included all the weekly segments including a host monologue, musical performance by Yo La Tengo, Weekend Update and original comedy sketches. And instead of the usual seven sketches, there were 15, CBC reports.

“It was everything that’s never been on the show before,” said comedian Kenan Thompson after the Saturday night show. “Sometimes it doesn’t get a chance to shine, but it sure shined here.”

All the current cast members shined on the theatre’s stage, except Maya Rudolph. Past cast members Rachel Dratch and Horatio Sanz also performed and there have been whispers that singer Norah Jones made a brief appearance.

The special live performance probably won’t be the last during the comedic drought brought on by the writer’s strike. The cast and writers of 30 Rock are said to be planning a live performance for Monday night at the same theatre.






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