The Mysterious Bookshop in New York City was closed all day last Wednesday because an episode of the TBS TV series Impractical Jokers was being shot at the location. Bookstore owner Otto Penzer chronicled the shoot on Facebook:
"The crew, about 35-40, arrived at 10:00 a.m. and worked until 10:00 p.m. Setting up lights, cameras, sound equipment, etc., takes time," Penzler wrote. "The show is Impractical Jokers, which I confess I'd never heard of until they asked to film here. The lure to get people into the store was to hear the amazing Brad Meltzer speak, so it was a full house.
"For those unfamiliar with the show, it is (I learned) kind of a reverse Candid Camera with no single 'victim.' As Brad spoke, a member of the audience opened his large bag and unpacked his dinner--lobster. In the shell. As he pulled it apart, cracking shells, spraying juice from lemon wedges, taking a break to enjoy corn on the cob, audience members started to notice. The look of horror on some faces was memorable. When it came time for questions, the diner raised his hand--holding the grotesque half of the critter.
"It took about 90 minutes to film this thing, which will be edited down to about 8-9 minutes of the highlights. I'm told it will air sometime in January. I was assured that our bookshop sign will get screen time. I THINK I'm happy about that!"