Jason Sudeikis lands lead role in Dead Poets Society play
Jason Sudeikis has landed the lead role in the off-Broadway play Dead Poets Society, a part made famous by the late Robin Williams.
The 40-year-old funnyman will play unconventional English professor John Keating, in the off-Broadway drama adapted by Tom Schulman, who won an Oscar for penning the script of the 1989 movie.
The character of Keating, who uses his love of poetry to inspire his students at an all-boys prep school, is one of Williams' most iconic roles and won the late actor an Oscar nomination in 1990.
It is the first dramatic role for former Saturday Night Live star Sudeikis, as he has deep roots on the stage in comedy. He performed with various Second City companies during the early part of his career, and still makes regular appearances at New York's Upright Citizens Brigade Theater.
The play will have its world premiere at off-Broadway's Classic Stage Company (CSC) in a production by the company's new artistic director, John Doyle. Previews will begin on 27 October, with an official opening slated for 17 November (16).
"I felt it important that we find an actor like Jason who brings a fresh perspective," Doyle said on Tuesday (16Aug16). "All at CSC are delighted that he will be joining us for this unique venture."
Sudeikis has a busy few months ahead of him, as his upcoming movies include sci-fi thriller Colossal, opposite Anne Hathaway; and the all-star heist comedy Masterminds, with Zach Galifianakis, Owen Wilson, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones.
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