Classic Stage Company has announced that Jason Sudeikis will star as John Keating in the world premiere of Dead Poets Society, a new play based on the beloved 1989 film. Written by Academy Award-winner Tom Schulman, adapted from his screenplay, and directed by John Doyle, Dead Poets Society is set at a rigorous all-boys preparatory school renowned for its ancient traditions, where the unconventional Professor Keating inspires his students to defy conformity, and to live passionately.
Performances for Dead Poets Society will begin Thursday, October 27 at CSC (136 East 13th Street) with an official press opening Thursday, November 17. Additional casting will be announced in the coming weeks.
John Doyle said, “I’m thrilled that Jason Sudeikis is taking on this iconic role in Dead Poets Society. I felt it important that we find an actor like Jason who brings a fresh perspective, and all at CSC are delighted that he will be joining us for this unique venture.”
Jason Sudeikis (Photo provided by Classic Stage Company via The Broadway Blog.)
Following two years as a writer on “Saturday Night Live,” Jason Sudeikis became a regular cast member on the show in 2005 where he starred in hundreds of sketches during his eight years, including his spot-on impersonations of Joe Biden and Mitt Romney. His film work includes Race and Tumbledown, as well as Mother’s Day, Sleeping with Other People, Masterminds, Horrible Bosses and Horrible Bosses 2, We’re the Millers, Epic, The Campaign, Hall Pass, The Bounty Hunter, Going the Distance and What Happens in Vegas.
Upcoming films include the sci-fi thriller Colossal starring opposite Anne Hathaway and Kodachrome with Ed Harris. Jason’s television work includes a multi-episode arc on Fox’s hit comedy “The Last Man on Earth” with his fellow SNL alum Will Forte; multiple episodes of the HBO series “Eastbound & Down” and multiple appearances on “30 Rock.” Jason also portrayed the voices of two principal characters on Fox’s hit animated comedy series “The Cleveland Show.”
