“Saturday Night Live” star Jason Sudeikis will star in a new stage adaptation of “Dead Poets Society” for Off Broadway’s Classic Stage Company this fall.
Based on the 1989 film starring Robin Williams, the adaptation will be written by Tom Schulman and directed by John Doyle.
Performances will begin on Thursday, October 27 at CSC with an official press opening Thursday, November 17. No other casting details have yet been announced.
“I’m thrilled that Jason Sudeikis is taking on this iconic role in Dead Poets Society,” Doyle said in a statement. “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.”
“Dead Poets Society” is set at a rigorous all-boys preparatory school renowned for its ancient traditions, where the unconventional Professor John Keating, played by Robin Williams in the Peter Weir-directed film, inspires his students to defy conformity, and to live passionately.
Sudeikis was a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” from 2005 to 2013 after serving two years as a writer on the NBC sketch comedy show. “Dead Poets Society” marks his New York stage debut.
His other onscreen credits include two “Horrible Bosses,” “We’re the Millers” and this summer’s “The Angry Birds Movie.”