John Goodman News

It was announced today that the new musical Swept Away, featuring the music of The Avett Brothers, will have its world premiere at Berkeley Rep as part of their 2019-20 season, beginning performances in June 2020. Swept Away is produced by Berkeley Rep by special arrangement with Matthew Masten and Sean Hudock.

I don't know if Benny Goodman “The King of Swing” ever performed at the original Birdland on Broadway at 52nd Street which was more known for the Bebop Jazz of Charlie Parker. However, his music was gloriously celebrated last night by John Pizzarelli and his special guest Clarinetist Ken Peplowski at the current Birdland on 44th Street. The link to the past was firmly established by the extraordinary artistry of Pizzarelli and Peplowski as they toured the Benny Goodman Songbook. The link was also established by the many stories both had about Benny Goodman. Ken Peplowski played in Benny's last band, and John's father Bucky was also was a featured guitarist with Goodman. In fact as John in his “Bucky Voice” recounted a funny story, when he was a youngster tagging along with Bucky John even got to strum a few notes for Benny Goodman until Bucky said “come on kid we gotta get home”! It was all smiles and happy swing music last night as John Pizzarelli and his trio with Ken Peplowski filled Birdland with great music and great conversation. The tradition of exceptional music continues at 'The Jazz Corner of The World”

Jonathan Majors (The Last Black Man in San Francisco, Lovecraft Country, Da 5 Bloods) is set to star in The Harder They Fall for Netflix Jeymes Samuel will make his directorial debut with the film.

Kristen Schaal and Holland Taylor have joined the cast of Bill & Ted Face The Music. Schaal will play Kelly, a messenger from the future. Taylor is set to take on the role of The Great Leader, the most powerful person in the universe - the center of which is San Dimas, California, 700 years in the future. They join previously announced cast including Alex Winter, Keanu Reeves, William Sadler, Samara Weaving, Brigette Lundy-Paine, ("Kid Cudi"), Anthony Carrigan, Beck Bennett, Erinn Hayes, Jayma Mays, Amy Stoch, Hal Landon Jr. and Jillian Bell.

A new Flinstones animated series is in the works from Warner Bros. Animation and Elizabeth Banks' Brownstone Productions, according to Variety.

THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES, starring Danny McBride, John Goodman, Edi Patterson and Adam Devine, kicks off its nine-episode season with an hour-long episode SUNDAY, AUG. 18 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ETPT), followed by half-hour episodes on subsequent Sundays, exclusively on HBO.

A perfect remedy for the summertime blahs.

'Monsters At Work' star Ben Feldman revealed on social media today a first look painted rendering of his character, new monster Tylor Tuskmon, from the upcoming Disney+ original series. 

Today at Annecy International Animated Film Festival, Disney shared a first look at the logo for the upcoming original series “Monsters At Work.”

In 2019, the International Thespian Society (ITS) marks the 90th anniversary of its founding with a yearlong celebration of the power of theatre to instill confidence, empathy, and compassion to build better communities.

Redhouse will conclude its 2018 -19 Season with The All Night Strut!, conceived and originally directed and choreographed by Fran Charnas with musical arrangements by Tom Fitt, Gil Lieb and Dick Schermesser, running from May 30th - June 9th. The production will feature a partnership with CNY Jazz who will provide the musicians and musical direction along with Central New York Theater Icon, Bob Brown who will make his directorial debut with Redhouse. The All Night Strut! promises a high energy evening of memorable music and incredible singing and dancing that will have you tapping your toes long after you leave the theatre.