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Jeff Goldblum Takes Over for Alan Rickman in ‘Seminar’

Jeff Goldblum will replace Alan Rickman on the hit Broadway play “Seminar” beginning in early April. Producers announced on February 14 that Rickman will leave his role of Leonard after his April 1 performance, and Goldblum will begin an eight-week stint in the role April 3. Goldblum had broken the news the previous evening during an appearance on ABC’s late night talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”

In the play by Theresa Rebeck, “four aspiring young novelists sign up for private writing classes with Leonard, an international literary figure. Under his recklessly brilliant and unorthodox instruction, some thrive and others flounder, alliances are made and broken, sex is used as a weapon and hearts are unmoored. The wordplay is not the only thing that turns vicious as innocence collides with experience in this provocative new comedy.” Sam Gold directs the production, which began performances at the Golden Theatre on October 27 of last year.

The five-member cast currently is rounded out by Lily Rabe, Hamish Linklater, Jerry O’Connell and Hettienne Park. Other casting moves are expected to be announced soon.

Goldblum last appeared on Broadway in 2005 in the Martin McDonagh play “The Pillowman.” He also has appeared on the Great White Way in “Two Gentle of Verona,” “The Play What I Wrote,” “The Moony Shapiro Songbook” and “The Exonerated,” among others. The actor is best known for his film and television work, including roles in “Jurassic Park,” “Independence Day” and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.” He was nominated for an Emmy Award for a guest appearance on “Will and Grace.”

In other Goldblum news, he appeared on the hit Fox show “Glee” as one of Rachel Berry’s gay dads on an episode that aired earlier this week on Valentine’s Day. Berry’s character is played by Lea Michele. Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell also appeared in the episode as the other dad.