Seminar: Jeff Goldblum to replace Alan Rickman

Academy Award and Emmy Award nominee Jeff Goldblum will assume the role of 'Leonard' from original cast member Alan Rickman in the World Premiere of Theresa Rebeck's comedy Seminar, playing at Broadway John Goldman Theatre. Rickman will play his final performance on 1 Apr 2012.

Goldblum will make his return to Broadway when he assumes the leading role of 'Leonard' on 3 Apr 2012 for 8 weeks only. Goldblum last appeared on Broadway in 'The Pillowman' in 2005. His film credits include 'Jurassic Park' and 'Independence Day,' as well as 'Nashville, Death Wish,' 'The Big Chill,' 'Annie Hall,' 'The Life Aquatic,' 'Igby Goes Down' and 'The Fly.' On television, he most recently starred as "Detective Zach Nichols" on "Law & Order: Criminal Intent." He earned an Emmy nomination for his guest appearance on "Will & Grace" and tonight guest stars on the series "Glee."

Further casting with Goldblum will be announced soon.

The entire original cast of Seminar - also including Tony Award nominee Lily Rabe, Hamish Linklater, Jerry O'Connell and Hettienne Park, will continue with the show through to 1 Apr 2012 along with Rickman.

Seminar opened on Broadway at the John Golden Theatre on 20 Nov 2011, following previews from 27 Oct 2011.

The comedy opened to mostly good reviews Not great theatre, but good theatre (newyorktheatreguide); Tangy but sometimes contrived comedy (NY Daily News); Enormously entertaining (Variety).

In Seminar, four young writers are thrilled to be participating in a private seminar taught by the brilliant but unpredictable Leonard (Rickman), an international literary legend. But as Leonard deems some students more promising than others, tensions arise. Sex is used as a weapon, alliances are made and broken, and it's not just the wordplay that turns vicious...

The design team features David Zinn (Set and costume), Ben Stanton (lighting) and John Gromada (sound).

Seminar is being produced on Broadway by Jeffrey Finn, Jill Furman, John N. Hart Jr., Patrick Milling Smith, Roy Furman, David Ian, David Mirvish, Amy Nauiokas and James Spry.