The Fly Fan Justin Long Bugs Out Over Co-Starring With Jeff Goldblum in Seminar

Beyond the excitement of making his Broadway debut in Seminar, screen favorite Justin Long is thrilled about sharing the stage with Jeff Goldblum, who plays a celebrated novelist and hard-to-please writing teacher in Theresa Rebeck’s hit comedy. “It’s so much fun just to be around him,” Long tells Broadway.com of Goldblum, “much less to share scenes with him or go toe to toe with him. He’s such a unique, fascinating guy, and he brings that same energy to the part, so I’ve been learning a lot just watching him.”

As a longtime fan of Goldblum’s film work, Long jokes that he’s had to force himself not to picture a favorite horror movie during Seminar rehearsals. “Growing up, I was fascinated by The Fly,” he says of David Cronenberg’s 1986 film, starring Goldblum as a scientist who morphs into the title insect. “And I have to be honest: Sometimes it’s hard not to see Seth Brundle when I’m interacting with him. His movements aren’t quite as manic, but it was such an indelible performance that it’s hard for me not to think I’m going to see his flesh peel away and fly parts come out.”

Long, Goldblum and Zoe-Lister Jones will join continuing cast members Jerry O’Connell and Hettienne Park in Seminar beginning April 3 at the Golden Theatre.