By Darbrielle Thomas
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 4/3/23 – Laughter ricocheted off the lush walls of Dolby Theatre on Saturday, April 1, 2023, for a hilarious installment of Paleyfest with some of the brilliant cast of the hit ABC show Abbott Elementary. Panelists including William Standford Davis (Mr. Johnson), Lisa Ann Walter (Melissa Schemmenti), Tyler James Williams, and award-winning Sheryl Lee Ralph (Barbara Howard) graced the stage for an hour discussing the magnetic comedy with stars Chris Perfetti (Jacob Hill) and Janelle James (Ava Coleman) and writer/creator Quinta Brunson (Janine Teagues) joining in virtually.
“Teaching is a historically undervalued profession” declares comedian Lisa Walter as she reflects on the power and impact Abbott has on validating the experiences of teachers nationwide. From school supply shortages, rival charter schools, district negligence, and parental guidance that is expected from teachers, Abbott showcases an amazing weekly performance of just how demanding and life-changing the role of teaching is. The record-breaking comedy also portrays the very real, childlike, and nuanced personalities of each teacher at Abbot. “As an actor, it is our job to justify our characters’ behaviors, the fact that Gregory doesn’t like pizza or hot fruit, are 2 things that I just cannot justify. I just have to say the words and hope for the best.” He continues, “I love those little quirks. When I saw that in the script it was something that I had never seen before. The writers do a great job of building these really beautiful stories and then throwing in these like these little ridiculous quirks to these people and when I sit back and think about the people that I love [in my personal life], same thing, just these little ridiculous quirks. I think that is what people resonate with.”
Speaking of quirks, a new addition to the Abbott cast could prove the show to become that much more eccentric. During the panel, the cast let the audience on a huge secret: Taraji P Henson will be joining the cast of Abbott Elementary in future episodes as Janine Teagues’ infamous mother! The theatre roared with excitement when Henson joined the panel virtually to announce her appearance on the show. The schoolhouse will never be the same once viewers meet the Teagues Matriarch! Check out Abbott Elementary Wednesdays on ABC
