John McDonough was introduced as the new Captain Thursday in Tampa, Florida. The Connecticut native, who's had recurring roles on Another World and Spenser for Hire and bit parts in I.Q. and The Preacher's Wife, was tabbed as the Roomeister after a nationwide search. The hunt was sponsored by Power Ranger producers Saban Entertainment and Anheuser-Busch, who have teamed to resuscitate the venerable kid show.
The 43-year-old black-bearded, bow-tied McDonough, who bears a passing resemblance to a youngish St. Nick, will be joined by new incarnations of Mr. Green Jeans, Mr. Moose, Bunny Rabbit and Grandfather Clock, as well as new character, Joey the Kangaroo. Margo McKnight, zoo conservationist at Busch Gardens, and Chuck Cureau, an animal expert at Sea World, round out the cast.
After being introduced today, McDonough said he hopes to meet his predecessor, Bob Keeshan, who originated the role. (The character derived his name from the pouch-like pocket on his jacket.)
But he shouldn't hold his breath. Keeshan said he refuses to be associated with the new Roo because he has no artistic control. Of course, the ex-Captain should have though about that before he sold the rights to the show in l993 to talent agency ICM, which in turn peddled them to Saban.
The All New Captain Kangaroo is slated for a 26-show run beginning in September. It will air on over 130 stations across the U.S. representing nearly 90 percent of the country, a Saban spokesman said. The original series lasted 40 years, broadcast on both CBS (1955-1984) and PBS (1984-1993).