ABC7 Chicago Anchor and Entertainment Reporter Hosea Sanders will host the Q&A event, featuring series stars Lisa Ann Walter and Sheryl Lee Ralph. The virtual conversation, presented by the Museum of Broadcast Communications, will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 7:00 p.m.
You can register for the virtual event here.
A special screening of the pilot episode will follow.
SEE ALSO | ABC's new comedy 'Abbott Elementary' hopes to hit TV's honor roll with lessons in life and laughter
"Abbott Elementary" is a workplace comedy that follows a group of teachers in a Philadelphia public elementary school. Despite the odds stacked against them, the teachers rely on each other to make it through the day and are determined to help their students succeed in life.
"What better way to celebrate Black History Month in February and Women's History Month in March than with this amazingly talented cast of the hottest comedy on television right now!" said MBC Board Member and Programming Chairperson, Andrea Darlas. "We are delighted these hard-working, successful actors are able to spend some time talking to Chicago area teachers, working professionals, students and television enthusiasts!"
Ralph, who plays Barbara Howard, is an acclaimed stage, film, and television actress. Her starring role as Deena Jones in "Dreamgirls" on Broadway earned her a Tony Award nomination.
Ralph said she still carries this lesson from her elementary school days.
"Don't lie, don't cheat, don't steal, just don't do it," she said. "And always wear bright colors, cause that makes you stand out!"
Walter, who plays Melissa Schemmenti, is an actress, comedian, producer and show creator whose film career highlights include stand-out performances in the blockbuster films "The Parent Trap," "Shall We Dance," "Bruce Almighty," and "War of the Worlds."
Walter said she loves Chicago so much, she even considered moving here.
"I shot a movie in Chicago and in July, I said 'I want to move here,' and some locals said, 'Come back and visit first in January, February. Make your mind up then,'" Walter said. "I just want to come back to Chicago and have the good time that I had eating your food. I love how you are ok with a woman eating a real meal and I've always loved the Chicago people because you are big city hip, and you're Midwest nice. Thank you, Chicago, keep being you."
New episodes of "Abbott Elementary" air Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. on ABC. Episodes can be viewed on demand and on Hulu the day following their premieres.