In The Polka King, local Pennsylvania polka legend Jan Lewan develops a plan to get rich that shocks his fans and lands him in jail.
This exuberant tragicomedy recounts the remarkable but true story of the rise and fall of Polish émigré Jan Lewan (Jack Black), from striving tchotchke shop owner in the ’70s to the undisputed “King of Pennsylvania Polka” in the early ’90s. Lewan pursued the American Dream by any means necessary, fleecing investors and bribing officials to build a personal musical empire in what became the world’s only known Polka Ponzi scheme. Swept up by Lewan’s charismatic charm are his devoted wife, Marla (Jenny Slate), and his neurotic sidekick, Mickey (Jason Schwartzman).
The Polka King stars Jack Black, Jenny Slate, Jason Schwartzman, Jacki Weaver, J.B. Smoove and Willie Garson. Directed by Maya Forbes and written by Maya Forbes and Wallace Wolodarsky. Produced by David Permut, Stuart Cornfeld, Shivani Rawat, Monica Levinson, Wally Wolodarsky, Jack Black, Priyanka Mattoo.
