ArtistDirect News
Paul Rudd Screens Power Ballad at Rhinebeck Theater, Highlights Local Roots
On Saturday, June 13 2026, Paul Rudd returned to his New Jersey‑born hometown of Rhinebeck, New York, to host a special screening of his new musical‑comedy drama Power Ballad at the town’s Upstate Films cinema.
The two‑screen theater, situated on Route 9, welcomed the actor for a Close‑Up event that followed the film’s limited‑release run that began May 29. The screening was part of a rollout that will expand to a wide release on June 5. A post on Upstate Films’ Facebook page showed Rudd standing before the screen and read: “We were delighted to welcome our local hero #PaulRudd for a Close‑Up screening of his new film Power Ballad last week.”
Power Ballad was written and directed by Irish filmmaker John Carney, best known for Once and Sing Street. Rudd portrays Rick, a former wedding singer, while pop star Nick Jonas plays Danny, a fading boy‑band frontman. The two characters form an unlikely partnership as they tour Ireland, a setting Carney chose to honor his own heritage. Lionsgate, the distributor, announced the release schedule in October 2025 and confirmed the film’s premiere at the Dublin International Film Festival.
Rudd’s appearance in Rhinebeck is not his first public engagement in the Hudson Valley. The actor and his wife, Julie, have long been residents of the village and co‑owners of Samuel’s Sweet Shop, a candy store that opened in 2014 alongside co‑owners Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Hilarie Burton and Andy Ostroy. The shop has become a local landmark, and Rudd’s presence at the theater underscored his ongoing ties to the community.
That evening, Rudd was photographed wearing New York Knicks gear, a nod to the team’s historic NBA Finals victory. The image was shared by the theater’s social media team, noting that the actor’s appearance “coincided with the Knicks’ win.” The post was part of a broader effort by the venue to highlight local celebrity involvement during a high‑profile sports moment.
The film’s promotion also intersected with the Jonas Brothers’ recent media activities. In December 2025, Joe, Nick, and Kevin Jonas visited Rhinebeck for a holiday getaway, which they later discussed on their new podcast. In one episode, the brothers invited Rudd as a guest, where they revisited their snowy trip to the Hudson Valley and sampled treats from Samuel’s Sweet Shop. The episode, which aired in early 2026, was promoted on the brothers’ social media channels and received coverage from local news outlets.
While the Power Ballad screening was a modest, community‑focused event, it illustrates the broader trend of actors leveraging local ties to promote new projects. Rudd’s dual role as a resident, business owner, and film star provided a natural platform for the film’s release in a region that has long been a backdrop for Hollywood productions.
The screening concluded with a brief Q&A, during which Rudd answered a handful of questions about his experience working with Jonas and the challenges of filming in Ireland. No additional promotional events were announced for the film at this time.
As Power Ballad moves toward its wide release, the film’s performance will be monitored by industry analysts, particularly given its blend of musical comedy and drama and its connection to both American and Irish audiences.
The event in Rhinebeck underscores how local venues and community businesses can serve as effective launchpads for mainstream releases, while also reinforcing the personal brand of actors who maintain strong ties to their hometowns.
The two‑screen theater, situated on Route 9, welcomed the actor for a Close‑Up event that followed the film’s limited‑release run that began May 29. The screening was part of a rollout that will expand to a wide release on June 5. A post on Upstate Films’ Facebook page showed Rudd standing before the screen and read: “We were delighted to welcome our local hero #PaulRudd for a Close‑Up screening of his new film Power Ballad last week.”
Power Ballad was written and directed by Irish filmmaker John Carney, best known for Once and Sing Street. Rudd portrays Rick, a former wedding singer, while pop star Nick Jonas plays Danny, a fading boy‑band frontman. The two characters form an unlikely partnership as they tour Ireland, a setting Carney chose to honor his own heritage. Lionsgate, the distributor, announced the release schedule in October 2025 and confirmed the film’s premiere at the Dublin International Film Festival.
Rudd’s appearance in Rhinebeck is not his first public engagement in the Hudson Valley. The actor and his wife, Julie, have long been residents of the village and co‑owners of Samuel’s Sweet Shop, a candy store that opened in 2014 alongside co‑owners Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Hilarie Burton and Andy Ostroy. The shop has become a local landmark, and Rudd’s presence at the theater underscored his ongoing ties to the community.
That evening, Rudd was photographed wearing New York Knicks gear, a nod to the team’s historic NBA Finals victory. The image was shared by the theater’s social media team, noting that the actor’s appearance “coincided with the Knicks’ win.” The post was part of a broader effort by the venue to highlight local celebrity involvement during a high‑profile sports moment.
The film’s promotion also intersected with the Jonas Brothers’ recent media activities. In December 2025, Joe, Nick, and Kevin Jonas visited Rhinebeck for a holiday getaway, which they later discussed on their new podcast. In one episode, the brothers invited Rudd as a guest, where they revisited their snowy trip to the Hudson Valley and sampled treats from Samuel’s Sweet Shop. The episode, which aired in early 2026, was promoted on the brothers’ social media channels and received coverage from local news outlets.
While the Power Ballad screening was a modest, community‑focused event, it illustrates the broader trend of actors leveraging local ties to promote new projects. Rudd’s dual role as a resident, business owner, and film star provided a natural platform for the film’s release in a region that has long been a backdrop for Hollywood productions.
The screening concluded with a brief Q&A, during which Rudd answered a handful of questions about his experience working with Jonas and the challenges of filming in Ireland. No additional promotional events were announced for the film at this time.
As Power Ballad moves toward its wide release, the film’s performance will be monitored by industry analysts, particularly given its blend of musical comedy and drama and its connection to both American and Irish audiences.
The event in Rhinebeck underscores how local venues and community businesses can serve as effective launchpads for mainstream releases, while also reinforcing the personal brand of actors who maintain strong ties to their hometowns.