Stars of “The Godfather of Green Bay” Reminisce Ahead of Madison Screening

Excitement is building for the anniversary screening of The Godfather of Green Bay at Atwood Music Hall in Madison on Thursday, December 4th. Two of the film’s most memorable stars — Tom Lennon and Lance Barber — joined Pete Schwaba, host of Nite Lite with Pete Schwaba, to talk about the Wisconsin-made cult classic that shaped a generation of Midwest comedy fans.

Lennon is now known for Reno 911!, Night at the Museum, and a thousand other fast-talking, funny characters. He called in from his new home base near Lake Geneva.

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Listen to the full Lennon interview, starting at the halfway point, here:

[podcast src="https://civicmedia.us/shows/nite-lite/2025/11/24/on-successful-improv-with-thomas-lennon-hour-3"]

Barber is beloved as his most recent character, George Cooper Sr. on Young Sheldon. He’s also had roles in The Comeback, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and many more. He phoned in while traveling with his family.

And though they are guests on separate nights, both shared stories full of affection, nostalgia, and the kind of chaos only low-budget filmmaking can provide.

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Listen to the full Barber interview, starting at the halfway point, here:

[podcast src="https://civicmedia.us/shows/nite-lite/2025/11/25/midwest-comics-stick-together-hour-2"]

The men say they have warm memories about their connections to Wisconsin. Lennon jokes about being mistaken for a “crappy Chicago person” after relocating to the state, while Barber describes embracing the comfort of coming home to familiar culture and humor when he first auditioned for the film. Barber also says he instantly “got” the script because it felt like it was written about people he grew up with in Michigan. 

They also praise writer-director-actor Pete Schwaba and the endless jokes about his last name. The two credit Schwaba’s natural warmth, collaborative spirit, and deep understanding of the region which created an environment where the cast felt like they weren’t just making a movie — but putting together a show with friends.

There are some surreal and joyful moments from the set, according to Schwaba. Marinette locals joining in the fun, late-night guitar sessions, the cast standing outside a bar watching the Northern Lights after shooting a scene there. Lennon laughs about what’s now a legendary “Last Call” scene with Tracy Thorpe. Barber says working with comedians like Lennon, Eric Price, Mike Toomey, and Jimmy Pardo made the filming endlessly funny, on camera and off.

Both also share with Schwaba how much the entertainment industry has changed since the film’s 2005 release. Lennon explains that production has migrated to places like Atlanta, Canada, and even Tulsa. And he praises Wisconsin’s newly reinstated film tax credit as a smart move that could bring more work to the state.

Barber describes returning for his emotional cameo in Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage. And then teases Schwaba about a potential Godfather of Green Bay sequel. 

“I’d jump if it ever came together,” Barber says. 

By the end of each interview, what you hear is gratitude. Thankfulness for their friendship, for the cast and crew who shaped the film, and for the Wisconsin audiences who are keeping The Godfather of Green Bay alive 20 years later. 

The screening event is a celebration of comedy, community, and the people that helped bring this movie to life. Tickets are available here.  

Proceeds from the screening will support the Dane County Humane Society.