John Lithgow:
Stories By Heart
Roundabout Theatre Company
American Airlines Theatre
December 23, 2017
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| Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company |
Why
do we love to listen to and tell stories?
This is the questions John Lithgow asks during the opening section of
his one man show presented by Roundabout Theatre Company. In John Lithgow: Stories By Heart the well-known actor and storyteller reveals all
the sides of his personality we have come to admire over the years. He is warm, funny, tender, boisterous,
genuine, and daring.
Mr.
Lithgow shares with his audience the story of his father, an exuberant man,
full of life. His father produced and
directed all of Shakespeare’s plays in the course of his career. He founded Great Lakes Theater in Cleveland,
OH. Mr. Lithgow and his three siblings
had a rough childhood, changing school often, yet it was full or stories, joy,
and enthusiasm. He shares two stories
his father told during their childhood.
They are not age-appropriate bedtime stories, but when acted out with
imagination and characterization, they become stunningly memorable. The
Haircut by Ring Lardner takes up most of the first act, and Uncle Fred Flits By by P.G. Wodehouse is
performed during the second. The
poignant part of the performance is when Mr. Lithgow returns the recitation of
the stories to his aging father during a period of poor health.
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| Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company |
John
Lithgow’s skills are masterful. His
vocal and physical characterizations are distinct and change
instantaneously. His heart fills the
American Airlines Theatre and touches everyone in it. The show, directed by Daniel Sullivan, is
simple and touching. John Lithgow: Stories By Heart is
playing through March 24. It is a unique
and personal experience.
Domenick Danza
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