Hillary and Clinton

Hillary and Clinton

Golden Theatre

April 27, 2019

Photo courtesy of Hillary and Clinton

It is 2008 in New Hampshire and Hillary Clinton (played by Laurie Metcalf) is losing in the primary to Barack Obama (played by Peter Francis James).  She calls her husband, Bill (played by John Lithgow), to help her.  Her campaign manager, Mark (played by Zak Orth), is dead set against Bill Clinton’s help in the campaign.  Barack offers Hillary the position of running mate if she drops out of the race.  She wins New Hampshire, and makes the same offer to Barack.

In Hillary and Clinton Playwright Lucas Hnath has written a fictional account of these conversations in a highly successful effort to deliver a strong message.  By writing these well known, true characters, Mr. Hnath engages his audience on an emotional level right from the start.  He frames the play with an opening and closing monologue that broadens the magnitude of the spectrum already established by these characters, and puts into perspective his themes of winning vs. losing, personality vs. professional accomplishments, and right time vs. wrong time.

Laurie Metcalf as Hillary Clinton
Photo courtesy of Hillary and Clinton

If you think, as I did, that any production starring Laurie Metcalf and John Lithgow that is directed by Joe Mantello has got to be good, this show proves that point.  Joe Mantello shapes the action and layers in moments of honesty, humor, and irony.  Ms. Metcalf is riveting, as always.  Mr. Lithgow is simply remarkable.  Neither of them attempts an imitation of the people they portray.  They both create individual and genuine characters facing personal challenges while juggling monumental reality.  Equally strong performances are also delivered by Zak Orth and Peter Francis James.

Hillary and Clinton is playing at the Golden Theatre.  Go see this show!  You will be engaged on numerous levels and propelled into deep thought on more than just the subject matter.

Domenick Danza

John Lithgow: Stories By Heart

John Lithgow: Stories By Heart

Roundabout Theatre Company

American Airlines Theatre

December 23, 2017

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.

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