John Lithgow: Stories by Heart

“In 2008, John Lithgow ‘cooked up’ a pretty ‘slapdash affair’ of a one-man show which he appeared in for a number of Monday nights at Lincoln Center, before taking it on the road in the intervening years--to, he calculates in a story in the New York Times, about 35 different cities. In the process, he has honed it into a first-rate piece of theater that showcases his inestimable skills as an actor and performer, even as it comes to focus on two particular stories, told apparently in their ent... Full Review

“Lithgow is at home at the American Airlines Theatre, making the auditorium seem half its size with the sheer mastery of his art...There's no fireplace on John Lee Beatty's attractively paneled set, but there might as well be, so inviting is Lithgow's manner, so warm his wit...A tribute to the fundamental joy of storytelling...It's part memoir, part literary reading, and all entertainment...And what stories they are..Director Daniel Sullivan handles the proceedings with impeccable sensitivity." Full Review

"In the delightful 'John Lithgow: Stories by Heart,' an actor known for great intelligence and range devotes two hours on a Broadway stage to advancing that reputation...Offers new vigor for a form that many actors would like to master but few manage to successfully conquer: the one-person show. Under Dan Sullivan’s adroit direction, Lithgow does...If I were to compare this evening with others in the genre, Lithgow’s would land somewhere in the top dozen." Full Review

"I’d have believed the man could fly if he told me so. He’s thrilling...It’s heavenly to see Lithgow work, primping and fluffing and chopping and snipping and, really, dancing his way through the murky tale...Lithgow blows them each a kiss; tears in our eyes, we hear the lovely refrain, 'I hope you feel better.' In that moment the entire audience gasps with recognition; Lithgow’s both at his parent’s bedside and directly in front of us. He’s family. He’s breathtaking. I’ve never felt better." Full Review

"Lithgow, in an absolutely sterling performance, uses the classic art of storytelling to take the audience on a journey through his own past, while also showing just how transformative the power of the spoken word can be...He throws himself full force into making the two stories come wonderfully, and, and at times, hysterically, to life...'Stories By Heart' shows the lasting emotional resonance a really good story can have." Full Review

"To begin with, give Mr. Lithgow a sound effects award. And then give him one for spiritual effects, because 'Stories by Heart' is delightful: illuminating the stories, uplifting us...Though golden enough for any nostalgist, 'Stories by Heart' is neither soporific nor cute. For starters, the two stories that Mr. Lithgow recites are superb, outlandish and, in very different ways, hair-raising." Full Review

"Lithgow’s love for his father is palpable in this piece, and I found that particularly moving...Lithgow is marvelously specific in the physicality he gives these short stories, realistically pantomiming an early 20th Century 'two bit' shave-and-a-haircut in the Lardner...This production is lively and vivacious, due in equal parts to Lithgow’s native theatrical intelligence and Daniel Sullivan’s canny direction. 'Stories by Heart' is thoroughly sincere and sentimental, which I find very refre... Full Review

"John Lithgow reads two of his favorite short stories out loud and tells us how he came to know them. That’s all there is to 'Stories by Heart,' and it’s more than enough. Rarely have I spent so entertaining a night at the theater—or witnessed so touching a tribute to a departed parent...I rather wish that Daniel Sullivan, the director, had suggested that he tone down the comic effects a notch or three. On the other hand, Mr. Lithgow is so naturally funny that he gets his laughs anyway." Full Review

"There’s a healthy helping of nostalgia in there, but 'Stories by Heart' is full of smart, good-natured charm. It’s like listening to the reminiscences of a favorite uncle...The stories themselves are, excitingly, not what you might expect...Lithgow has picked material that undeniably showcases his virtuosity. His accents are impeccable, his impressions side-splittingly absurd, and his physicality both playful and precise...Pure entertainment of the most ancient and appealing kind." Full Review

"An extended look into the power and joy of listening to great writing -- especially when handled with true expertise by one of our foremost stage performers...I might have been just as content to hear Lithgow spend all two hours onstage regaling us with memories. But I can’t really quibble with the bulk of program...A tour-de-force that, among other things, makes you wish the actor was available for private reading of bedtime stories." Full Review

"What a gift!...It’s not just physical prowess that makes Lithgow’s performance beguiling. Pacing and emotional truth inform his creation of a small-minded barber chronicling the exploits of the town clown...Lithgow is hilarious as all four participants in the foray and as Fred, stirring the pot...All are uproariously exaggerated, and Lithgow has a ball savoring their rollicking reality. So do we." Full Review

"Two delightful hours...He brings his whole bag of tricks to 'Stories by Heart,' delicately shaped and grounded by director Daniel Sullivan...The performer has a wonderfully light touch, garrulous and self-amused...Anyone who loves literature—consumed in silence or zestfully shouted aloud—will heartily agree: Stories are oxygen. Head over to the Roundabout Theatre Company and breathe deep." Full Review

"Though these introductions are brief, they create an intimate atmosphere as the presence of Lithgow pulls us into his broad, loving embrace...Lithgow's performance is tender...His enactment of 'Haircut' gets a little dicey at times as the first half of the story tends to ramble a bit, making it about five to 10 minutes too long. His performance of 'Uncle Fred Flits By,' though, is one of the funniest things you’ll see all year." Full Review

“An intimate celebration of the art of storytelling, the actor’s craft, and the love of literature and family...Transforming raw materials into theatrical gold...'Uncle Fred' is a riotous romp satirizing British middle-class snobbery...Daniel Sullivan’s subtle direction, John Lee Beatty’s handsome drawing-room set, and Kenneth Posner’s cozy lighting compliment Lithgow’s tour-de-force turn perfectly. This one-man show has artistry as well as 'Heart.'" Full Review

“The artist creates a comfort zone in which tension fades and spirits rise...You’ll be glad you came...This show, beautifully honed over a ten year period, is comprised of two short, enacted stories...Lithgow is warm, inventive, and utterly charming. He owns every moment of this potent pleasure from hokum to heartache. One can only hope there’s a sequel...This version of the presentation is directed by Sullivan whose talents here are both broad and nuanced. There’s never a dull moment.” Full Review

“A collection of colorful characters in his ebullient one-man show...With the buoyant charm of a favorite neighbor, the voice of an eloquent professor and an elastic physical prowess that has served him as a poignant leading man, a scintillating wit, a flat-out silly comic, Lithgow is masterful...Lithgow found a personal value in the healing power of story-telling...A charming reminiscence over some cold winter hours.” Full Review

"It is hard to imagine who, aside from John Lithgow, could fashion a Broadway show from a pair of bedtime stories and not make everyone fall asleep. Yet there the actor is in 'Stories by Heart'...with nothing to keep us on the hook but his masterly cultivation, confidence, and warmth...It is a pleasant way to stay put on a winter’s night...Likable though the stories themselves may be, the heart of this show is in their telling." Full Review

"The two short stories seem an odd choice: neither one seems appropriate for children; neither is particularly funny; and neither seems to capture the attention of the audience...What is spellbinding is Mr. Lithgow’s stories about his father (whom he adored) and how he influenced Lithgow’s life and career in the theatre. The craft of story-telling overshadows the choice of stories and the evening is enjoyable and memorable...John Lithgow is a joy to watch and a joy to listen to." Full Review

“The clarity and precision of Lithgow’s acting suggests that Sullivan has been vigilant in focusing the actor’s capabilities...Some spectators may feel that ‘Stories by Heart’ is overlong and too modest in scale, there is no denying how well Lithgow commands its 740-seat auditorium. It is a pleasure to witness Lithgow demonstrate his proficiency as an actor while honoring both his father and the power of the spoken word.” Full Review

“Lithgow’s someone who, it undeniably seems, would be great fun to have a cup of coffee and talk with...His irresistible affability that’s all but palpable throughout the two-act piece...Unmissably, he instantly wins hearts and minds because he arrives on John Lee Beatty’s simple wood-paneled set to chat about his upbringing...Lithgow’s movements—he makes sounds to duplicate scissors snipping—are clippingly directed by Sullivan...His masculine charm prevails throughout." Full Review

"Even in a large Broadway house, its an extremely intimate evening with the brilliant Lithgow. He performs almost a dozen characters throughout both his stories. They’re people he has come to know like family. And although as an audience we inherently come to the theater for a good story, Lithgow reminds us that we also take them with us when we go. And a good one can become a part of our character, shaping us for generations to come." Full Review

"Lithgow first takes on the role of a gossipy Midwestern barber in Lardner’s 'Haircut'...Lithgow’s uncharacteristically subdued delivery, which befits Lardner’s dismal tone, further taxes our powers of concentration. What results is a scrupulous rendition that nonetheless seems to lack an extra theatrical dimension. No such quibbles pertain to Lithgow’s take on ‘Uncle Fred Flits By’...Wodehouse’s vaudevillian characters and winningly bizarre turns of phrase become ideal theatrical fodder." Full Review

“Both very personal and universal. Lithgow frames two short stories...with two poignant excerpts drawn from his own history...Lithgow delivers a masterclass, while providing a worthy memorial to his parents in a quiet show that does exactly what his fans will expect. Quite how much of an impression it will make on those sitting at the back of the auditorium may be open to question but, in close-up, it is a unique opportunity to commune with an institution.” Full Review

"Lithgow poses a fundamental question to his audience when the show begins. Why do we tell and listen to stories? And by way of giving us an answer, his answer…he determinedly shows more than tells. Gratifyingly, his ‘Stories By Heart’ is written and staged with deceptive simplicity, and entirely avoids any air of the didactic...The small stretches of writing he has himself contributed are cannily woven around two classic short stories that he’s chosen to perform." Full Review

“Heartwarming...Lithgow honors his father and mother with this sentimental look at his family’s past...Lithgow performs two stories. The first, ‘Haircut’ by Lardner...Using impressive mime skills, Lithgow portrays a barber...Far funnier is Wodehouse’s ‘Uncle Fred Flits By.’ Lithgow makes full use of his theatrical repertoire...Precious, to anyone who sees ‘Stories by Heart,’ is the loving way son has chosen to pay tribute to father.” Full Review