Actor Shows his Mastery in Spinning Yarns

John Lithgow begins his solo Broadway show with the question, “Why do we tell stories?”

His rhetorical query sets the stage for Stories By Heart, which has become a critically acclaimed performance. It is punctuated with comical anecdotes from his childhood years, and masterfully-told stories from Tellers of Tales, a book his father used to read to him and his siblings.

Members of the McCallen and Loughlin Societies, along with friends of St. John’s, eagerly watched Mr. Lithgow share intimate details of his family life on Saturday, January 20, at the American Airlines Theatre.

McCallen member Stephen L. Conroy ’66C and his wife, Barbara ’70Ed, enjoyed the performance. “I like John Lithgow—his storytelling was great. He was so down-to-earth and smart,” Mr. Conroy said.

Mr. Lithgow explored the ways in which storytelling impacts people’s lives in different ways. Some guests said they especially enjoyed the second act when he told the short story of “Uncle Fred Flits By” by P.G. Wodehouse.

Not only was it lively and hilarious—unlike the more mysterious “Haircut” by Ring Lardner in the first act—but it was also heartwarming. Mr. Lithgow explained that it was his father’s favorite story, and once he read it to both of his parents, they genuinely laughed for the first time after falling ill.

After the show, the group enjoyed dinner at nearby Chez Josephine. The Parisian-style restaurant offered live piano music to accompany the bistro French cuisine.

Loughlin Society member Rose V. Sapelli ’57UC, ’84L commended Susan M. Damiani ’87CBA, Director of the Office of Gift Planning, for her efforts. “Susan always puts together wonderful and very affordable events for everybody,” Ms. Sapelli said. “What we got today for the price is really unbelievable. A show, dinner, and transportation—what more can we ask for?”

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