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Is there an American actor with a career as wide-ranging, as simultaneously illustrious and eccentric, as Lithgows?
Hes written childrens books (with irresistible titles likeMarsupial SueandThe Remarkable Farkle McBride).
Hes been nominated for an Oscar twice back-to-back forThe World According to GarpandTerms of Endearmentin 1983 and 1984.
I admit I approachedStories by Heartwith a touch of skepticism.
(Actually my Sunday-matinee crowd, through no fault of Lithgows, seemed a little cranky.
But in the end, I found myself smiling.
Its like listening to the reminiscences of a favorite uncle for a couple of hours … Lithgow learned from the best.)
The stories themselves are, excitingly, not what you might expect.
Theres no Edgar Allan Poe or O. Henry on tap.
His accents are impeccable, his impressions sidesplittingly absurd, and his long-limbed physicality both playful and precise.
Both stories are a treat, but the Lardner is really only a warm-up.
Uncle Fred is the shows real treasure and, its clear, Lithgows real joy.
Lithgows show isnt simply a showcase its also a eulogy.
Its a talisman, a piece of Arthur and the source of his sons life pursuit his true inheritance.
