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Event
An Evening with John Lithgow
The Booksmith is thrilled to present winner of five Emmys, two Tonys, two Golden Globes, and a two-time Oscar nominee John Lithgow,one of the most acclaimed and beloved actors of our time. Equally adept at comedy and drama, stage and screen, the versatile Lithgow is also a noted storyteller, with eight children's books, including six New York Times bestsellers, on his impressive resume. Now, with DRAMA, which he wryly calls his "first stab at a book that weighs more than three ounces," Lithgow shares his own story, reflecting on how his childhood and early career shaped his identity and his craft.
Lithgow was inspired to write this autobiography during a difficult time, as he nursed his dying father and eased the old man's final days through storytelling. Arthur Lithgow was an actor, director, producer, and great lover of Shakespeare, who colored John's unconventional childhood with exuberant theatricality. At its core, DRAMA is a tribute to this most important relationship and influence. With wit and candor, Lithgow recalls his peripatetic youth, as his close-knit family moved around the country in the wake of Arthur's theatrical pursuits. Making the fateful decision to pursue a life as an actor while at Harvard, young John was soon immersed in the theatre worlds of New York and London, collaborating with the likes of Mike Nichols, Bob Fosse, Liv Ullmann, Meryl Streep, and Brian DePalma. He ends the memoir in 1980, at the very moment when he was on the brink of becoming a nationally known star.
"The book has a lot of characteristics of a conventional memoir," Lithgow explains, "a chronological progression and a fairly thorough record of my early career. But it unfolds as a series of vivid stories, moments in my life that shaped me as an actor and as a person. By choice, I have chosen episodes of my life unconnected with my best known work. Indeed, many of these episodes do not involve acting at all. To me it is far more interesting for a reader to read an actor's backstage history of struggle, crisis, and discovery, out of the public eye, than a conventional, self-congratulatory rehashing of his 'big moments.'"
Steve Martin calls DRAMA, "A memoir as finely crafted as one of John's performances. He tells of transgressions, indiscretions, and tabloid-worthy affairs that my PR people could only have wished for. An exciting and revealing book, and what's more, it's about ACTING!"
The Booksmith at the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas
(orchestra seating, all ages; balcony seating, 21+ only)
1881 Post Street, San Francisco
Tickets $34-38 (including a copy of Drama which Mr. Lithgow will autograph after his talk) at Brown Paper Tickets online or 800-838-3006. ** LIMITED NUMBER OF SEAT-ONLY TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME $12
"John Lithgow's memoir is more than an insider's view of his craft. Lithgow likens acting to storytelling, and he's a wonderful writer. I loved this book." John Irving
"This book has all the drama we've come to expect from John Lithgow, the alternately dark, tender, romantic, dangerous, deranged actor we find in Drama, which is also a family tale of the richest variety. A great read." Mary Karr
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LocationSundance Kabuki Theater (View)
1881 Post Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: No |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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