Drama

An Actor's Education

By: John Lithgow

Narrated by: John Lithgow

Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

In this riveting and surprising personal history, John Lithgow shares a backstage view of his own struggle, crisis, and discovery, revealing the early life and career that took place out of the public eye.

Above all Lithgow’s memoir is a tribute to his most important influence: his father, Arthur Lithgow, who, as an actor, director, producer, and great lover of Shakespeare, brought theater to John’s boyhood. From bedtime stories to Arthur’s illustrious productions, performance and storytelling were constant and cherished parts of family life. Drama details with poignancy and sharp recollection the moments that introduced a budding young actor to the undeniable power of theater.

Before Lithgow gained fame with films like The World According to Garp and television shows like 3rd Rock from the Sun, his early years were full of scenes both hilarious and bittersweet. His ruminations on the nature of theater, film acting, and storytelling cut to the heart of why actors are driven to perform, and why people are driven to watch them do it.

Lithgow chronicles the harrowing moments of his past, reflecting with moving candor on friends made and lost, mistakes large and small, and the powerful love of a father who set him on the road to a life onstage. Illuminating, funny, affecting, and thoroughly engrossing, Drama raises the curtain on the making of one of our most beloved actors.

©2011 John Lithgow (P)2011 HarperCollinsPublishers

Me, me, me

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would not recommend this book to anyone outside of John Lithgow's immediate family.

What was most disappointing about John Lithgow’s story?

He is so pleased with himself but has very little to say about "an actor's education."

Excellent Writer, Excellent Narrator

To me, it is always a treat to listen to a book read by the author. This was a double delight as John Lithgow is both an excellent writer and skilled narrator. I was ambivalent about John Lithgow (hadn't seen much of his work) prior to listening to Drama but came out with a great admiration for this well educated, humble man. This is not a book full of tidbits and gossip about the Hollywood or Broadway scene but truly a tale about the difficult journey to finding success in the acting world, regardless how talented or smart you may be.

Loved it

I'm so glad I bought this book. John's story telling is wonderful. Hearing his voice made his story come to life. just simply wonderful.

Great

Would you listen to Drama again? Why?

Yes, wonderful story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

John.

What does John Lithgow bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His voice is amazing, he brings the story to life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, I fInished as fast as I could.

John Lithgow is the consummate dramatist

Would you consider the audio edition of Drama to be better than the print version?

John Lithgow is peerless in his ability to tell a tale. Hearing him is a treat.

Which scene was your favorite?

Lithgow tells great stories of "brushes with fame" in his youth and encounters with theater greats. Even when he is not "telling all," he is compelling and reads so well.

Any additional comments?

To my mind, this was the perfect audiobook--great stories told by the ultimate perfomer.

Surprising, Insightful, Honest

Autobiographies are usually an interesting read - this one is no exception. John Lithgow is an actor whom I was mildly acquainted - I am a fan of 3rd Rock from The Sun - however I knew very little about the man behind the performance. These words, written and spoken by Mr. Lithgow spring truly, honestly, from the speakers. Not much is hidden, the good, the bad. If you have a passing interest in Mr. Lithgow, you'll come away from this book with a new found respect for him.

Another outstanding performance by Lithgow

Would you listen to Drama again? Why?

Yes.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Drama?

Life at McCarter

What about John Lithgow’s performance did you like?

The only way to experience the story.

Any additional comments?

I want my family to hear it.

Well written, well read

Extremely well written and well read by the author, I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir by John Lithgow. John is such a memorable character, and I love his work. I found myself laughing one minute and crying the next throughout the first half of this book. The second half seemed mostly sad, and was a little harder to listen to. Lithgow seems happy with his life now, however, and that makes me happy for him. He will be at BYU this November, reading his stories. I plan on being there to hear him.

Yawn.....!!!!

I like watching John Lithgow in movies and TV shows, but was very bored with the story and could not finish it. Sorry.....

Wonderfully heartwarming 💓🥰💓

Listening to John Lithgow recount his story as well as his father's story was absolutely lovely. Few autobiographies have moved me as much. A large part of it has to do with the reverence with which he treats the influence his dad had on his life. Unlike most autobiographies, I will definitely be rereading this one as it was beautifully told and written.