By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
December 21, 2001
‘Sweet Smell of Success’
Opens Sunday, through Jan. 27
Shubert Theatre, 22 W. Monroe
Tickets, $35-$77.50
(312) 902-1400
John Lithgow has grown accustomed to hearing fans tell him how much they loved his stage productions in Chicago. The funny thing, though, is the stage-trained actor has never performed onstage here. Until this weekend, that is, when he stars in “Sweet Smell of Success” at the Shubert Theatre.
“I’ve always wanted to play Chicago,” says Lithgow, relaxing in his downtown hotel room. “I think because I’ve been doing theater for so long, people assume that I must’ve done shows here at one point or another. My son, Ian, has. But I haven’t until now. I’m very excited about it.”
A Tony Award winner for “The Changing Room,” Lithgow was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of Roberta Muldoon in “The World According to Garp.” But to many fans, he’s best known for his role as the wacky alien commander on NBC’s “Third Rock From the Sun.”
Lithgow says even with all his previous success stories, there’s nothing quite as sweet as this play.
“I’ve rarely been in anything that I’m more optimistic about than this show,” he says. “I’m superstitious about overpitching it, but by now I know when something is good. And this feels so cutting edge. I feel like it’s going to change the way people view musicals.
“I’m very proud that ‘Sweet Smell of Success’ has chosen Chicago for it jumping-off point. The city has a great reputation and the press writes very well about theater.”
Laughing, he adds, “I’m not just trying to court the press here! It’s just fact. Chicago is a great place.”
SPEAKING OF CHICAGO, Lithgow had this to say:
Favorite play you’ve seen in Chicago: Last year, I saw “Boy Gets Girl” at the Goodman Theatre. My son, Ian, was in it and he was great.
Favorite place to hear music in Chicago: I’ve done a concert at the CSO, so I’d have to say there. I’ve also played Carnegie Hall and I can honestly say Orchestra Hall is better.
Favorite Chicago actor: My good friend John Mahoney. But I have a real high regard for Chicago theater and its actors. I know lots of great Chicago actors like Joan Allen, Gary Sinise and the whole gang.
Favorite Chicago restaurant: Chicago Chop House.
Favorite Chicago meal: I ate a great steak at the Chop House. I passed on the 24-ounce prime rib on the menu and got the small one–the 10-ounce filet. It was delicious.
Favorite Chicago hangout: I love the Art Institute. I always go there within 24 hours of arriving in Chicago.
Best thing about opening “Sweet Smell of Success” in Chicago: It was my idea! I was in on the decision-making process of opening it here or Boston. I chose here.
Favorite thing about Chicago audiences: I sat in the audience for a Rebecca Gilman play two years ago and was amazed at how incredible the audience was. They’re so smart and know their theater.
Favorite Chicago personality: I’m crazy about Roger Ebert, Kup, Studs Terkel and Oprah Winfrey.
Favorite Chicago theater: I love the Shubert. It’s a bit tawdry, which I like. It’s not highly polished and has a great old-time feel. It suits the play wonderfully.
Favorite Chicago sports team: I love winners. I’ve had intense moments of fanaticism for the Bulls. I’ve had Bears moments, too. Phil Jackson happens to be a good friend of mine, and I sort of just worshipped Michael Jordan.
Favorite Chicago season: I’ve only been here in the dead of winter, so I’ll say winter. I usually come here all prepared for an Arctic freeze, but this winter has been really nice.
The last word on Chicago: It’s a toddling town.
