Fresh Air Best Of: John Lithgow / Sondheim’s tumultuous life
Apr 4, 2026
John Lithgow, veteran actor known for stage and screen, discusses playing Roald Dahl and the play’s handling of controversy. Daniel Okrent, author and journalist, explores Stephen Sondheim’s life and musical craft. They dig into moral complexity, artistic motivation, musical structure, and how personal history shapes creative work.
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Use Cross Cultural Energy To Refresh Famous Roles
- When cast against familiar historical figures, blend unexpected elements to enliven the portrayal, as Lithgow did by mixing American energy with an English icon.
- He credits director choices and cross-cultural casting for making The Crown feel fresh and intimate.
Epiphany Reuses Motifs To Amplify Impact
- Daniel Okrent realized Sondheim's Epiphany in Sweeney Todd weaves back motifs from the entire score, explaining its overwhelming power.
- He says the climactic song returns brief snatches of earlier material to tie the show together subconsciously.
Sweeney Todd Channels Personal Revenge Into Art
- Sondheim turned personal feelings of revenge and alienation into art, not literal action; his collaborator Judy Prince recognized Sweeney Todd as autobiographical in emotional terms.
- Okrent connects Sondheim's themes to deep loneliness and eventual search for connection.
