John Lithgow Leads 2026 Tony Race for ‘Giant’ Performance as Roald Dahl
John Lithgow is drawing widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Roald Dahl in the Broadway production of Giant, a play that delves into the darker aspects of the beloved children’s author’s life and legacy. The performance is already generating significant Tony Award buzz, with many critics positioning Lithgow as a frontrunner for Best Actor in a Play.
The play, directed by Nicolas Hytner and written by Mark Rosenblatt, isn’t simply a celebratory biography. It confronts Dahl’s documented history of antisemitism and explores the complexities of his personal life, offering a nuanced and often unsettling portrait. This willingness to grapple with difficult truths is a key element of the production’s critical success, and Lithgow’s performance is central to that.
From London to Broadway: A Critical Triumph
Giant initially premiered in London to positive reviews, earning Lithgow his first Olivier Award. The transfer to Broadway has been met with even greater enthusiasm. Greg Evans of Deadline describes Lithgow’s performance as “towering,” praising his ability to capture the author’s physical and psychological complexities. Evans highlights a particularly striking moment: “When the lights first approach up on the stage, Lithgow is seated at a table, and it isn’t until he soon stands up that we notice, possibly for the first time ever, just how tall this actor is, even as his body contorts and bends to register the many physical infirmities that twisted the aging Dahl’s body as surely and grotesquely as his hatreds warped his psyche.”
Time Out New York’s Adam Feldman awarded the production four stars, noting the play’s success in taking both Dahl’s talent and his morality seriously. Feldman writes that both are “rooted in a love of underdogs and fury at those who would do them harm, a sensibility shaped by his experiences being bullied at school… The irony is that in standing up for victims, Dahl becomes a bully himself.” You can read the full review on Time Out New York’s website.
A Measured Response and Broader Implications
Even as overwhelmingly positive, reviews haven’t been universally effusive. Helen Shaw of The New York Times offers a more measured assessment, acknowledging Rosenblatt’s inexperience as a playwright and noting that the play sometimes feels uneven in its dialogue. However, Shaw still recognizes Lithgow’s central performance as the driving force of the production. The New York Times review provides a thoughtful counterpoint to the more enthusiastic praise.
Beyond the artistic merits, Giant is sparking important conversations about the responsibility of artists and the complexities of separating art from the artist. Andrew Silow-Carroll of The Jerusalem Post draws connections to contemporary global issues, arguing that the play raises “urgent, complicated questions about Israel, Jewish solidarity and Diaspora responsibility.” He emphasizes that the play doesn’t attempt to redeem Dahl but rather uses his problematic views as a starting point for a difficult but essential dialogue. Silow-Carroll’s analysis frames the play within a broader cultural context.
John Lithgow’s Illustrious Career
Lithgow’s performance in Giant adds another layer to an already remarkable career. A two-time Oscar nominee and two-time Tony winner, Lithgow has consistently demonstrated his versatility across stage and screen. He is perhaps best known for his roles in television series like 3rd Rock from the Sun, for which he won a Golden Globe, and The Crown, where he portrayed Winston Churchill, earning him a Primetime Emmy Award. His film credits include The World According to Garp and Terms of Endearment, both of which garnered him Academy Award nominations.
Lithgow’s stage work is equally impressive, with Tony Awards for his performances in The Changing Room and Sweet Smell of Success. He has a long history of tackling challenging roles, and Giant appears to be another example of his willingness to take on complex and controversial material. His ability to embody both the brilliance and the darkness of Roald Dahl is a testament to his skill and range.
The Delicate Balance of Biographical Drama
The success of Giant hinges on its ability to navigate the delicate balance of biographical drama. The play doesn’t shy away from Dahl’s flaws, but it too acknowledges his undeniable talent and the enduring appeal of his stories. This nuanced approach is crucial to avoiding a simplistic condemnation of the author and instead prompting a more thoughtful examination of his legacy. The production’s willingness to confront uncomfortable truths is what sets it apart and makes it a compelling theatrical experience.
The play’s exploration of antisemitism is particularly timely, given the rise of hate speech and intolerance in recent years. By bringing Dahl’s prejudices to the forefront, Giant forces audiences to confront their own biases and consider the responsibility of artists to use their platforms for good. It’s a play that doesn’t offer easy answers but instead encourages critical thinking and open dialogue.
As the Tony Awards approach, John Lithgow’s performance in Giant is poised to be a major contender. The play’s critical success and its timely themes suggest that it will continue to resonate with audiences and spark important conversations for months to come. The production is currently running at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre in New York City, with no official closing date announced.