A Literary ‘Giant’ in a Slow-Moving Play

Audiences get a new perspective on a literary titan in Giant, which puts beloved children’s author Roald Dahl under the microscope.

The play takes place on an afternoon in 1983, soon after Dahl wrote an anti-Semitic book review. His new novel, The Witches, is about to be published, so Dahl’s British and American publishers visit the author at home to convince him to apologize for his remarks. Dahl’s fiancée also tries to help, but the unrepentant author won’t budge.

Mark Rosenblatt’s play is a slow burn. Too slow. There are several tense moments, starting in Act One when Dahl asks American publisher Jessie Stone, “Are you Jewish?” 

Things only heat up on rare occasions, however. The British stiff upper lip wins out most of the time, but that subtlety isn’t always compelling.

What keeps you watching is John Lithgow as Dahl. The 80-year-old veteran actor is in fine form; his passionate performance softens some of the play’s flaws. 

He also has some tender moments that show Dahl isn’t a total monster, as when he discusses answering children’s fan mail or bonds with Stone over her child with special needs.

Giant falls short as compelling drama, but it’s a valuable record of Dahl’s complicated legacy.

At the Music Box Theatre through June 28