Much-lauded actor John Lithgow has some strong theatrical roots in the Akron area, and he’s coming back to town to talk to his former friends and neighbors about “The Power of Storytelling.”

John Lithgow. Photo from aceshow.com

His father, Arthur, a theatrical producer and director, directed a Shakespeare festival at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, where the present Ohio Shakespeare Festival recently solidified the Bard’s presence in the area by constructing a permanent outdoor set.

John Lithgow himself just last year appeared on Broadway in “The Columnist,” which was written by David Auburn. Auburn, who received a Tony award for “Proof,” is the son of longtime Akron residents Mark and Sandy Auburn, themselves amateur actors. Word is that Lithgow may indeed talk about that play during his appearance in E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall.

According to Cyndee Snider, media contact at the University of Akron, Lithgow is scheduled to touch on “humorous reflections on storytelling as the tie that binds humanity.” Part of that experience my come from the actor’s reading funny stories to his ailing and depressed father and cheering the man up enough to make him rebound from his ailments. Lithgow previously had a half-evening long performance entitled “Stories by Heart.”

Snider also notes that the actor will trace his roots as an actor and storyteller.

What a career as an actor the man has had – Broadway Tony awards for “The Changing Room” and “Sweet Smell of Success,” with nominations for “Requiem for a Heavyweight,” “M. Butterfly” and “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”; an Oscar award for the movie “The World According to Garp,” with another nomination for “Terms of Endearment”; and three Emmy awards for his role on the very popular TV show “3^rd Rock from the Sun.” The awards go on; these are but highlights.

More than that, though, Lithgow has written books – “Marsupial Sue,” “Micawber” and “Marsupial Sue Presents the Runaway Pancake.” He’s also written poetry. Thus, the storyteller in him.

John Lithgow will present “The Power of Storytelling” at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 18 in E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 High St., Akron; 330-972-7570; www.ejthomashall.com. Tickets are available in advance and at the door: $10 for general admission; $8 for seniors and UA faculty and staff; and $6 for UA students.