Last night, Tom Hanks delighted a packed crowd at Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre. Hosted by WBEZ and the University Club of Chicago, An Evening with Tom Hanks In Conversation with Peter Sagal celebrated the debut novel of Hanks.

After a quick introduction, Hanks and Sagal took seats on stage. Their discussion started with friendly banter about Chicago. Having made four movies in Chicago (A League of Their Own, Nothing in Common, Sleepless in Seattle and Road to Perdition), Hanks is familiar with Chicago and proved it with several funny references.

Talk soon turned to The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece. The story begins in 1947 when 5-year-old Robby is abandoned by his uncle, who recently returned from the war. Fast forward to 1970, when adult Robby creates a comic book about a soldier. Fast forward again to the present, when a director sees Robby’s comic and sets out to make a superhero movie.

Although the novel was the connecting thread, most of the conversation was more like a look into the mind and heart of Hanks. With Sagal masterfully guiding the conversation, Hanks discussed his attention to detail, building of characters, telling a story and more. Ever humble, Hanks eschewed the idea he can do whatever he wants because of his stardom. While he admits his wealth allows him to decline any project, it doesn’t assure he can make any idea happen.

Photo credit: David Kindler

Hanks and Sagal had a comfortable rapport and the time really flew. Scheduled to run 90 minutes, the event ran long, much to the approval of the audience.

All attendees received an autographed copy of the book. At a meaty 417 pages, it is not a quick read, but it is a great one. I intended to read a few pages when I got home to stir my interest but found myself 51 pages deep before finally calling it a night. Over the next few days, I finished the book and was completely delighted. An interesting touch is the inclusion of Robby’s comic, Heroes Under Fire, within the pages of the novel.

Photo credit: David Kindler

I read enough of the book to feel Hanks likes his characters and people in general. The story is heartwarming, humorous and thought-provoking. It’s the book form of Hanks himself. On a related note, Sagal pointed out how Hanks rarely has an antagonist in his movies.

Photo credit: David Kindler

Possessor of two Academy Awards and countless other accolades, Hanks is one of the greatest actors of all time. He could very well add a literary award for The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece.

Auditorium Theatre is a magnificent venue. Originally opened in 1889, it is a National Historic Landmark known internationally for perfect acoustics and stunning architecture.

— John Wroblewski, online writer