While F.D.R. once told Americans that we have nothing to fear but fear itself, Mr. Ashcroft is delighted to play the part of Fear Itself, an assignment in which he lets his imagination run riot.

The article "fascinated" Harold Prince the musical's co-director and "absolutely intrigued" Sondheim who invited the undergraduate to lunch to further discuss his feelings about the production. (born June 2 1949) is an American essayist op-ed columnist & writer who has—most notably—held various positions within The New York Times from 1980 to 2011. In his study of the work Rich was "the first person to predict the legendary status the show eventually would achieve".

On March 1 2011 it was announced that he would be leaving the Times to become an essayist and editor-at-large for New York magazine starting in June 2011. (born June 2 1949) is an American essayist op-ed columnist & writer who has—most notably—held various positions within The New York Times from 1980 to 2011.