Shadowlands

“William Nicholson's ‘Shadowlands’ is one of those subtle plays that grows on you as it evolves and weaves its own spell. Based on a true story of one the most improbable love stories of the 20th century, it covers a range of human emotions that should catch you in its web. Under Christa Scott-Reed's assured and astute direction, Daniel Gerroll gives a memorable performance as theologian and writer C.S. Lewis. A play of ideas on the meaning and varieties of faith, it is challenging.” Full Review

"C.S Lewis isn’t alone in deriving literature from the romantic alliance. Nicholson’s 'Shadowlands' is another look at his illuminating experience...'Shadowlands', which begins and ends with Lewis lecturing the audience as congregation, is a heartfelt sermon. Beautifully acted by Gerroll, Abramson, and the entire cast and directed with quiet sympathy by Christa Scott-Reed, the production has the effect of a prayer delivered tenderly and even humorously." Full Review

"An incisive piece of writing. And as a mouthpiece for these metaphysical musings, it doesn't get much better than Daniel Gerroll, who stars as C.S. Lewis...Gerroll is infinitely truthful in his manner of blending intellectual confidence with emotional uncertainty, the conflict at the heart of 'Shadowlands'...Gerroll and Abramson are charming stage partners, and it's a delight to see their characters' friendship turn to love." Full Review

"A casual correspondence with Joy Davidman Gresham blossoms into intellectual companionship Lewis has never experienced with a woman...Nicholson’s dialogue between the two is eloquent, stimulating, and distinctly specific...Scott-Reed conducts this symphony with a sure and imaginative hand...Authentic in every way, moves fluidly, and holds visual interest. Its tone is pitch perfect.” Full Review

“A tender love story beautifully told by Scott-Reed and the ensemble. Kelly James Tighe’s set of sliding walls that divide the stage into entirely different rooms is effective and practical; and Michael Bevins period costumes are lovely. Whether or not one is invested in Lewis’s life story or the theological questions encountered, it’s a captivating, well-told and heartbreaking love story that will transport you, momentarily, into another world.” Full Review

"As C.S. Lewis, Daniel Gerroll is outstanding...He keeps the material alive despite the fact that the wordy, overlong play makes the same point repeatedly in slightly varied reiterations that threaten to become tedious...Gerroll has endowed his character with the spark hidden vitality, and guides us through the verbiage as if he were, indeed, a professor himself...It is beautiful to watch Lewis open the door to his soul, revealing the wonders that lie beyond." Full Review

“I saw the original Broadway production...and I had my doubts as to whether the cast of the Off Broadway revival could come close...Happily, the leads at the Acorn do come close in this superb production...Scott-Reed’s direction is top notch, and her supporting cast the same. The settings by Tighe are ingenious and absolutely gorgeous, as is Spivey’s lighting...Of the 10 plays I saw last week, ‘Shadowlands’ was by far the best.” Full Review

"There are a few awkward touches in Christa Scott-Reed's production but she has elicited fluent performances from her two leads, who easily convince us that these two polar opposites could be soul mates...A solidly constructed piece of work that builds to a heartbreaking climax. Even those who aren't particularly sympathetic to Lewis' ideas can be moved by the painful lesson that he learns." Full Review

“If there is a dry eye at the end of ‘Shadowlands', you have never experienced the loss of a loved one...This play could easily become too talky, too melodramatic or too snobby. Scott-Reed has managed to avoid most of these pitfalls. She does not let anyone overplay the elements that are in the script...Excellent acting and direction by Scott-Reed...Yes, the ending may seem melodramatic but this is play is based on what actually happened." Full Review

“This is a deeply moving production that never succumbs to melancholy. Gerroll as Lewis is absolutely spot on – understated yet conveying the intense trauma of loss. His brother, Warnie, played by Vennema is the delightful and sweet – and at times – bumbling Englishman. The one misstep is when Abramson mistakes Yankee enthusiasm for a character oblivious of her surroundings. Then she is more the British idea of a crass American than a convincing spirit.” Full Review

"'Shadowlands' blends the lightness and humor of a good romantic comedy with just enough theological depth to engage the intellect without feeling like homework...'Shadowlands' asks a simple question and proposes a tough answer. Where is God when we suffer?...The cast is excellent...Gerroll plays his part with the right mix of cool manners and hidden warmth. Abramson is vibrant and commanding." Full Review

“Although ‘Shadowlands’ glosses over some of the problematic implications of Lewis’s marriage, it nonetheless presents marriage as something holy, sacred, and desirable...For this treatment of holy matrimony, ‘Shadowlands’ is to be commended—as it is for its celebration of old-fashioned romance...Offers a lovely picture of romance as it ought to be...Requires us to ask questions about the goodness of marriage and the consequences of sundering it.” Full Review

"One of those slow, romantic, and feel-good plays that are not for the faint of heart. The dialogue is short and sweet but echoing of content far deeper that we can all relate to...The actors work seamlessly in sympatico with one another...The chemistry between Gerroll and Abramson is warm, kind, and compassionate...‘Shadowlands’ is a wonderful feel-good play as we head into the holiday season to bring family and out of towners for the holidays." Full Review

“The historically balanced drama marches forward, sometimes a bit too slowly and properly, but all with very good taste indeed. The cast all do a fantastic stiff-upper-lipped job...A heart warming play about the bravery of stepping into the arena of Love. Knowing full well that pain and suffering comes on the backside...Jack dives in to the pool of Love and Pain, gracefully and quite properly, like any good solid Brit would do. And we applaud that brave step forward.” Full Review

"This might seem to have all the earmarks of a sentimental, even smarmy drama. But 'Shadowlands' narrowly avoids this fate through the vivid contrast between the very rigid and formal Lewis and the very Jewish and extremely outspoken Davidman. If Abramson pushes her portrayal a bit too far into the realm of stereotype, Gerroll occasionally manages to surprise us with the depth of his feeling. Best of all, the play is not infrequently quite funny." Full Review

“A somewhat pat though nonetheless touching drama...The sturdily-written play is nothing less than competent. The cast is solid, and is led admirably by Gerroll as Lewis and Abramson as Gresham. Both excel at finding the nuances in their characters’ initial odd couple relationship, and are endearing as their love blossoms. It’s to the actors’ great credit that I was genuinely moved when the admittedly old fashioned story takes a turn upon Gresham’s illness.” Full Review

“It can be calming to sit for a while with a sturdily crafted, nicely cast play that was mild even when it was new...The plot is wholly unsurprising...This iteration doesn’t always trust the pauses in the script...But Mr Gerroll and Ms. Abramson are appealing comic actors, smartly restrained and surrounded by a strong company...In its old-fashioned-ness, ‘Shadowlands’ is hardly a breath of fresh air. But it is a breath of different air, less charged than our own.” Full Review

"Stirring drama...A particularly nice touch is how many of those closest to Jack see the change in him after meeting Joy long before he himself does...Gerroll is excellent as Jack...The only problems with the show can be found in Christa Scott-Reed’s direction. Some of the scenes don’t flow into one another as well as they should...A tale about making the most of the time allotted to us and shows the importance of never taking for granted those we care about most." Full Review

“The play's brief moments of fantasy are embedded in an otherwise realistic, mildly stuffy drama…Gerroll gives a believable portrayal of the mild-mannered, bookish, British intellectual, shy with women, and retiring…Abramson's Joy…is almost a caricature of the pushy New York Jew…and lacks the brainy heft the role demands. 'Shadowlands' requires two equally balanced leads to keep us honed in on what should be a tear-jerking relationship; absent that balance…there are no tears to jerk.” Full Review

"A sincere enough revival...Although I enjoyed seeing the contrast in personality that Abramson brings to Davidman's slightly abrasive facade, it is really hard to imagine what sparks could have been ignited between Jack and Joy. Certainly in real-life it must have...Director Christa Scott-Reed does what can be done to keep the protracted predictabilities at bay." Full Review

“The philosophical banter between Joy, Christopher Riley and the others is amusing and tautly directed by Christa Scott-Reed. The humor blends with deep thoughts to create empathy for the characters as well as to force us to contemplate our own emotions...This is kind of a sad story, so be prepared, even if Joy's pain doesn't play out as totally believable (it seems acted, especially if you ever have been with someone dying the horribly painful death she did).” Full Review