See it if you like love stories, clever writing, perceptive characterizations, fine direction, excellent production values and superb acting.
Don't see it if dislike sad endings, intellectual gamesmanship, dialog that is, at times, difficult to understand and characters that are intellectuals.
See it if Whether you are an avid reader of C. S. Lewis, a fan of his or not you will be moved by the story of his late-in-life, love affair.
Don't see it if You don't like late-in-life romance.
See it if you believe and accept the power of love. It also helps if you like C.S.Lewis.
Don't see it if you are looking for some light entertainment.
See it if This is a compelling character study and love story, told with humor, that also addresses serious questions. Daniel Gerroll is superb.
Don't see it if You're looking for something light, fluffy or not at all serious.
See it if You like British period dramas, powerful writing, or care about CS Lewis or Oxford.
Don't see it if You want a zippy, upbeat, modern piece that moves at a clip. Read more
See it if you are a fan of CS Lewis or like to be in a most intimate theater setting where you feel a part of the show. Cast is strong and set is good
Don't see it if you do not like stories based on some truth. This show differs greatly from the 1991 B'dway version and yet feels so real and true to life.
See it if you enjoy philosophical and thought provoking story telling.
Don't see it if you want to see a light, fluffy show. This is a show for the deep thinkers. Read more
See it if you like plays base on true stories, very good directing, liked how the director intertwined his stories with the life events
Don't see it if may seem a bit old fashioned
“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.”
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"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."
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"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.”
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"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."
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"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."
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“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).”
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“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.”
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“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."
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