The Screwtape Letters NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (24)
See it if You read the book and really really love C.S.Lewis and enjoy one man plays
Don't see it if You're bored easily, haven't read the book hate one man plays.
See it if You're a fan of C.S. Lewis, or simply a fan of thought-provoking theatre!
Don't see it if You're easily offended by a daring story.
See it if you're a fan of C.S. Lewis's work, enjoy works that present the devil in satirical form (ie. Damn Yankees), are a serious Christian
Don't see it if things about hell and the devil either turn you off or scare you, you don't appreciate clever satire, C.S. Lewis bores you
See it if you ever thought that the devil had his work cut out with humans
Don't see it if you upset by multiple references to God and the devil
See it if you like moral dilemas being discussed in an intelligent and sometimes funny way.
Don't see it if you want to steer away from any issues regarding religion.
See it if you want to experience a wickedly good tale that has thought provoking ramifications. It is funny and worthwhile.
Don't see it if you don't want to think about deep things and laugh at the same time.
See it if you are a fan of The Screwtape Letters (book). You want an amusing night of good theater. It's so creative how they fleshed out Toadpipe!
Don't see it if you could care less about religion and those who practice it. (I'm an atheist, but I loved this play.) You don't like one-man shows.
See it if you want to see a thought-provoking show that is very entertaining. You will leave thinking about life in a different way.
Don't see it if want a straight forward comedy with the lowest level of humor.
Critic Reviews (28)
"What a challenge, to take a character dictating letters and make it a captivating theatrical spectacle. Kudos to the entire technical team...A deliciously witty, theatrical treat that still resonates and amuses the day after."
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"The adaptation captures all of the book's flaws and none of its charm…It does not translate to the stage. McLean merely speaks aloud some of the letters, with Screwtape more of a narrator than a character involved in the action, and that's a fatal flaw for drama…Despite his elegant delivery, McLean never connects with the audience...'The Screwtape Letters' could make a great play, but this one feels more like a sermon."
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"'The Screwtape Letters' might be just what the devil ordered…Max McLean as Screwtape commands the stage with a macabre and imposing presence...His performance will have you on the edge of your seat…Physical elements enhance the performances…'The Screwtape Letters' showcases the talents of two immensely talented performers as backed by a great physical production. It also proves that C.S. Lewis is still one of our best modern writers."
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"I found the play, like the book, heavy handed and difficult. This work is certainly an eye-opener, and though many find it funny, I did not. It cuts to the marrow with its message, so be prepared to look for lessons and be challenged. You should be convicted. It is a creative and stellar work that examines human frailty and the shortcomings of the Christian church."
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“This is a play of words and pretty high-brow words, at that. It would be best to read these intellectual thoughts and ponder them…But, that being said, this was quite an extraordinary production! The acting by Harris of Screwtape was exceptional. His use of modulating his voice, his calculated movements, his outrageous rages and effective humor were all brilliantly conceived and executed. And his build toward madness himself was like a slow boil in a pressure cooker.”
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“McLean so dominates the stage that 'The Screwtape Letters' seems almost a one-man show. He is both charming and gruesome, which is exactly how theatergoers who are familiar with the book would want him to be…Between the letters, Toadpipe dances to music–this is a bit distracting, but at least it serves the purpose of breaking up what otherwise would be an extended monologue. All in all, 'The Screwtape Letters' is an outstanding piece of work.”
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"Playwright/actor Max McLean takes on this riveting excursion into the underworld with the kind of verbose charm seldom allowed in conventional theater…Director Jeffrey Fiske delivers beautifully crafted and eloquently executed theater...the heavy-handed Christian sermonizing of C. S. Lewis’ source material is overtly distasteful. It is a true testament to the success of the production that it overcomes this dogmatic propaganda to the point of delivering a delightful theatrical encounter."
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"McLean creates a Screwtape who's certainly larger than life. The odd but imaginative set depicts a credibly comfortable afterlife, and McLean's gestures, blocking and vocal treatment convey his great relish for the text…There is much to contemplate here, and not very much comedy at all…Sin and shortcomings are extremely personal…the presentation was necessarily amplified far beyond such intimacy…The capering of the attendant demon was very often distracting."
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