C.S. Lewis On Stage: The Most Reluctant Convert NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (86)
See it if You enjoy literature, science and religion discussed with intelligence and irony. Humorous and well presented, good actor/playwright.
Don't see it if One man show, slow and cerebral is not your thing. This is not a variety show but rather a close look at a writers beliefs.
See it if you like C.S Lewis
Don't see it if you are not a fan of C.S Lewis
See it if You want to see a one man show. You want to hear how one man went from atheism to being a true believer and be thoroughly entertained by it.
Don't see it if You are not interested in hearing a great story about a mans journey from one end of the religious spectrum to the other.
See it if you have an interest in C.S. Lewis, philosophy, or religion, all examined in loving detail by an attentive playwright and a thoughtful actor
Don't see it if you prefer clear and dramatic narrative arcs, tight pacing, or abundant action. This is a quiet, meandering character study of a play.
See it if you are interested in C.S. Lewis. You like biographies. You care about religious awakenings. you are interested in the Christian faith
Don't see it if you need lighthearted entertainment. you are not into religious topics and biographies
See it if Great acting. Totally absorbing performance .
Don't see it if Want a fluffy topic.
See it if You would enjoy insight into the great man and his spiritual growth, Close experiences with performers please you
Don't see it if You don't enjoy narrated/one person shows about individuals, you prefer big stage experiences
See it if Was happily surprised by CS Lewis's life and how he slowly converted to the Christian faith. He didn't come willingly!
Don't see it if His life doesn't interest you.
Critic Reviews (17)
“A smart production…McLean delivers a performance that is worthy of its subject: learned, trenchant, wry, honest, and humane…The play captures the complexity of Lewis's struggle to believe, yet avoids the clichés and sanctimony that usually attend religious biographies…'C.S. Lewis on Stage' delivers something truly novel in modern theater: a story about an immensely creative mind, through reason and imagination, arriving at the threshold of faith.”
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"It's only about 75 minutes, but that's about the right length for what is part biographical sketch, part monologue...For Lewis, becoming a Christian wasn't about the afterlife...In one of the more amusing moments of an involving few minutes in the theater, McLean, who really does look and sound a lot like his man, spits out what Lewis thought about that: 'a bribe.' Speak for yourself, Clive, but you have a solid professional speaking for you, reminding us that your ideas abide."
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"McLean chronicles the writer’s journey from determined atheist to Christian believer with such wit, grace, braininess and economy that those on either side of the 'God spectrum' are sure to delight in it...A masterful actor, he instantly convinces you that you are in the presence of C.S. Lewis himself...It is an exercise in questioning the very essence of what it means to be alive. And you can remain an avid doubter even as you enjoy its bristling, provocative, highly entertaining arguments."
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"McLean has a knack for explaining complex theology and philosophy with subtly and self-depreciating humor. He easily takes us into Lewis’ world as he stimulates us into processing tough concepts. Talent, pace and acting skill keep us involved…This show is for fans of C. S. Lewis, for those who enjoy a ‘thinking-person’s’ play, and for anyone who enjoys a tour-de-force performance. Actors need to see Max McLean to learn how to make subtle and complex material sizzle on stage."
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"A one-man play about an influential, world-class thinker that’s every bit as smart, fascinating, and satisfying as the best such solo performances seen in this town...Its most pivotal events are mental. And their dramatic momentum amounts to some amazing moments on stage and in one’s own mind. Max McLean performs impressively as C.S. Lewis...With warmth and candor, McLean gives us a Lewis that immediately draws us in...The conversion story in 'C.S. Lewis Onstage' is captivating."
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"There's little drama in this drama. McLean underplays the major crises in Lewis’s life...while repeating Wikipedia style the key facts of the writer's biography. Even Lewis’s conversion from atheism to Christianity lacks fire. True, this choice to some extent reflects Lewis’s own wry, understated account of his religious beliefs. Still, passion smolders behind Lewis's diffidence—a passion wholly missing here."
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"In a series of vignettes representing different times in his life, Lewis takes us through his personal journey from the Church of Ireland of his childhood to a young man’s embrace of atheism to his discovery of a higher power...In McLean’s brilliant portrayal, Lewis’s wry sense of humor is front and center. Lewis is articulate, erudite, insightful, and above all funny."
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"Stoppard-esque, the literary and philosophical clues to Lewis’ journey come so fast and furiously that only a university don might easily follow them. Starring in his own adaptation, McLean is a competent performer, although his lengthy monologue stalled for variance of passions. This performance will be enjoyed by the very-well-read individual who has crept through the door of their spirit-wardrobe to resolve a crisis of faith."
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