The Screwtape Letters, currently playing at the Theatre at St. Clement's, is a stage adaptation of C. S. Lewis' novel of the same name. The novel is a series of letters from a senior level demon, Screwtape, to his nephew, Wormwood, giving advice on how to corrupt his "Patient". Screwtape's letters are detailed with recommendations to weaken the Patient's faith and leading him to sin, coupled with observations on humanity and Christian doctrine.
Lewis never planned to write a sequel, but later wrote a piece Screwtape Proposes a Toast. Instead of a letter, this piece is an after-dinner speech given by Screwtape at the Tempters' Training College for young demons.
The stage adaptation opens with the after-dinner speech, which I thought worked well since it introduced the audience to the world. The play continues into the serious of letters that Screwtape (played by Max MacLean) dictates to his imp, Toadpipe (Karen Eleanor Wight). Overall, I thought this was a great play. The script was terrific and kept me thinking. While I do not attend a particular church, I do try to keep a moral center, and the suggestions of Screwtape, that it isn't the big things that lead one astray but the small things, has me examining myself still.
The acting was superb. Max McLean is pretty much doing a series of monologues as Screwtape. Although he is dictating them to his imp, Toadpipe's responses are either physical or grunts or whines. McLean's vocal work with the text keeps it entertaining. Karen Eleanor Wight's physical work as the imp Toadpipe is exceptional. Occasionally, to illustrate a point, Screwtape waves his hand and transforms his imp into a human who physically models the behavior he is describing. Wight's ability to switch and create new characters was terrific. She also added an element of humor that helped lighten the evening.
The stage adaptation opens with the after-dinner speech, which I thought worked well since it introduced the audience to the world. The play continues into the serious of letters that Screwtape (played by Max MacLean) dictates to his imp, Toadpipe (Karen Eleanor Wight). Overall, I thought this was a great play. The script was terrific and kept me thinking. While I do not attend a particular church, I do try to keep a moral center, and the suggestions of Screwtape, that it isn't the big things that lead one astray but the small things, has me examining myself still.
The acting was superb. Max McLean is pretty much doing a series of monologues as Screwtape. Although he is dictating them to his imp, Toadpipe's responses are either physical or grunts or whines. McLean's vocal work with the text keeps it entertaining. Karen Eleanor Wight's physical work as the imp Toadpipe is exceptional. Occasionally, to illustrate a point, Screwtape waves his hand and transforms his imp into a human who physically models the behavior he is describing. Wight's ability to switch and create new characters was terrific. She also added an element of humor that helped lighten the evening.
As for the production values, the costumes, lighting, sets and sound design were all outstanding. The set is a narrow raised stage with a simple chair and a beautifully placed, curved, steel ladder rising. Midway up the ladder, to the side, is the box in which Wormwood's missives arrive. Fog rises from below the stage and behind is the most horrifying, awesome back wall. I have no idea how Cameron Anderson, the scenic designer, came up with this vision of Hell, but it is simple yet scary. The lighting and sound effects from the arrival of each letter is great.
The Screwtape Letters only runs through December 9, so I recommend seeing it while you can.
The Screwtape Letters
By C.S. Lewis
Adapted for the stage by Jeffrey Fiske and Max McLean
Theatre at St. Clement's
423 West 46th Street (Bewtween 9th and 10th Streets)
Through December 9, 2007
Thursday - Saturday at 8 PM
Saturday at 4 PM
Sunday at 3 PM and 7 PM
(Thursday, November 8 at 7 PM; No performance Thanksgiving)
For more information visit www.fpatheatre.com.
For tickets go to Tickets
