David Payne writes, directs, and stars as C.S. Lewis in his hugely successful one-man show which has seen over 800 performances and counting as it tours the US
A jolly English fellow saunters onto the stage, greeting us in a warm and genial but professional manner. He sits in his chocolate leather armchair, which is situated in front of his colorful, well-loved books and across from his oft-used mahogany writing desk. He pours himself a cup of steaming English breakfast tea as if it were any other day; but for us, it isn’t any other day. We are American writers, and we are sharing an evening in his home, hanging on his every word. He is eminent British author C.S. Lewis.
It’s 1962, and C.S. Lewis, or Jack as we come to know and fondly regard him, shares story after story from his life. He speaks with a grandfatherly timbre in his voice, and we--playing the part of writers-- like grandchildren are on occasion spellbound with his enthralling anecdotes. On occasion (in this writer’s opinion), we are sometimes underwhelmed with his lengthy oratory. He tells us of his friendship with his renowned author friend, J. R. R. Tolkien, his journey in finding his religion, as well as how he almost –gasp!-- threw away the transcript for his prized book The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Most notably, he recounts his own, moving love story with his late wife Joy, who lost a fierce battle with bone cancer
For this writer, David Payne’s painstaking feat of writing, directing, and starring in this performance did not go unnoticed. It’s clear why, as the program notes, “it has become his flagship production with over 800 performances.” He is an impressive embodiment of C.S. Lewis, and his love for the author and his work comes across in the joy of his acting and his wit in the script. The line is blurred between Payne’s and Lewis’s writing which is a hefty accomplishment, indeed.
Though engaging and effortlessly informative, the script did leave this writer wanting more narrative, more journey, and more character depth. Charming as Payne’s portrayal of C.S. Lewis may be, we as well as the character, left the show feeling unchanged and unchallenged. While it was fun to hear what was—in essence—a lecture from a charismatic, widely acclaimed author, that is all it was: a lecture, not a play. It would certainly be an impressive, highly amusing museum installation, but it’s difficult to classify it as a true theatrical experience.
That said, this writer would still recommend the show to fans of C.S. Lewis, and to people who appreciate the inner workings of literary history. When will you ever get to be in a room with C.S. Lewis? The answer is only at Broadway in Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.
SOMEWHAT RECOMMENDED
When:
Thru Nov 3, 2019
Tuesdays at 8PM
Wednesdays at 8PM
Thursdays at 8PM
Fridays at 8PM
Saturdays at 4PM & 8PM
Sundays at 2PM & 6PM
Where:
Broadway Playhouse
Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut)
Tickets:
$70+
Check for Half-Price Deals from Hot Tix:
For full-priced tickets and ticket availability visit Broadway In Chicago website or call (312) 977-1710
Photos:
Note: Picture This Post reviews are excerpted by Theatre in Chicago
About the Author:
Lauren Lynch is a Chicago-based theatremaker by night and education administrator by day. She has undergraduate degrees in Theatre and English from Austin Peay State University and an MFA in Arts Administration from Texas Tech University. When she's not at work or seeing/creating theatre, you can find her enthusiastically playing board games with friends or stealing cuddles from her dog, Harry Pupper.
