Audience Comments for Screwtape Letters performed by Max McLean

"My wife and I saw the play on March 26. FANTASTIC! Too bad it will be only in the theater for a short while. We would consider driving another 5 hours back to Chicago to see it again accompanied by as many friends as we could get to come with us. The intimate size of the theater was a plus. Sound and lighting superb!"

--Rick

"My husband, our two oldest children, and I just returned home to Austin, TX, from Chicago where we thoroughly enjoyed Max McLean's performance in The Screwtape Letters. We actually traveled to Chicago primarily in order to see the show and it did not disappoint!

Our sons (7th and 9th grades) read quite a bit of C.S. Lewis' works. They were very impressed with Mr. McLean's performance and with the dramatic depiction of Lewis' story. It really brought to life the themes that run through the letters, and prompted a very interesting conversation among the four of us at dinner that evening. We just wanted to express our appreciation for giving such an impressive and inspiring performance; we thoroughly enjoyed it!"

--Melinda

"We saw Max's performance last night at the Mercury Theater in Chicago, Illinois. Max was awesome!"

--Barry

"Thank you, Mr. McLean and Ms. Gougelet, for a wonderful afternoon of "hellish" entertainment, and so much great fodder for conversation for our family dinner afterward.

My husband and I gave our family tickets to The Screwtape Letters for Christmas! (No, the irony of celebrating the Lord's birth with tickets to hell wasn't lost on us....) Both of my children (14 and 10 yrs old) are huge CS Lewis fans, and The Screwtape Letters was a great way to move them into the more challenging Lewis material after Narnia."

--Annette

"My family and I were in attendance at last night's performance of The Screwtape Letters. Thank you...for bringing C.S. Lewis's timeless message to a contemporary audience. Bravo...for the excellence with which you did it."

--Sandy

"We read several months ago that C. S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters had been made into a play. When we heard that it would be coming to Chicago, we decided that if there ever was a play we should see, this was it.

I had unconsciously been preparing myself for a much less visually interesting performance so as not to be disappointed. The book is very insightful and contains much wisdom, but I was a bit apprehensive that the play might just be a man sitting in a chair reading and writing letters. I was very happy to find that my fears were totally unfounded. You have brought one of the greatest works of Christian literature to life.

Ms. Gougelet was wonderful as Toadpipe. Having her on stage the whole time added such interest and humor. Each detail from the stage design to the costumes fit together so well. The script included all the best lines from the book, repeated faithfully, without dumbing them down or modernizing them for today's audiences. Thank you."

--Martha

"Did a great job combining Lewis' depth and humor. If you like the book, don't miss this!"

--Tom

"It is what entertainment should do - instruct... It was thought-provoking; I will tell all my friends about it..."

--Gil

"Will the show be coming to the East Coast again? This is one of my favorite books by C.S. Lewis and by all accounts this is a play not to be missed!"

--Kathleen

"PLEEEEASEEEE...Bring it to New Haven!"

--Bonnie

"Powerful, exceptional performances! Max and Yvonne brought to life truths that many would prefer to remain ignorant to. Bravo to C.S.Lewis for the courage to write boldy what the under world would prefer to remain "their little secret"! Don't miss this life-challenging event!"

--Kat

"I Live in Lake Worth, FL. Do you plan to bring Screwtape to the West Palm/BocaRaton/Jupiter/Lake Worth area soon? I'm sure I could get a group together. Heard a review on WMBI/WRMB. Sounds great."

--Fran

"Our family are all C.S.Lewis' fans and this performance started a heated debate from Lewis' attitude on pride to the amazing acting abilities of both characters. Thank you."

--Carol

"What a challenging and thought provoking night of entertainment. Would highly recommend seeing this while it is in Chicago! "

--Dan

"Attended the show in Chicago @ Mercury Theater. It was a very interesting look at the thoughts from the black side of the earth. I was drawn in and kept on my toes thru out the entire performance. Hats off to Max, he was a excellent Screwtape, I had read this as a book before but this play brought to light things I had missed or forgotten. My wife to soon be and I met Max after the performance, he is a gentleman thru and thru."

--Wes

"Please tour the country!!!!"

--Lori

"Please take it across the country. We are dying to see it in person here in the mid-west. At least provide us with a dvd to purchase."

--Melanie

"This afternoon, my mom and I trekked downtown to see Max McLean in his one (well, really two) man show of CS Lewis' Screwtape Letters. I can't think of when I enjoyed a trip to the theater more - it was seriously wonderful.

Max McLean has always been a dramatic reader to me. If you get the chance to hear his CD of Jonathan Edward's Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, do so. His voice and voice performance is amazing. But as Screwtape he was wonderful. And Toadpipe nearly stole the show - she was fantastic, not just as she scribbled down the letters, but as she became the personifications of the various illustrations Screwtape used in his letters."

--Beth

"I went to see it yesterday May 1st with my dad and it was fantabulous. The director did an excellent job of terrifying you with the truth behind C.S Lewis's brilliant words. As well as add a disturbing yet cute form of comic relief in the character Toadpipe. It's so well done that at one point you almost don't even realize you're laughing and enjoying such a gruesome reality; and then at once he brings you back to the surrounding backdrop with incredible lighting and "noise" as the main character so eloquently called it. This is definitely a must see!"

--Stacy

"I saw The Screwtape Letters in Washington, DC on 4/20. Prior to that I had read the C.S. Lewis work. I think Mr. Lewis would be pleased. If I could I would gladly shake Max McLean's hand and say a hearty well done!"

--Lc

"It was great to see CS Lewis' words come alive on stage. I was quite amused by Toadpipe's animated personality which was comic relief for the heavier moments. The set -- and how it was slowly revealed -- was phenomenal."

--Jenrandall

"I, (unfortunately living in California), have not seen the production, however I have read, and re-read the book several times, and seen the Video on the web. I have several of Mr. McLean's other productions, and am very jealous of those on the East Coast who can see the live play. I am just hoping that Mr. McLean's production company will take pity on the rest of us, and produce a DVD of this fine C. S. Lewis prose. Looking forward to it."

--Tom

"Very entertaining!"

--Rebekah

"Definitely worth it. Better than anything I've seen on or off Broadway. Incredibly thought-provoking. Acting is superb."

--T

"I found the show overall to be good, but not great. Only two characters: the devil Screwtape and his assistant. This will appeal to people with an interest in religious questions, done in a funny novel way. Sometimes I found myself finding it hard to follow Screwtape's words, but it became better as the play went on. His assistant, a female devil, was fabulous. She only made sounds, and did not speak words, but she was a terrific counterpoint to Screwtape's monologues. The staging and costuming was great, especially for the assistant. Lighting was very effective. Go see it if you can."

--Ned

"Ordinarily, one-person shows stretch my patience, but this adaptation of C.S. Lewis's epistolary novel was a sinfully delicious exception. Scaling to an upper floor to St. Clement's Theatre, we look down on a wondrously appalling vision of hell, where His Abysmal Sublimity Screwtape has his efficient little office. McLean veers deftly between the various Screwtapes we encounter in his letters. Generally, he is avuncular in his correspondence with his unseen acolyte Wormwood as this junior temptor strives here on earth to recruit his first soul to the netherworld. Yet as Wormwood's fortunes shift -- along with his own -- Screwtape may rage, shrivel into unctuous servility, or reveal his primal cannibalistic core.

Greatly enriching this infernal treat was Karen Eleanor Wight as Toadpipe, Screwtape's eternally silent personal secretary. Slithering on the floor to transcribe her master's dictation, slinking up a pole to post it, Toadpipe was a constant undertow of evil even when Screwtape himself was his most charming and provocative -- a Cirque du Soleil imp turned into nightmare. During those delicious instances when she bared her teeth, we realized that the servile Toadpipe was also a carnivore, hungrily dependent on her master's scraps."

--Perry

"The main character Screwtape is so wonderfully over the top - sitting there in his smoking jacket, talking about the foibles of mankind, our vanities and the things you can prey on - it was just a wonderful experience...as good as any performance I've ever seen."

--Steve

"It was an exciting play, and as a pastor, and as a Christian, it was especially profound --- more so, for me, in the play than in the reading. You did really bring it to life."

--David

"To watch Max perform CS Lewis's The Screwtape Letters was extremely captivating. Having read the book, I was concerned how the portrayal would compare. I was more than pleasantly pleased. Max's performance was outstanding and left me wanting more. Most Excellent."

--Chuck

"I thought that this was a phenomenal experience. Although I am only 13, I have had much exposure to CS Lewis, but this was the first time I was moved by his writing and his humor. The performances were inspirational."

--Lindsey

"This production is spellbinding, and draws you in immediately. I felt real movement and progression in this new version as I watched Screwtape fall apart. I never really focused on the "devouring" aspect of all this in the first production -- in this one, it's intense. It's great theater and provocative for a good two hours AFTER the show. The directing is first rate (loved the human characterizations by Karen -- she's fabulous and the sound bites, perfect), sound, lighting, set all work together so well. I was transformed into Screwtape's world and yet never distracted from the message."

--Ron

"Got the chance to see Screwtape a couple nights ago. Bravo! It was delightful! Your creativity was evident. Thanks also for your sensitivity to the text. I wrote my doctoral dissertation on C.S. Lewis. Max was great ... and so was Toadpipe a great addition!"

--Steve

"As a strong believer in Lewis and his teachings, I traveled to NYC from Los Angeles with my family in tow to see "Screwtape"---the performance was superb---thank you so much, all of you, for a memorable and provocative 90 minutes. Come to California!"

--Stephen

"I saw Screwtape... How amazing it was...your performance was truly inspired. Watching his/your slow demise under the faulted logic (doomed to anyone who ignores the purity and power of "the Enemy") as you dispensed it all with just relish, was a beautiful dramatization of a traditionally expository Lewis. The direction, the set, the music/sound, and certainly Toadpipe were delectable as well--- and created a world as real as it was bewitching."

--Matt

"My wife, Mother and I just saw you this Sunday and we all became instant Karen Eleanor Wight fans. The transormations you telegraphed with out uttering a single (recognizable) word were wonderful to behold. Congratulations on reminding us all what live performance is all about."

--Chris

"An outstanding production. I was very impressed by the lighting and staging, not to mention the acting and original approach to Lewis' work. I especially liked the use of Toadpipe to demonstrate the ways human beings act. Well done."

--Doug

"I recently went with some freinds from the church that I attend and saw the 8 oclock performance. We all enjoyed it very much.I very rarely go to broadway plays because they can be very pricey and then you're taking a chance that what you're viewing won't grieve your spirit. After seeing The Screwtape Letters I left with a greater awareness of how the enemy of our soul works. Thank you.
"

--William

"I cannot get over the improvements you have made. I thoroughly enjoyed the
"off off-B'way" version, but this new production is really top-notch. Very
professional and entertaining."

--Wendy

"What a great show! It was such a pleasure to see this production come to fruition. You both really paid incredible attention to every detail and the result was frighteningly spectacular. You really paid tribute to CS Lewis' intention and the representations of how we are 'attacked' by the evil one. It was so interesting personally for me as I've had some attacks and revelations literally in the last 48 hours and seeing your show confirmed a lot of things. Funny how God works. I mean, for me to see that particular show on that particular night is a great example of His perfect timing! I'm going to bring LOADS of people from my church and friends who - just quietly - need to see this. Once again, congratulations and I wish you every success in life of this production."

--Tamara

"Last night your "Screwtape" was even better than last year! I must now add even more gusto to my recommendations. You should do a DVD!"

--Ralph

"My Wife and I went on the sunday night show of the opening weekend. It was absolutely wonderful. We both really enjoyed Max McLean's performance and passion. He is a hero in the faith for me. His readings of the NIV and ESV has given me such incredible access to the scriptures over the past 6 years. To be able to see him in the theater and with such a great story as the Screwtape letters was fantastic. His command of the stage was very impressive."

--Jason

"It took about 5 minutes to find our bearings and understand what was going on. I think that this is because it's like eavesdropping on a conversation that is the opposite of the way that we are used to thinking (although, I'd have to say that sometimes it's not opposite enough -- and oftentimes what Toadpipe mimed out to illustrate Screwtape's words made us shift in our seats).

It didn't feel like a one man show because Max was engaging us as Wormwood. His connection with the audience was excellent and on many occasions I felt as though he was talking directly to me. The web site does a good job of capturing it, but I think that seeing it live really is essential.

The whole idea of pride in ones so-called humility hit home, because we have to look at ourselves and recognize if our actions are driven by our desires or guided by the Holy Spirit. And it's really interesting and frightening at the same time to view ourselves as "patients." But it's so true! In my own faith walk, it was when I accepted the fact that I was a sinner that I understood what it meant to be saved by grace through faith. And when we moved to NJ, we went through our very-own church-hopping phase. It is so very easy to become a critic and get pulled into politics. That's what we found so scary about the performance, despite the humor with which the case was made. We have seen it happen and we have been a party to it ourselves.

As for Screwtape himself, it was amazing to see Max transformed into this character who slithered and barely contained his contempt and hatred for humanity under this very thin veneer of false charm. Kind of an aristocratic snake. And the backdrop had a catacomb type feel -- which wasn't very visible until the performance progressed. We had a great time at the show, and we are still talking about the questions it raises! Screwtape's unravelling had a very King Lear feel. My wife and I really both believe that it was an extraordinary performance."

--Jason

"Just returned from seeing the production in NY. It was a fabulous 90 minutes in hell. Max and Karen were diabolical and my personal walk with the Lord will never be the same. "

--D

"Max McLean was amazing! His performance was flawless, and with that many lines to memorize, how did he manage? I loved Karen Wight, she played it just enough to add diversity and humor."

--Kathi

"I am very glad that I was able to experience the performance of the Screwtape Letters. After the play I had many thoughts about how this goes on in each of our lives. I also wondered whom am I a patient of? "

--Thad

"I want to say that I thoroughly enjoyed Saturday's four o'clock performance. The set was very imaginative! One of the more dramatic images that stood out in my mind was the end. It was chilling and a fantastic finish to a great performance."

--Matthew

"Although I'm not really a fan of one man shows this was brilliant. The staging was perfect and Mr. McLean was equally brilliant. Also Ms. Wight's handling of Toadpipe was both creepy and funny. This show was quite a pleasant surprise. Go see it!"

--Rosemarie

"Frankly, heading to the theater, my expectations weren't all that high, largely due to the high bar set by the recording of the work by John Cleese, with which I am very familiar, and by the anticipated difficulty this work would have in being staged successfully. (To top it off, I'm not the greatest fan of one-man shows.) But I was very pleased."

--Alan

"McLean's florid interpretation gradually won me over, as this upper-middle-management devil becomes more and more ravenous for souls he sees slipping out of his grasp. His Screwtape devolves into a haunted, pathetic figure by the final scenes; the last blackout left the audience too stunned, for a moment, to applaud."

--Holly

"The main character Screwtape is so wonderfully over the top - sitting there in his smoking jacket, talking about the foibles of mankind, our vanities and the things you can prey on - it was just a wonderful experience...as good as any performance I've ever seen."

--Holly

"My husband, our two oldest children, and I just returned home to Austin, TX, from Chicago where we thoroughly enjoyed Max McLean's performance in The Screwtape Letters. We actually traveled to Chicago primarily in order to see the show and it did not disappoint! We attended the 3 pm show yesterday, sitting next to Mr. McLean in the theater's bar/restaurant while having hot chocolate before the show, and though we didn't want to bother him by speaking to him, the boys thought it was really fun to see him.

Our sons (7th and 9th grades) read quite a bit of C.S. Lewis' works at their classical Christian school, Regents School of Austin. They were very impressed with Mr. McLean's performance and with the dramatic depiction of Lewis' story. It really brought to life the themes that
run through the letters, and prompted a very interesting conversation among the four of us at dinner that evening. We just wanted to express our appreciation for giving such an impressive and inspiring performance; we thoroughly enjoyed it!
"

--Holly

"Your show was absolutely BRILLIANT!...Extraodinary! The direction, the sets, the music, the acting and I loved Jenny Savage!! What a wonderful concept! It was truly an amazing night at the theatre....Lewis would be so pleased!"

--Catrina

"We were totally thrilled by your performance last night! Everything about the production was simply OUTSTANDING! And there was a lot for us to discuss on our way home from the theatre. You surely helped us to appreciate Jesus, our Faith -- and THEATRE -- in a whole new, HIGHER way! Best blessings to you and your stellar Toadpipe, Jenny...and JEFFREY!"

--Albin

"The performance by Max McLean was outstanding. I have been attending Broadway theater for 35 years and have seen many fine performances. Mr. McLean's was one of the best! I was very impressed by how much of himself he was willing to give to the audience. Bravo for compelling, intelligent theater from a Christian perspective!"

--Charlie

"C.S. Lewis work on Screwtape was ingenious. Max McLean does it justice. "

--Lewis

"1st time was very enjoyable, but tonight was just as good."

--Alan

"I recently took my 7th & 8th grade English class to see the "Scretape Letters" and it was a wonderful theatre experience for all. I understand that you were considering "Pride and Prejudice" as an upcoming performance. I am reading that now with my class and it would be wonderful to see Max Mclean perform it. "

--Joanne

"A brilliant production in every way - performances, scenery, staging - all top notch and a delight. Well worth our 2 hour trip into the city to see. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

--Barbara

"I loved Max McLean's performance in the "Screwtape Letters." Although I had heard about his talents and exceptional acting ability, seeing him in person was nothing short of amazing.

My only humble suggestion would be to consider anplifying his voice so that the people in the back rows can hear him clearly. When he sat in his chair his voice diminished and it was very difficult to understand what he was saying."

--Laura

"I found the play to be exceptional!! Max McLean's performance was amazing. "

--Sylvia

"Max McLean gives a brilliant performance as Screwtape. Jenny Savage brings a bit of visual flair (to what would otherwise be a one-man show) with her rendition of Toadpipe, Screwtape's secretary. Her performance art style dances between each of the "letters" are somewhat peculiar but somehow work. I would suggest that the set be slightly altered so that Screwtape's chair be set further back and closer to center stage. The lighting could also be made more conducive to the setting. I was surprised to learn the C.S. Lewis novel was being brought to the stage. Only a talent of Mr. McLean's caliber could pull it off so convincingly."

--Bond

"Powerful, convicting and entertaining. This was a unique theatre experience for myself and the others in our group. I highly recommend it. If you are familiar with the material it will not disappoint. If you've not read The Screwtape Letters you are in for a rewarding encounter with CS Lewis' masterful creation as seen in this faithful stage adaptation."

--Ben

"Absolutely extraordinary...my friends enjoyed it immensely
too. Congratulations for a tour de force performance.....and thanks for the privilege of being a part of it as I do believe being part is just what is possible for an audience in such a small and appropriate setting.....hell was, well, hell as I'd like to imagine it."

--Linda

"This was one of the worst plays I have ever seen the first act of. I could not understand the main "actor" as he insisted on speaking in some sort of bizzare english accent. Both actors mugged uncontrollably. I could not wait to leave the theater. I enjoyed the book very much and was sad to see it savaged so dreadfully."

--Christopher

"Congratulations to Max, Jenny and everyone involved in this production of 'The Screwtape Letters.' We are all blessed by your tremendous talents and look forward to FPA's next production. "

--Steven

"I'm one of the Hope for New York volunteers who was able to take a group from the Crown Ministry to the "Screwtape Letters" on Monday. We got to sit on the second row, and our clients were literally on the edge of their seats (you may have heard their reaction to your lines with a many spontaneous "Hmm!"). I deeply smiled as I thought about how powerfully Lewis' words were able to be communicated to a former drug addict living with AIDS sitting next to me whose lives' circumstances Lewis probably could never have forseen. I enjoyed your performance tremendously myself and was incredulous at how you were able to do it so well. Thanks for all the work you did to make it such an excellent work of art."

--Amanda

"Last night I was very much moved by your [production of] Screwtape. You really captured the spirit of Lewis' genius in that work."

--David

"Thoroughly enjoyed the show last Saturday evening and found it to be an excellent portrayal of Lewis' work. All 51 of us who came up for the day had a wonderful time! Excellent work!! I'd encourage the adaptation of The Great Divorce if you are considering it."

--Ted

"We enjoyed your wonderful (and convicting) performance this weekend. We also were very happy to meet you. I would love very much to chat with you more about bringing the Screwtape Letters to Richmond."

--Chris

"Technically excellent, the sound design, set, light design, costume, choreography all support this adaptation. Max's mastery of the script and his capturing of Screwtape's roguish charm, wit, and cruelty are most impressive."

--Holly

"I enjoyed so much the "Screwtape" performance on Monday night, Feb. 6th...the Church Planting Center arranged for all the church planters in the current training program to attend, and I believe about 15 couples were there! We were really pleased. And to sit on the front row, what a special treat that was!!! Upfront and personal!"

--Dorothy

"I think Max McLean really did a fabulous job presenting what are very difficult nuances in ideas which seem so backward to us."

--Bill

"I've been going to reread the Screwtape Letters now I'll have a vivid picture of the 'affectionate' Uncle to spice up the experience."

--Margaret

"The power of the portrayal of evil and its accompanying despair and hopelessness as presented by McLean through Lewis' words was, at times, frightening! The humor was just as effective on the flip side. Job well done!"

--David

"The show was captivating, thoroughly engrossing, phenomenally mind-challenging and amazingly simple, yet complex."

--Kirsten

"The show was a delight, convicting, and amazing!"

--Mark