An Evening With C.S. Lewis Starring David Payne Reviews

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"...For Payne's show, as good-hearted and easy on the ear as his performance can be, has far too little content of any substance or challenge; I thought that omission egregious, frankly, given the weight and determination of the subject. The piece does contain some of the familiar stories - such as how Lewis convinced himself of the existence of a loving God while on the back of a motorcycle on the way to a zoological garden. But if you compare this show to, say, "Shadowlands," or to the rich series of Lewis-based performances created by the actor Max McLean (such as "C.S. Lewis Onstage: The Most Reluctant Convert") that were productive of long runs in recent years at Mercury Theater, this piece really does not compare. It does not range anywhere near as deep. And it lacks McLean's clear point of view."

Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended

"...Payne's script is soft-spoken and gently entertaining, and Payne himself has a dry, understated manner that captures Lewis' fierce wit. Still, the edges here are rounded, not sharp. Payne is marvelously Lewis-like, but this a show built for comfort rather than drama. The production offers fans of the famed author - whose more than 30 books include "The Screwtape Letters" and the beloved Narnia Chronicles - the next best thing to actually spending an evening with one of the giants of 20th century Western literature. Those who aren't especially interested in Lewis aren't apt to feel different when the curtain comes down."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...After working a 9-hour day today, I was almost dreading the drive downtown to watch another drama this week. But something felt right about it, the drive on the Kennedy only took 27 min from the Skokie to downtown Chicago, I even got to the theatre 40 minutes early. But, the thought of spending and evening with C.S. Lewis the author of over 43 books and some of my favorite, Narnia, The Screwtape Letters, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, and Miracles, I felt it was worth it, and what an evening it was"

Chicago Theater and Arts - Highly Recommended

"...David Payne had read quite a lot of C.S. Lewis's writing-even Lewis's personal diary. And Payne was always asked many questions about Lewis. One day, Payne decided it would be fun if he could be Lewis himself and could answer these questions. That's why Payne wrote, directed, and stars in "An Evening with C.S. Lewis," a wonderful play which is now being shown at Chicago's Broadway Playhouse."