In his introduction to The Screwtape Letters, author C. S. Lewis states: "There is wishful thinking in Hell as well as on Earth." It's something to bear in mind while watching this stage version of one of Lewis' most enduring works in popular theology. This adaptation is by Jeffrey Fiske, who also directs the play, and Max McLean, who plays the role of Screwtape. Although the two authors in their double duties have taken great pains via every available theatrical device to disguise it, the fact remains that this is essentially a literary work. Though the creators have devised a most persuasive production to bring this Lewis classic to life, an element of wishful thinking still hangs over the enterprise.
Lewis' work consists of a series of imaginative letters about the spiritual warfare of souls. Screwtape, an administrator in Hell, is a mentor to the junior tempter, Woodworm, and the letters are Screwtape's advice to Woodworm in winning the soul of "the patient." Each letter is a lesson in how to disrupt the patient's living out of his Christian faith. It's Lewis' device of the inverted view from below, where God is always "the Enemy," that gives the novel its originality. Written in 1942 and set against the background of World War II England, it was the first of Lewis' writings to bring him fame and a worldwide audience.
There are only two people on stage: Screwtape, in plush smoking jacket, and his demonic personal secretary, Toadpipe (Karen Eleanor Wight). Toadpipe never gets to speak and is only allowed grunts, squeaks, and the occasional chance to mime. In this adaptation, the authors have added a brief but helpful prologue in which Screwtape speaks at the graduation banquet for the Tempters' Training College for Young Devils. And this Hell has the best production values: Cameron Anderson's creative set is splendidly lit by Tyler Micoleau's lighting and aided by Bart Fasbender's ominous sound design. All this provides just the right setting for McLean's demon king of a Screwtape, played with firebrand relish. He not so much delivers his lines as sends them out as crusading rockets. Director Fiske pulls every trick in the business to create variety as he valiantly attempts to breathe life into an inactive text.
No doubt some Lewis fans will be delighted with this handsome, no-holds-barred, intermissionless production that runs 90 minutes; others may be better served by the three-hour audio version with John Cleese — yes, John Cleese. Either way, The Screwtape Letters preaches to the choir, of which there seems to be an increasing number.
Presented by Fellowship for the Performing Arts Theatre Company at the Theatre at St. Clement's, 423 W. 46th St., NYC. Nov. 8-Jan. 6. Thu. and Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 4 and 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 and 7 p.m. (212) 279-4200 or www.ticketcentral.com. Casting Consultant Holly Mandel.