Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival Presents THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS 6/28

An imaginative parable becomes theatrical magic in The Screwtape Letters at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival for one night only, Monday, June 28 at 7:30pm on the Main Stage.

Adapted and performed by Anthony Lawton, The Screwtape Letters is based on the novel by C.S. Lewis, who is perhaps best known for The Chronicles of Narnia. Last season, Lawton performed an interpretation of another Lewis novel, The Great Divorce. "Most of our offerings at PSF include large casts and lavish sets and costumes," says Patrick Mulcahy, producing artistic director. "But there is something very special about the power of a single actor, or two actors, holding an audience transfixed in the telling of a great story. And Tony's body of work as a member of our Acting Company for more than ten years is most impressive. His work in The Great Divorce last year was terrific."

Lauded by Edge Philadelphia as "simple yet effective, philosophical yet funny and accessible," Lawton's 90 minute performance is delivered with "versatility and commitment." The Screwtape Letters follows mid-level demon Screwtape as he advises his nephew in the art of corrupting Christians-a journey that crackles with wit and insight, not to mention tap, Latin ballroom, and martial arts. The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote: "Lawton's brutal insights into human frailty are much in evidence in his piercing, painfully funny portrayal of Screwtape." Once named Philadelphia's "Best One-Man Theatre," Lawton provides a "fascinating rumination on contemporary morals through his all-too-human devil," according to the Philadelphia City Paper.

Tickets are $25 and are available by calling the PSF Box Office at 610-282-WILL [9455] and online at www.pashakespeare.org. The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts is the 2010 Season Sponsor. Associate Season Sponsors are the Harry C. Trexler Trust, The Morning Call and Service Electric Cable TV & Communications. Director Sponsors are Linda Lapos and Paul Wirth.

The 2010 Festival also features the Irish classic The Playboy of the Western World (June 16-July 3 in the Schubert Theatre); A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (June 23-July 11), The Merry Wives of Windsor (July 14-August 8 in the Schubert Theatre), Romeo and Juliet (July 21-August 8 on the Main Stage); and for children: Robin Hood (through August 7 in the Schubert Theatre) and Shakespeare for Kids (July 28-August7).

Three shows are performed one night only: The Screwtape Letters (June 28), Underneath the Lintel (July 26), and Finale Cabaret (August 1). Tickets for each are $25.

A free outdoor Green Show is part of the season's offerings and occurs 45 minutes prior to each evening performance.

Single ticket prices range from $25 to $53. Discounts are available for subscribers, seniors, students, and groups. Season tickets are still available, and provide patrons the greatest discount and flexibility. Children's' show prices are $9-$15. Tickets can be ordered by calling 610-282-WILL or online at www.pashakespeare.org.

The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival at DeSales University is the Official Shakespeare Festival of The Commonwealth and a professional, not-for-profit theatre company. An independent 501 c 3 organization, PSF receives support from DeSales University and relies on contributions from individuals, government agencies, corporations and foundations. PSF is a constituent of the Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre, and a member of the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia, the Shakespeare Theatre Association of America, the Lehigh Valley Arts Council, and Discover Lehigh Valley.

Artist Biography: Anthony Lawton has acted in Philadelphia for 18 years. Favorite roles include George in Of Mice and Men (Walnut Street Theater); Austin in True West and Feste in Twelfth Night (Lantern Theatre); "man" in Brief Interviews with Hideous Men (1812 Productions); and The Devil and Billy Markham, The Great Divorce, and The Screwtape Letters. Film: Unbreakable, Invincible; TV: Hack, Cold Case. The Philadelphia City Paper named him the city's "Best One- Man Theatre." His original play, The Foocy (2005), received five Barrymore nominations, including one for Best New Play. Member Actors' Equity Association.

 

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