Photos provided by Bird And Baby Productions

Best-selling books such as “The Chronicles Of Narnia” and “The Screwtape Letters” made British author C.S. Lewis a household name all around the world, but chances are anyone beyond voracious readers of his bountiful bibliography don’t know all that much about the man behind the pen. That’s all about to change now that London-born actor/playwright David Payne opened “An Evening With C.S. Lewis” on Broadway In Chicago, which is perhaps the most prominent place its played in one form or another for nearly 1,000 performances throughout the past 20 years.

In fact, regardless of anyone’s religious affiliation (or lack thereof), it’s next to impossible not to be moved by his display of ardent and authentic faith that eventually gets tested to its limits in the second half of “An Evening With C.S. Lewis.”

After seeing the lifelong appreciator actually transform into the literary legend himself inside the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower, it’s obvious to see why it keeps on picking up steam. The expressive Payne gives a meticulously-detailed account of Lewis’ personal life, chronicling his formative years, studies, development as a scholar and writer with extra emphasis on his closest relationships, including his older brother, wife from unconventional circumstances and fellow author J. R. R. Tolkien (“The Hobbit,” “The Lord Of The Rings”).

In between articulate musings on all of the above, Payne also describes his subject’s unlikely conversion from atheism to Christianity (partially from the prodding of Tolkien), though the one man show never comes across as preachy in its quest to unbury Lewis’ strengths and struggles. In fact, regardless of anyone’s religious affiliation (or lack thereof), it’s next to impossible not to be moved by his display of ardent and authentic faith that eventually gets tested to its limits in the second half.

Although “An Evening With C.S. Lewis” peers thoroughly behind the pen, those looking for insight into specific works or really anything about his illustrious career will find very little outside of a passing mention. Instead, they’re likely to be heartened by a main character who appeared so humble and approachable (despite such immense intellect and fame) that he might not have even realized how these books, movies and now Payne’s fully absorbing play would continue to impact audiences more than 50 years after he left this life.

“An Evening With C.S. Lewis” continues at the Broadway Playhouse At Water Tower through November 3. For additional details, visit BirdAndBabyProductions.com/Shows/An-Evening-With-CS-Lewis/ and BroadwayInChicago.com.

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