C.S. Lewis' THE SCREWTAPE LETTER’s brings devilish fun to the LATTE Theater stage!

“This very META, fresh, yet timely adaptation, will leave you both squirming and laughing,” shares LATTE director, Felicia Pfluger, “as the diabolical schemes from tempestuous tempters are devastatingly and eerily perceptive.” “The show is a more modern adaptation of the international bestselling book and reflects basic struggles of human existence, which also occur in today’s society.” Isla Baker, who plays Wormwood (Downers Grove), reflects. Juliette Sosa-Dykstra (La Grange), who plays the zany minion Slubgub, jumps in, “Even though the entire show is funny, people will really relate to the storyline. No matter how long ago this was written, it was relevant to them back then and is JUST as real to us now! It feels really “real”. What some people won’t understand till they see the show is how chaotic life is. And how it affects our day-to-day life.” Isla adds, “People will be surprised by sudden, dramatic shifts in emotions throughout the play.”

“I am a huge C.S. Lewis fan, and elated to get to play Screwtape, especially given the balance of the original dialogue with contemporary commentary, modernized while remaining true to the principles in the book.” Nathan reflects as Isi Kowalchuk (Willowbrook), who plays Slumtrimpet, the vixen demon of manipulation, elaborates, “True. It’s timeless and resonates with people even today! I hope people go away feeling changed somehow… and see that we ALL face the same struggles!” “People will be surprised how relatable THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS is.” Juliette continues as Isi joins, “It is different to perform since it is set in HELL! And bring out the ‘hell’ aspects of the script!” “Plus, the laugh attacks we constantly had creating the show,” adds Felicia as everyone laughs. Then, she becomes serious, “We get to watch as these demons get caught in the same traps that humans do, and question what life really is.”

TJ Billups (Berkley), who plays Glubose, the demon of overworked mothers everywhere and of war, shares, smiles, “Oh, I believe anyone who loves their children, nieces, nephews, etc. will love the show, because it’ll resonate with those who understand the pressure and hardships it takes when raising a child who becomes more curious and begins to question things.” “Everyone will love the show, especially people who want to understand life. Fans of CS Lewis and want people who want to delve deeper into what being human means… and these characters will keep you laughing and responding!” Juliette beams.

TJ joins in with a wide grin, “And the show ending… It’s pretty crazy… just know it’s pretty wild, but remember…these ARE demons.” “Hey! No spoilers!” Nathan cuts him off, “People will be pleasantly and humorously surprised by how relevant and silly this show can be. The relationships will be gratifying to watch. Slubgub will be fun, especially for kids.”

Isi joins in, “My character is a master manipulator. Playing Slumtrimpit is cool because of how much confidence she shows, yet the most challenging aspect is bringing out the anger of my character.” Nathan Bell, who plays Screwtape, responds, “Screwtape is interesting, extremely unhinged at times, and has a 'larger than life’ kind of personality, but… he is also a very cunning, crafty kind of villain… and fun to play.”

Juliette smiles, “Slubgub is a demon minion who acts like a monkey, a cat, and a cute predator, all in one! She is comedic but dangerous. But you don’t want to get on her dark side, or she might try to bite you…. It is challenging yet cool to play Slubgub, since she is very friendly and zany. You do not know what she will do next! It is very freeing. Slubgub is all YOLO! All about the moment. But if she responds wrong, she might get eaten! It’s an eat-or-be-eaten world.” TJ laughs, “ I love being able, as Glubose, to explore my versatility as an actor and being able to find fluid chemistry amongst my castmates. It’s been challenging yet fun, allowing me to be freer with my presence and high-energy personality.”

They grow serious. Isla shares, “I hope the audience considers the impact of the play and the ways that people can be easily corrupted and manipulated.” TJ nods, “People can gain a new mindset of how we can be more vigilant to certain things and not lead with our feelings over facts. Because, again, walking around with that mindset is dangerous, especially in our current political climate, or other traps like when people who want to “do good” but end up just being performative and nothing more. Which may sound familiar." Felicia adds, It brings a 'devil's-eye-view' to explore universally human flaws that hit home with uncomfortable accuracy... yet filled with laughter and insight. Even the demons fall into these traps themselves.”

“Wormwood will get you in the feels,” Isla confides. “We are all a little bit like Wormwood! I hope the audience takes away a sense of vulnerability from Wormwood's character. The level of realism that resonates with us all. Juliette softly adds, “We all struggle with being vulnerable, but… it will be okay when we let down our guard and try!” ” Felicia gently adds, “We hope this dark comedy resonates deeply and allows us all new insights into others (and ourselves)—our free will, our personal hells and heavens... and humanity. But (ruefully smiles) it's eat-or-be-eaten, fiendish comedy of dramatic proportions. Juliette, “It resonates with people… and is unbelievably fun. Hopefully, as much fun for them as it is for us to be part of this and bring the script to life!”

Tickets

$5 Student and Seniors,$15 Adults at:

www.lattetheater.com

(708) 655- 0989

Showtimes:

7 PM Thursday, Nov 20th

7 PM Friday, Nov 21st

2 PM Saturday, Nov 22nd

7 PM Saturday, Nov 22nd

*Talkback after Matinee

Plymouth Place Auditorium

315 N La Grange Road

(Through the Center Pillars), La Grange Park

Unassigned seating, Doors open 30 minutes early.