Lauded by The Philadelphia Inquirer as a “masterful solo show,” The Great Divorce returns to the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival main stage for one night only performance on Monday, August 1st at 7:30pm on the Center Valley campus of DeSales University.
Adapted and performed by Anthony Lawton, The Great Divorce is based on the novel by C.S. Lewis, perhaps best known for The Chronicles of Narnia and The Screwtape Letters. Lawton also performed the piece at PSF in 2009.
The Great Divorce is an allegorical journey between Hell and Heaven, a journey that blends philosophical imagination and theatrical magic. The Philadelphia City Paper wrote: “Unmissable! From the quiet, seemingly casual beginning to the unforgettable final moments, Lawton has us in the palm of his hand.”
Lawton’s antics as Luther Billis in the season opener South Pacific won accolades from critics and patrons. “We’re delighted to bring Tony back for another performance,”Mulcahy says. “The Great Divorce is a perfect offering for patrons to see the range of Tony’s work in one season.”
“Tony’s work as a member of the acting company for more than ten years is well regarded by our patrons,” Mulcahy says. Last summer, Lawton performed an interpretation of another Lewis novel, The Screwtape Letters.
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.