'THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS'

Saturday-Sunday: C.S. Lewis' influential epistolary novel, first published in 1942, takes a decidedly unorthodox point of view: that of the devil, working in hell to tempt humans in damnation. The letters in the book, from a senior demon to an up-and-comer, have been adapted into films and plays and even a concept album. Now the work is getting another life in this version adapted by actor Max McLean, pictured, and director Jeffrey Fiske. The production has been a hit off-Broadway, in Chicago, where it originated, and elsewhere, and comes to the Twin Cities for the briefest of spells. (4 & 8 p.m. Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., Pantages Theatre, 710 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. $29-$89. 612-339-7007 or www.hennepintheatretrust.org.)

  • ROHAN PRESTON

'21A' Continuing: St. Paul's Camp Bar is bringing back "21A," revered Minnesota storyteller Kevin Kling's one-man ode to Metro Transit's motley crew of passengers. Since the show premiered in 1985 debut, Kling's renown has only grown, including some commentator spots on National Public Radio's "All Things Considered." Adam Qualls, of cross-dressing "Bye Bye Liver" fame, will star in the production's eight eccentric, bus-riding roles. (7 p.m. Wed.-Fri., 5 p.m. Sun. Ends May 27. 490 N. Robert St., St Paul, $19.50-$21, 651-292-1844 or camp-bar.net.)

  • ANDREW PENKALSKI

DANA GOULD Next Thursday-Saturday: One of the sharpest knives in the comedy drawer, Massachusetts stand-up Gould was a longtime writer and producer for "The Simpsons," and has also popped up on "The Ben Stiller Show," "Family Guy," and a memorable episode of "Seinfeld." He's done some screenwriting and National Public Radio work as well, but it's Gould's brainy and biting and laugh-packed interactions with a live audience that resonate most strongly. He used to interject a devastatingly on-the-mark parody of Larry King into his sets -- has that bit been retired, now that King's call-in show is off the air? (8:30 & 10:30 p.m. May 19-21, Acme Comedy Co., 708 N. 1st St., Mpls, $15-$30, 612-338-6393 or acmecomedycompany.com.)

  • TOM SUROWICZ