Throughout his life, C.S. Lewis was concerned with the state of human souls. His best-known work, of course, tells the story of Christ’s crucifixion under the guise of a fantasy novel for children. But before talking lions were teaching young Brits to be virtuous, Lewis published a separate allegory about one man’s journey to heaven, this time disguised as a ghost story. In The Great Divorce, the narrator and several other residents of a “gray town” (read: Hell or Purgatory, depending on how long you stay) take a bus ride to the foothills of Heaven, where they’re welcome to stay as long as they repent. A favorite for some around the holidays, this tale now comes to Shakespeare Theatre in play form, giving audiences the opportunity to consider their own actions and wonder whether Lewis’ imagined version of the afterlife is worth buying into or not. After viewing it, you might just prefer life in the gray town. The play runs Dec. 20 through Jan. 4 at the Lansburgh Theatre, 450 7th St. NW. $36–$96. (202) 547-1122. shakespearetheatre.org.