The story of humankind told through the lives of the Antrobus family. Set in 20th century New Jersey and the Ice Age, Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play is a whirlwind of modernity and antiquity. As relevant today as its original production in 1942, this inspiring piece of Americana uses humor, history, and mythology to highlight humanity’s drive to carry on.
The Skin of Our Teeth opens on Saturday, July 13 at 8 p.m. and continues through Sept. 29. Tickets range from $10 – $42; children 4 and under are free. Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum is located at 1419 North Topanga Canyon Blvd. in Topanga, midway between Malibu and the San Fernando Valley. For a complete schedule of performances and to purchase tickets, call 310-455-3723 or visit www.theatricum.com. Visit Theatricum on facebook: www.facebook.com/theatricum. Follow us on twitter: @theatricum and instagram: @theatricum_botanicum.
Director Ellen Geer and a company of 20 have a grand time with all of this — perhaps too grand, as their exaggerated hilarity sometimes undercuts the gravity of what’s going on. Still, the material delivers chills of recognition as it wraps in environmental calamity, a refugee crisis, mass violence, political and social division, arrogant exceptionalism, smear politics, a presidential sex scandal and more.
Had Theatricum Botanicum staged its third The Skin Of Our Teeth only a few years back, it wouldn’t have had nearly today’s contemporary relevance. In 2019, it’s a potent reminder not just that the more things may seem for a time to be changing, the more they stay the same, but also that great plays remain great no matter their age.
Ultimately, this apocalyptic extravaganza is strangely exhilarating. It’s fascinating to see how the dark genius of a distant past illuminates the shadows of our time at Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum. In a time of crisis, such a play is essential to see and experience firsthand.
At the outdoor Theatricum Botanicum, a venue born from politics and political subtext, director Ellen Geer molds the humor and humanity, giving the audience just enough to piece together Wilder’s messages, pointing us to the subtlety for those who want to dig further.
Willow Geer, Melora Marshall and Will Holbrook lead a dynamite cast directed by the incomparable Ellen Geer. Runs for select performances through the end of September. Be sure to check the theatre for days and times.
Thornton Wilder's "The Skin of Our Teeth," currently revived by Ellen Geer outdoors, at the Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga, is the most philosophically ambitious of these tales, as well as the funniest.
Before I made my way out to the splendid Topanga Canyon amphitheater I had no idea what to expect from the playwright of the spectral, somber Our Town, that popular stage standby for high school theater departments across the USA. But I was pleasantly surprised by its absurdist vibe that, as America joined the global fight against fascism, sought to reassure audiences that humanity shall prevail and survive, no matter what. (It’s still a reassuring and needed message today! O Thornton, wherefore art thou?)
Indeed, The Skin of Our Teeth is a satirical testimonial to the dogged determination of human beings to hang in there against all odds and a great opportunity to see a wonderful production right here in our home town.
This mash-up of religion, history, and mythology, written at the start of the United States participation in the conflagration of World War II, is especially pertinent in our own time of crisis, cruelty, and looming worldwide disaster. That it makes us laugh is a bitter blessing...
...I was awed by the show as a teenager, and this production exceeds my memories.
At the outdoor Theatricum Botanicum, a venue born from politics and political subtext, director Ellen Geer molds the humor and humanity, giving the audience just enough to piece together Wilder’s messages, pointing us to the subtlety for those who want to dig further.
Her three lead actors do her, and theater in general, proud.
The Skin of Our Teeth is in the end, and through all the disruptions in family life caused by external circumstantial crises, an affirmation of the we-have-no-choice-but-to-get through-this determination of human beings to hang in there against all odds. At different moments it assumes the air of a comic-book telegraph synopsis of human life, with a nod to the Biblical family of Adam and Eve and their violence-prone son Cain, and also to burlesque and a great deal of physical humor. Both Homer and Moses make guest cameo appearances. An audience quickly learns to accept the play on its own quirky terms and go along for the wild ride through myth and history.
This is a powerful play with a strong message which will resonate in today’s climate. Director Ellen Geer and the ensemble cast do an excellent job of holding together the multiple offshoots of the tale – which could easily get out of control in lesser hands. At the end of it all, everyone must admire the intensity and insight of playwright Thornton Wilder, who seemed to break every law of writing in order to draw attention to his primary theme, a theme of hope. As always, the entire production team keeps pace with the often convoluted tale and provides appropriate backdrop at every turn, even when required to activate a woolly mammoth.
Superb production of Thornton Wilder's wild classic. Will Holbrook, Melora Marshall, Mark Lewis and Willow Geer steal their scenes with great zest and fury. It's a winner; don't miss it!
Director Ellen Geer and a company of 20 have a grand time with all of this — perhaps too grand, as their exaggerated hilarity sometimes undercuts the gravity of what’s going on. Still, the material delivers chills of recognition as it wraps in environmental calamity, a refugee crisis, mass violence, political and social division, arrogant exceptionalism, smear politics, a presidential sex scandal and more.
Had Theatricum Botanicum staged its third The Skin Of Our Teeth only a few years back, it wouldn’t have had nearly today’s contemporary relevance. In 2019, it’s a potent reminder not just that the more things may seem for a time to be changing, the more they stay the same, but also that great plays remain great no matter their age.
Ultimately, this apocalyptic extravaganza is strangely exhilarating. It’s fascinating to see how the dark genius of a distant past illuminates the shadows of our time at Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum. In a time of crisis, such a play is essential to see and experience firsthand.
At the outdoor Theatricum Botanicum, a venue born from politics and political subtext, director Ellen Geer molds the humor and humanity, giving the audience just enough to piece together Wilder’s messages, pointing us to the subtlety for those who want to dig further.
Willow Geer, Melora Marshall and Will Holbrook lead a dynamite cast directed by the incomparable Ellen Geer. Runs for select performances through the end of September. Be sure to check the theatre for days and times.
Thornton Wilder's "The Skin of Our Teeth," currently revived by Ellen Geer outdoors, at the Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga, is the most philosophically ambitious of these tales, as well as the funniest.
Before I made my way out to the splendid Topanga Canyon amphitheater I had no idea what to expect from the playwright of the spectral, somber Our Town, that popular stage standby for high school theater departments across the USA. But I was pleasantly surprised by its absurdist vibe that, as America joined the global fight against fascism, sought to reassure audiences that humanity shall prevail and survive, no matter what. (It’s still a reassuring and needed message today! O Thornton, wherefore art thou?)
Indeed, The Skin of Our Teeth is a satirical testimonial to the dogged determination of human beings to hang in there against all odds and a great opportunity to see a wonderful production right here in our home town.
This mash-up of religion, history, and mythology, written at the start of the United States participation in the conflagration of World War II, is especially pertinent in our own time of crisis, cruelty, and looming worldwide disaster. That it makes us laugh is a bitter blessing...
...I was awed by the show as a teenager, and this production exceeds my memories.
At the outdoor Theatricum Botanicum, a venue born from politics and political subtext, director Ellen Geer molds the humor and humanity, giving the audience just enough to piece together Wilder’s messages, pointing us to the subtlety for those who want to dig further.
Her three lead actors do her, and theater in general, proud.
The Skin of Our Teeth is in the end, and through all the disruptions in family life caused by external circumstantial crises, an affirmation of the we-have-no-choice-but-to-get through-this determination of human beings to hang in there against all odds. At different moments it assumes the air of a comic-book telegraph synopsis of human life, with a nod to the Biblical family of Adam and Eve and their violence-prone son Cain, and also to burlesque and a great deal of physical humor. Both Homer and Moses make guest cameo appearances. An audience quickly learns to accept the play on its own quirky terms and go along for the wild ride through myth and history.
This is a powerful play with a strong message which will resonate in today’s climate. Director Ellen Geer and the ensemble cast do an excellent job of holding together the multiple offshoots of the tale – which could easily get out of control in lesser hands. At the end of it all, everyone must admire the intensity and insight of playwright Thornton Wilder, who seemed to break every law of writing in order to draw attention to his primary theme, a theme of hope. As always, the entire production team keeps pace with the often convoluted tale and provides appropriate backdrop at every turn, even when required to activate a woolly mammoth.
Superb production of Thornton Wilder's wild classic. Will Holbrook, Melora Marshall, Mark Lewis and Willow Geer steal their scenes with great zest and fury. It's a winner; don't miss it!
