BWW Reviews: Know Theatre of Cincinnati's SKIN TIGHT

By: Jill Siekman Oct. 12, 2010

Know Theatre of Cincinnati opened a new season with Gary Henderson's Skin Tight this past Saturday night and while the play is only one act, it's one act you won't forget anytime soon.

Skin Tight tells the story of New Zealand couple Elizabeth (Beth Harris) and Tom (Jens Rasmussen). From the first scene, where Elizabeth and Tom circle around each other on the sparse stage before engaging in a well-choreographed, knock-down, drag out fight, to intimate gestures later of Tom washing Elizabeth's hair or Elizabeth shaving Tom, the play explores the often volatile relationship between the two. Throughout, the audience learns about the couple's history -- from infidelity issues, to their relationship with their estranged daughter, even the little quirks that annoy each other. But even with the ups and the downs, by the end it's clear the couple had a sort of inescapable love for each other.

We know from Elizabeth's first, simple words of "I have to go," that change is occuring but it isn't until deep within the play that we know just exactly where she's going. And after becoming enveloped in the couple's lives, it's a heartwrenching ending.

Harris and Rasmussen have excellent onstage chemistry, with Harris giving her character just the right amount of sass to Rasmussen's more melancholy Tom. Their movements have a thrilling sensuality, thanks to director and fight choreographer Drew Fracher. With only two pails and a large washtub, the simple scenery keeps the focus where it belonged on the characters and their actions. Rough, weathered boards in the back add a feeling of rusticity. Lighting by Andrew Hungerford also help to set the environment, changing colors to reflect the mood on stage.

Don't miss this exciting play running now through October 30th. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 the week of the performance and can be purchased online at www.knowtheatre.com or by calling the Know Theatre box office at (513) 300-KNOW (5669).

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