The Skin of Our Teeth 1942 - Articles Page 1.8

Ages: 6+
Opened: November 18, 1942

The Skin of Our Teeth - 1942 - Broadway History , Info & More

Plymouth Theatre
236 W. 45th St. New York, NY 10036

Completed by the author less than a month after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, The Skin of our Teeth (1942) broke from established theatrical conventions and walked off with the 1943 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Combining farce, burlesque, and satire, and elements of the comic strip, Thornton Wilder depicts an Everyman Family as it narrowly escapes one end-of-the-world disaster after another, from the Ice Age to flood to war.



Meet George and Maggie Antrobus of Excelsior, New Jersey, a suburban, commuter-town couple (married for 5,000 years), who bear more than a casual resemblance to that first husband and wife, Adam and Eve: the two Antrobus children, Gladys (perfect in every way, of course) and Henry (who likes to throw rocks and was formerly known as Cain); and their garrulous maid, Sabina (the eternal seductress), who takes it upon herself to break out of character and interrupt the course of the drama at every opportunity (“I don’t understand a word of this play!”)

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Foothill Theatre Arts Presents OUR TOWN
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 25, 2016


The Pulitzer Prize winning American classic OUR TOWN  by Thornton Wilder comes to life in a vibrant new production directed by Bruce McLeod for Foothill Theatre Arts.  Proclaimed 'One of the finest achievements of the current stage.

BWW Review: Off The Wall Theatre Revisits the Human Condition in Wilder's THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH
by Peggy Sue Dunigan - Jul 1, 2016


Long ago and far away in an ice age near the fictional town of Excelsior, New Jersey, playwright Thornton Wilder placed the supposedly All American Antrobus family-two adults, two children and their luscious looking maid. They survive dinosaurs and disasters in The Skin of Our Teeth, Wilder's Pulitzer Prize Winning 1942 play at Off the Wall Theater (OTW) through July 3. Artistic Director Dale Gutzman assembles an eclectic, extensive cast transcending the floods, hurricanes, war and 5000 years of marriage, a true miracle, to relate Wilder's menagerie of time frames and philosophical journeys on how the human species copes over centuries.

Betty Buckley Comments on Passing of EIGHT IS ENOUGH Co-Star Dick Van Patten: 'He Taught Me So Much'
by Caryn Robbins - Jun 23, 2015


Today, Betty Buckley, Van Patten's co-star on EIGHT IS ENOUGH shared her thoughts with BWW on the passing of her friend

DMT Presents Thornton Wilder's SKIN OF OUR TEETH, Now thru 6/14
by BWW News Desk - May 21, 2015


The Douglas Morrisson Theatre has announced the final show in its 2014-2015 Journeys Season: Thornton Wilder's vast absurd comedy about the human race: THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH.

DMT to Present Thornton Wilder's SKIN OF OUR TEETH, 5/21-6/14
by Tyler Peterson - Apr 14, 2015


The Douglas Morrisson Theatre has announced the final show in our 2014-2015 Journeys Season: Thornton Wilder's vast absurd comedy about the human race: THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH.

Cat Parker Directs Thornton Wilder's THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH
by Sally Henry Fuller - Mar 15, 2015


The Articulate Theater Company stages The Skin of Our Teeth for a 21st Century Audience.

The Heights Players Stage THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH, Now thru 3/22
by BWW News Desk - Mar 6, 2015


'We came through the depression by the skin of our teeth -- that's true -- one more tight squeeze like that and where will we be?' The Heights Players is proud to present the 1942 Pulitzer Prize winner, The Skin of Our Teeth, by Thorton Wilder.

The Heights Players to Stage THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH, 3/6-22
by BWW News Desk - Feb 23, 2015


'We came through the depression by the skin of our teeth -- that's true -- one more tight squeeze like that and where will we be?' The Heights Players is proud to present the 1942 Pulitzer Prize winner, The Skin of Our Teeth, by Thorton Wilder.

BWW Interviews: Mimi Holloway Discusses FESTIVAL OF ORIGINALS
by Jenny Taylor Moodie - Jul 25, 2014


BWW Interviews: Mimi Holloway, Artistic Director of FESTIVAL OF ORIGINALS

BWW Interview: Actor, Director Chat The Wimberley Players' THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH
by Jeff Davis - Jun 19, 2014


BroadwayWorld is pleased to share an interview with James Brownlee and Bill Claussen regarding The Wimberley Players' production of Thornton Wilder's The Skin of Our Teeth. Bill Claussen stars in the production in the leading role of Antrobus. The production is directed by James Brownlee.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey Celebrates the 75th Anniversary of Thornton Wilder's OUR TOWN, Starting October 17
by Robert Diamond - Oct 5, 2013


In celebration of the 75th anniversary of Thornton Wilder's great dramatic homage to small-town American life and the greater universal experience of life, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents Our Town beginning October 17th and continuing through November 17th at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Ave. (at Lancaster Road) in Madison. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by calling the Box Office at973-408-5600 or by visiting www.ShakespeareNJ.org. Performances are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays at 7:30 p.m.; Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Individual tickets range from $35 to $70; student rush tickets are available 30 minutes prior to curtain for $15.

Blythe Danner, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Rebecca Luker and More Star in Actors Fund's Benefit Reading of OUR TOWN Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Mar 4, 2013


Casting is complete for The Actors Fund's benefit reading of the American classic Our Town tonight, March 4, 2013 at 7:30 p .m. at The Gerald R. Lynch Theatre at John Jay College (524 West 59th Street). Tony Winners Blythe Danner, BD Wong and two-time Tony Award nominee S. Epatha Merkerson will share the role of the Stage Manager for this one night benefit.

S. Epatha Merkerson, BD Wong and Blythe Danner Join Actors Fund's Benefit Reading of OUR TOWN; Full Cast Announced!
by BWW News Desk - Feb 28, 2013


Casting is complete for The Actors Fund's upcoming benefit reading of the American classic Our Town on Monday, March 4, 2013 at 7:30 p .m. at The Gerald R. Lynch Theatre at John Jay College (524 West 59th Street). Tony Winners Blythe Danner, BD Wong and two-time Tony Award nominee S. Epatha Merkerson will share the role of the Stage Manager for this one night benefit.

Celia Keenan-Bolger, Rebecca Luker and More to Star in The Actors Fund OUR TOWN Benefit, 3/4
by BWW News Desk - Feb 4, 2013


The Actors Fund will present a one night only benefit reading of the American classic Our Town on Monday, March 4, 2013 at 7:30 p .m. at The Gerald R. Lynch Theatre at John Jay College (524 West 59th Street). Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the play's Broadway opening, the proceeds from this event will benefit the programs and services of The Actors Fund.

International City Theater Presents The Robber Bridegroom 10/11-13
by BWW News Desk - Oct 13, 2011


Funny, rowdy and sexy. A rare revival of The Robber Bridegroom, with book and lyrics by Alfred Uhry and music by Robert Waldman, opens at International City Theatre on October 14. Low-priced previews take place on October 11, 12 and 13.

International City Theater Presents The Robber Bridegroom 10/11-13
by BWW News Desk - Oct 11, 2011


Funny, rowdy and sexy. A rare revival of The Robber Bridegroom, with book and lyrics by Alfred Uhry and music by Robert Waldman, opens at International City Theatre on October 14. Low-priced previews take place on October 11, 12 and 13.

International City Theater Presents The Robber Bridegroom 10/11-13
by Gabrielle Sierra - Sep 13, 2011


Funny, rowdy and sexy. A rare revival of The Robber Bridegroom, with book and lyrics by Alfred Uhry and music by Robert Waldman, opens at International City Theatre on October 14. Low-priced previews take place on October 11, 12 and 13.

WaterTower Theatre Announces Free Day Of Theatre For Addison Residents 9/26
by BWW News Desk - Sep 26, 2010


WaterTower Theatre Producing Artistic Director, Terry Martin, announced today a special opportunity for full-time residents of the Town of Addison: Our Town for Our Town, a free performance of WaterTower Theatre's production of Our Town on Sunday, September 26 at 2 pm.

WaterTower Theatre Announces Free Day Of Theatre For Addison Residents 9/26
by Gabrielle Sierra - Sep 10, 2010


WaterTower Theatre Producing Artistic Director, Terry Martin, announced today a special opportunity for full-time residents of the Town of Addison: Our Town for Our Town, a free performance of WaterTower Theatre's production of Our Town on Sunday, September 26 at 2 pm.

WaterTower Announces Creative Team For OUR TOWN
by Gabrielle Sierra - Aug 16, 2010


WaterTower Theatre Producing Artistic Director, Terry Martin, announced today the creative team for Our Town which will open the Company's 2010-2011 season.

NEXT TO NORMAL Wins Pulitzer Prize for Drama!
by Robert Diamond - Apr 12, 2010


Just in - NEXT TO NORMAL has one the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama! As per the official Pulitzer's web site: For a distinguished play by an American author, preferably original in its source and dealing with American life, Ten thousand dollars ($10,000).

2010 Pulitzer Prizewinners to Be Announced Today at 3pm
by Robert Diamond - Apr 12, 2010


The 2010 Pulitzer Prizewinners and Nominated Finalists in all categories will be announced on April 12, 2010 at 3 p.m. Eastern daylight time. Finalists are not announced in advance. The 2010 Prizes are awarded for work published, produced or premiered in 2009.

A.R.T. Institute's THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH Closes 3/27
by BWW News Desk - Mar 27, 2010


The American Repertory Theater/Moscow Art Theater Institute for Advanced Theater Training presents The Skin of Our Teeth by Thornton Wilder, directed by Scott Zigler, and performed by the Institute Class of 2010. The production is presented at Club Oberon, 2 Arrow Street, corner of MassachusettsAve., Harvard Square, Cambridge.

A.R.T. Institute Presents THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH, 3/19-3/27
by BWW News Desk - Mar 19, 2010


The American Repertory Theater/Moscow Art Theater Institute for Advanced Theater Training presents The Skin of Our Teeth by Thornton Wilder, directed by Scott Zigler, and performed by the Institute Class of 2010. The production is presented at Club Oberon, 2 Arrow Street, corner of MassachusettsAve., Harvard Square, Cambridge.

Rubicon Theatre Presents Joanna McClelland Glass’ TRYING, 3/13-4/4
by BWW News Desk - Mar 13, 2010


Rubicon Theatre Company continues its 2009-2010 Season with the Central Coast Premiere of a timely drama about a fascinating and enigmatic figure in American history. TRYING, which opens March 13 and runs through April 4th (with low-priced previews March 11 and 12), is a poignant, poetic and powerful story about a relationship between Francis Biddle, Attorney General under Roosevelt and Chief Judge at the Nuremburg trials; and Sarah, a tenacious 25-year-old woman from the Canadian plains, one of a string of secretaries Biddle's wife has hired to help him put his affairs in order at the end of his long an illustrious career. Biddle, 81, is in poor health, proud and cantankerous as he begins to confront his own mortality. Sarah, however, is also headstrong, and from her early life on the prairie has developed a strength and wisdom beyond her years. Despite the difference in ideologies and age, the two forge a friendship. The play is autobiographical in nature and is written by Joanna McClelland Glass, who worked for Biddle in the late 60s.

The Skin of Our Teeth FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of The Skin of Our Teeth have there been?
The Skin of Our Teeth has had 3 productions including Broadway which opened in 1942, Broadway which opened in 1955 and Broadway which opened in 1975.
What awards has The Skin of Our Teeth been nominated for?
The Skin of Our Teeth has been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Thornton Wilder.
What awards has The Skin of Our Teeth won?
The Skin of Our Teeth has won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Thornton Wilder.

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