New Bedford High School Drama Club presents – The Skin of Our Teeth

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By Brooklin Henriksen, NBHS Class of 2022

The first weekend in December, New Bedford High School Drama Club proudly presents Thornton Wilder’s The Skin of Our Teeth to in-person audiences in the NBHS Bronspiegel Auditorium. The Skin of Our Teeth chronicles a suburban family facing disaster in the fictional town of Excelsior, New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Antrobus have two children, Henry and Gladys, whom along with their household help, Sabina, assists in caring for them. The play is set in three acts. In the first act, an ice age is coming to threaten mankind. Everyone in the world is begging the Antrobus’ to let them into the house to save them from freezing outside. Even a mammoth and a dinosaur are pleading to be let in. Act two includes Mr. Antrobus being elected president of all humans, but Sabina impedes his progress with a devious plan. Throughout the commotion, a sudden change in weather occurs which leads to a great flood, a nod to the tale of Noah’s Ark. The third and final act takes place after a devastating war. George and Henry Antrobus fought on opposing sides and must come to terms with their differences. Each act of the play leaves the family and the audience wondering “What is next for civilization?”

This year the drama club has many new and passionate members and the directors felt it was important to be able to showcase everybody’s talents. Sarah Cadieux-Pacheco, Co-Director, says of her choice and experience with this show: “For our first in-person production since December 2019, we wanted to choose a play that had room to showcase a flexible number of students. The Skin of Our Teeth was suggested to me by a friend, and it has proven to be a great choice. We’ve been able to be flexible with casting and still safely prepare to put on the type of traditional full-scale production our school community has come to expect. The show itself is an American theatre classic and a bit avant-garde, but it’s very clever and very relevant for today! We’ve had a lot of fun working on this show and we can’t wait to share it with in-person audiences.”

Aydan Sullo, Senior and Drama Club President, will be playing Mr. George Antrobus. He shares that “Throughout this process, The Skin of Our Teeth has begun to symbolize an objective comment on the cyclical behavior of humanity, generation after generation. Its multifaceted content, in tandem with the unique double narrative, challenges the audience to look beyond the surface. In exploring the flaws and fortunes of society, the characters come to realize that acknowledging past mistakes becomes essential towards achieving peace and enlightenment in the future. I strongly encourage all to support our eager, dedicated and excited cast!”

Performances in the NBHS Bronspiegel Auditorium begin at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 3 and Saturday, December 4 with a matinee performance at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 5. Tickets are $10 for students/seniors and $12 for adults, but to limit large groups in the lobby should be purchased ahead of time online at https://our.show/skinofourteethnbhs. The Skin of Our Teeth by Thornton Wilder is presented with permission from Concord Theatricals. As per current health mandates, patrons must remain masked at all times when in the school building.

About Michael Silvia

Served 20 years in the United States Air Force. Owner of New Bedford Guide.

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