The Skin of Our Teeth May 1, 2009

GUNTERSVILLE—The Whole Backstage Theatre presents an American classic, Thornton Wilder's Pulitzer Prize-winning play "The Skin of Our Teeth." Ignoring the limits of time and space, a host of characters and three acts are used to review the history of mankind.

The play finds the prototypical Antrobus family facing the Ice Age, a great flood, and finally a devastating war. On another level, it seems the theatre itself is against them and the performance is in danger. "The Skin of Our Teeth" stretched the bounds of theatrical convention when it premiered in 1942, and continues to resonate today. THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH along with OUR TOWN, are widely considered to be two of Thorton Wilder's greatest works.

In the face of a hostile world where one's actions are largely insignificant, why go on? This play responds to that question with a resounding answer of hope. In the violent world of today, a message of faith in humanity and the possibility of progress have never been more salient. What’s more, the play accomplishes this goal with a great deal of laughter. The family maid, Sabina, continually talks to the audience (much as the Stage Manager does in OUR TOWN) making witty remarks about all that the family is experiencing.

"The Skin of Our Teeth" will be staged in the Dot Moore Auditorium at the Whole Backstage Theatre1120 Rayburn Avenue. Curtain time is 7:00 p.m. on Friday May 1, Saturday May 2, and Sunday May 3, at 2:00 p.m. The show will continue through the second week of May with shows on Thursday May 7, Friday May 8, and Saturday May 9 at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and senior citizens. For reservations, call 256-582-7469. Patron tickets for "The Skin of Our Teeth" are on sale now at the Whole Backstage Box Office. Group tickets are available. "The Skin of Our Teeth" is the last show of the 2008-2009 Anniversary Season at the Whole Backstage Theatre. For more information, please visit the Whole Backstage Theatre website at www.wholebackstage.com

Official Website: http://www.wholebackstage.com