THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH OPENS JUNE 7th

On Saturday, June 7, 2003, Evidence Room, for the first time in its history, presents a classic American play. Thornton Wilder's THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH opens in a production directed by Stefan Novinski and featuring an all Evidence Room cast starring longtime members Ames Ingham, Jason Adams, and Alicia Adams.

THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH is Thornton Wilder's 1942 Pulitzer Prize winning comedy. In a bold experimental style Wilder presents a model American family confronting flood, famine, war, and worse. Speeding through the millenia ­ from the Ice Age to Noah's Ark to our own century of incessant war ­ Wilder's family somehow survives, if only "by the skin of our teeth".

SKIN has a long and distinguished history. The play premiered in a celebrated production on Broadway in 1942, directed by Elia Kazan and starring Tallulah Bankhead, Fredric March, and Montgomery Clift. Inspired by James Joyce's Finnegan's Wake, Wilder's experimental play famously bewildered its initial audiences ­ a legendary number of first act storming exits ­ but went on to win acclaim and later the Pulitzer Prize, the author's third such honor after awards for his novel The Bridge of San Luis Rey (1927) and his popular drama Our Town (1938). SKIN has since been revived repeatedly and is a perennial favorite in college, high school, and community productions.

"It's about time for Evidence Room to tackle an American classic," explains Artistic Director Bart DeLorenzo. "We've thought about different pieces over the years, but after producing a year of experimental premieres, we are especially excited to present a tried-and-true classic, and in this case, the forebear of so much of America's innovative theater. That Wilder debuted this play as the US was entering World War II and expanding its role in international politics and influence makes the show particularly timely. Our production seeks to celebrate the play's experimental roots."

Longtime member Ames Ingham returns to star as Sabina in her first mainstage role since 2001's Delirium Palace. She is a two-time LA Weekly award nominee for her work in No Orchids for Miss Blandish and One Flea Spare. ER founders ­ and real-life spouses ­ Jason and Alicia Adams portray Mr. and Mrs. Antrobus, after recent appearances in, respectively, Mayhem and Hot Property. Company members Leo Marks (Pentecost) and Colleen Kane (Berlin Circle) play the Antrobus children. The production also features company stalwarts Dorie Barton, a recent LA Weekly award nominee for Pentecost; Tad Coughenour, frequent star of The Strip; and featured in many recent ER shows, Don Oscar Smith. ER favorites Kevin Cristaldi (Cringe) and Juan Fernandez (The Strip) complete the ensemble.

SKIN is directed by Stefan Novinski, celebrated for several recent productions at the Open Fist Theater including As I Lay Dying and the award-winning Fen. Novinski's frequent collaborators Donna Marquet and Drew Dalzell design the setting and sound respectively. Costume designer Barbara Lempell (Pentecost) returns to the ER while lighting designer Tony Mulanix designs his first show with the company. ER Artistic Director Bart DeLorenzo is the show's producer.

THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH opens June 7th. The production will play through July 20th, Thursday through Sunday nights at 8 pm. Ticket prices are $15-20. For further information, call Evidence Room at (213) 381 7118.

DATES:
Press Opening: Saturday June 7th at 8 PM.
Regular: Thursday through Sunday, June 8th through July 20th.

TIMES: Thursday through Sunday at 8:00 PM.

ADMISSION: Thursday and Sunday $15.00, Friday and Saturday $20.00.
Special rates for students, subscribers, and groups.

TICKETS: Reservations may be made by calling (213) 381-7118.

LOCATION: The Evidence Room is located at 2220 Beverly Blvd. in Los Angeles, between Virgil and Alvarado, just west of downtown and close to the 101, 110, and 10 Freeways.
Limited free parking is available adjacent to the theater.
Abundant street parking on Beverly Boulevard.