The Seat of Our Pants

 The Seat of Our Pants
The Public Theater
November 2, 2025

Photo courtesy of The Public Theater

The Seat of Our Pants is a musical adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s The Skin of Our Teeth.  Ethan Lipton adapted the book and wrote the music and lyrics.  He maintains Thornton Wilder’s philosophical perspective, while extending the commentary on the theatrical form and pulling the references into the present day.  His music sets a peaceful, contemplative tone.  Some of his lyrics are taken directly from Mr. Wilder’s play.  His original lyrics take a deep emotional plunge into the heart of the characters.  Director Leigh Silverman beautifully sculpts this piece, allowing the colorful humor to smoothly blend into the darker, more pensive moments.  The cast skillfully makes these classic Wilder characters their own, heightening the impact of the events and intensify the timeless message. 

Act I - George & Mrs. Antrobus feed the Refugees
Photo courtesy of The Public Theater

The story centers around the Antrobus family: George (played by Shuler Hensley), Mrs. Antrobus (played by Ruthie Ann Miles), their son, Henry (played by Damon Daunno), their daughter, Gladys (played by Amina Faye), and their housekeeper, Sabina (played by Micaela Diamond).  They survive the Ice Age in Act I, a biblical flood in Act II, and the Great War in Act III.  George Antrobus is constantly finding new ways to improve life.  He invents wonders such as the alphabet, numbers, and the wheel.  Sabina is a constant distraction to George, and a burden to Mrs. Antrobus, whose main focuses is keeping her family together.  Henry is troubled, full of anger and always fighting.  Gladys is eager to grow up.  Nothing stops them.  They continually move on, rebuilding life as they know it.   

Shuler Hensley & Micaela Diamond
Photo courtesy of The Public Theater

Ruthie Ann Miles is in constant control as Mrs. Antrobus.  Her song in Act I, “Stuff It All Down Inside,” clearly states the way she faces every challenge.  Shuller Hensley is gruff and grounded as George Antrobus.  He remains steadfast under all circumstances.  His moment of doubt in Act III is genuine.  He and Ms. Miles make a sincere connection in this scene, shifting the energy to a stunning conclusion.  Micaela Diamond is subdued as Sabina.  This works very well in the first act, then generates strong impact in the second.  She takes the lead in Act III, pushing the family to move on.  She closes the show with composed and candid direct address.  

Amina Faye, Ruthie Ann Miles, & Damon Daunno
Photo courtesy of The Public Theater

Amina Faye’s Gladys matures over the course of the three acts.  This growth is subtle, clear, and highly effective.  Damon Daunno is powerful as Henry.  His anger explodes in moments of rage.  The confrontation scene with his father in Act III is fierce.  He and Mr. Hensley do not hold back.  Their resolution takes place on a different level, commenting as actors portraying their roles.  His physical position in the finale makes a compelling statement. 

Act II - Atlantic City
Photo courtesy of The Public Theater

Andy Grotelueschen opens each act and speaks as the playwright in a “stage fight” section in Act II.  He is charming, warm, and welcoming, setting the tone for what lies ahead.  There are also impressive performances by Michael Lepore as the Telegram Boy, Ally Bonino as the Fortune Teller, and an amazing ensemble who keeps the pace tight and clean. 

The Seat of Our Pants is playing at The Public Theater through November 30.  If you are an admirer of Thornton Wilder’s original play, you will appreciate this musical adaptation.  It is a phenomenal production that will touch your soul and give you hope.  

Domenick Danza

Oklahoma!

Oklahoma!

St. Ann’s Warehouse

October 13, 2018

Photo courtesy of St. Ann's Warehouse

If you’d have told me that a production of Rogers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! could have a gut-wrenching emotional impact and offer a brutally honest point of view as to who we are as Americans, I’d have said that is not conceivable.  Yet, the Bard Summerscape production at St. Ann’s Warehouse in the Dumbo section of Brooklyn, does just that.  Director Daniel Fish reframes this American classic, making it startlingly relevant to a present day audience.  The production revels in the idealistic goals of the characters, then puts a truthful spotlight on the length they are willing to go to achieve them.  More importantly, it illustrates how their bond tills the soil for future incongruity.

Rebecca Naomi Jones as Laurey & Damon Daunno as Curly
Photo courtesy of St. Ann's Warehouse

The cast creates one honest moment after another, showing the power and quality of Oscar Hammerstein’s book.  They deliver layer upon layer of richness, depth, humor, and intensity to these well-known characters, who we have seen over and over.  This phenomenal work gives us an opportunity to meet them for the first time.  There are riveting performances by Damon Daunno (Curly McLain), Rebecca Naomi Jones (Laurey Williams), Mary Testa (Aunt Eller), Ali Stroker (Ado Annie), Patrick Wail (Jud Fry), James Davis (Will Parker), Michael Nathanson (Ali Hakim), Gabrielle Hamilton (Dream Laurey), Mitch Tebo (Andrew Carnes), Mallory Portnoy (Gertie Cummings), Anthony Cason (Cord Elam), and Will Mann (Mike).  Their chemistry, timing, physicality, and vocal characteristics are flawless. 

Damon Daunno as Curly with the Band
Photo courtesy of St. Ann's Warehouse

Daniel Kluger re-orchestrated the Richard Rogers score for a seven piece country/western style band.  His work puts a strong focus on the vocals, luminously highlighting the Hammerstein lyrics.  The small, diverse, and powerful cast shines vocally, both in skill and styling.  The newly conceived choreography by John Heginbotham rides on the structure and story advancing format set by Agnes DeMille, yet delivers it in a powerfully visceral and original manner that is both engaging and deeply psychological. 

Mary Testa as Aunt Eller & James Davis as Will Parker
Photo courtesy of St. Ann's Warehouse

The interpretation of the ending is shocking.  Once the main characters achieve their goal, the community bond allows them to get away with the murderous actions they felt justified to execute.  They carry the weight of that burden forward as they begin their lives together and their territory becomes a state.  The finale is sung with brutal determination while characters are covered in blood.  It is upsetting… and brilliant, bringing new and darker meaning to the lyrics, “We know we belong to the land, and the land we belong to is grand.”  

The Bard Summerscape production of Rogers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! is running through November 11 at St. Ann’s Warehouse.  Do whatever you need to do to get a ticket.  It is a bold, risky, and brave production that will sit with you for a long time.

Domenick Danza