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

Hurricane Diane

Hurricane Diane

New York Theatre Workshop

March 9, 2019

Photo courtesy of New York Theatre Workshop

If Dionysus (Greek) / Bacchus (Roman), the god of wine, winemaking, grape cultivation, fertility, ritual madness, theater, and religious ecstasy, were to return to Earth to save the planet, where would they start?  A cul-de-sac in Morris County, New Jersey, of course.  That is the premise for Hurricane Diane, Madeleine George’s play at New York Theatre Workshop.  Co-produced with WP Theater and originally developed at Two River Theater, this play is all laughs, until reality hits and you realize that saving the planet is not an easy feat.

Michelle Beck, Kate Wetherhead, Mia Barron & Danielle Skraastad
Photo courtesy of New York Theatre Workshop

Carol (played by Mia Barron) wants her yard re-landscaped.  She meets with Diane (played by Becca Blackwell) to discuss the design, which surprisingly does not match Diane’s landscape philosophy.  Diane is really Dionysus (or Bacchus) returning to Earth to save the planet from the destructive forces creating devastating climate change.  When Diane is unable to convince Carol to turn her yard into a balanced ecosystem, she turns to the other three ladies in the cul-de-sac.  Pam (played by Danielle Skraastad) is an easy mark, followed by Renee (played by Michelle Beck).  Beth (played by Kate Wetherhead) is tough to convince, but Diane does have her ways.  She needs four women for the Greek traditional initiation ceremony.  Carol is the final holdout. 

Becca Blackwell as Diane
Photo courtesy of New York Theatre Workshop

Mia Barron, Michelle Beck, Danielle Skraastad, and Kate Wetherhead create four distinct and powerful women who live on the cul-de-sac in Morris County, New Jersey.  Their characters are very much drawn on types, then delve deep into the core of their individual truths.  These actors deliver genuinely funny and riveting portrayals.  Becca Blackwell, as Diane, skillfully and humorously leads these characters down a path to self-awareness.  When Diane’s main objective proves most difficult, playwright Madeleine George makes a cold and brutal statement as to where the responsibility lies for the future of our planet.  Director Leigh Silverman masterfully builds the tension from the humor into a quiet and stunning realization of the truth. 

Hurricane Diane is playing at New York Theatre Workshops through March 24.  Get a ticket and go see it! 

Domenick Danza

Harry Clarke

Harry Clarke

Vineyard Theater

October 28, 2017

 

Photo courtesy of Vineyard Theatre

Billy Crudup is starring in a one character play at Vineyard Theatre.  Written by David Cale, Harry Clarke is a psychological exploration of one man’s quest for acceptance and struggle with identity.  Director Leigh Silverman finds the significant moments of this ninety minute piece that allow the audience to laugh with the main character, empathize with his flaws, and feel shocked by his bold, threatening behavior.

Philip Brugglestein (played by Billy Crudup) was born in Evanston, IL and grew up in South Bend, IN.  He discovers at an early age that he is more comfortable with himself when speaking in a British accent.  After an abusive outburst by his father during his adolescence, an alter-ego emerges.  Harry Clarke is a bold Cockney who is not afraid to take risks and speak his mind.  A number of years later, while living in New York City, Harry Clarke re-emerges during a low period in Philip’s life.  This time he makes a deal with Philip.  Harry wants Philip to give over to him 100% for a three month trial period.  Philip agrees and embarks on the journey of no return.

Billy Crudup, Director Leigh Silverman, and Playwright David Cale
Photos courtesy of Vineyard Theatre

Billy Crudup is magnificent in this role.  He embodies numerous characters as he tells this alarming story.  The accent and vocal rhythm of each character is so distinct that you recognize them immediately.  The characters of Philip Brugglestein and Harry Clarke also have a distinguishing physicalization that visibly identifies them.  Mr. Crudup’s transitions are smooth and clear.  He is absorbing and engaging.  It is an enthralling performance.

Playwright David Cale has written an intriguing character.  He skillfully structures the telling of this story with unexpected reveals that hook the audience’s attention and peak their curiosity. 

Harry Clarke is playing at Vineyard Theatre through December 10.  If you are a Billy Crudup fan, you will love this show.  If you are not, you will definitely become one after seeing it.  

Domenick Danza

All the Ways to Say I Love You

MCC Theater

Lucille Lortel Theatre

September 11, 2016

Photo courtesy of MCC Theater

What is the weight of a lie?  That is the questions asked in Neil LaBute’s new play All the Ways to Say I Love You presently playing at the Lucille Lortel Theatre.  This sixty minute, one woman piece is produced by MCC Theater and directed by Leigh Silverman.  The play is mesmerizing, tender, and shocking.  Judith Light excels as a school teacher with a deep secret that she has kept hidden for sixteen years.

Ms. Johnson (played by Judith Light) has been teaching high school English and Drama for thirty or so years.  When a student asks on one of the first days of school, “What is the weight of a lie?” she has no answer.  This prods her to open up about an encounter that once took place between her and a male student.  She gradually peels back the layers of her passion, deceit, marriage, and underlying motivations until she is able to define the weight of her own lie.

Playwright Neil LaBute
Photo courtesy of MCC Theater

Neil LaBute has magnificently woven a story where every word and phrase is valuable to understanding the main character.  As you intellectually piece the story together, you are viscerally drawn into the emotional complexity and depth of the action.  Ms. Light is brilliant in creating sincere moments that bond the audience to her.  Her character physically eases into a trusting relationship with each individual in front of her as she opens up with genuinely honest confessions.  As shocking as some of her revelations are, you understand and support her.  She confides in you as she would a trusted and intimate friend.  Director Leigh Silverman found the perfect perspective for this piece by having Ms. Light create this personal one-on-one relationship with the audience.  It is absorbing and moving. 

  

Photo courtesy of MCC Theaater

All the Ways to Say I Love You is a unique and remarkable piece of theatre.  Due to demand, MCC has already extended the run through October 16.  Go on line and get your ticket NOW!

Domenick Danza

The Way We Get By

The Way We Get By

Second Stage Theatre

Tony Kiser Theatre

June 13, 2015

Photo courtesy of Playbill &
Second Stage Theatre

I was very excited to be seated in the second row center to see Amanda Seyfried in The Way We Get By.  I opened my program and there it was.  The dreaded insert.  “At this performance the role of Beth will be played by Clea Alsip.”  The curse of the matinee performance.  I was disconcerted, hostile, furious.  Should I march to the box office and scream, “Refund!” and demand my TDF discount ticket price back?  “Wait,” I thought, “This is a NeilLaBute play at Second Stage Theatre.  I know it is going to be good.”  And it was!

The play was a roller coaster ride of emotion as Doug (Thomas Sadoski) wakes up in the middle of the night in the apartment of Beth, a girl he hooked up with (Clea Aslip… who delivered an excellent performance).  He is agitated and paces uncomfortably in his boxer shorts, and downs a bottle of smartwater.  The awkwardness accelerates when Beth enters from the bedroom wearing his vintage autographed Star Wars tee shirt, wondering why he left her alone in bed.  The one night stand banter plays back and forth until Doug hits an emotional wall.  Playwright Neil LaBute skillfully approaches and retreats from this wall throughout the play as Doug and Beth’s history is excruciatingly revealed.  Director Leigh Silverman intrigues the audience by building and releasing the tension between the two characters right up to the very end of the play.

Thomas Sadoski & Amanda Seyfried
in The Way We Get By
Photo courtesy of Second Stage Theatre

Scenic designer, Neil Patel clearly shopped at IKEA for every piece of furniture and knick knack on the set.  This might sound like a critical put down, but it is not.  He created the “perfect” setting for Doug and Beth’s coming together and facing their deepest fear.  The neat and orderly Manhattan condo with everything geometrically matching and in its place is an ideal backdrop for a rebellion against the norm.

Toward the end of the play, Doug says that the way people get by is to run and hide from what they want when they fear they cannot have it.  Neil LaBute takes us on a journey into the freedom that comes when you make a decision that is right for you regardless of what people will say, tweet, or politicize.

Clea Alsip
Photo courtesy of broadwayworld.com

I am still disappointed that I did not see Amanda Seyfried, especially from the second row.  I did, however, leave the theatre feeling elated from the cathartic experience of an extremely well written, directed, and performed work of theatre.

Domenick Danza