Pulitzer-Winning Play Coming To Chester Stage

CHESTER, NJ — A Pulitzer Prize-winning play with a unique concept is headed to a Chester theater.

“The Skin of Our Teeth” is being put on by the Chester Theatre Group on several dates in May.

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The show, written by Thornton Wilder, follows an immortal family as they navigate through humanity’s trials and tribulations. The family faces internal struggles as well as climate change, rising waters, and world wars, all of which they managed to survive “by the skin of their teeth.”

“From the dawn of humanity, the Antrobus family has applied their ingenuity to civilization’s progress. George invented fire, the wheel, and the alphabet. Maggie’s created weaving and cooking. Their children are prodigies. Gladys excels at mathematics and Henry at rebellion and murder, having killed his brother,” a description reads. “Enduring history's hardships with them is their loyal maid, Sabina, who invented seduction and infidelity. Despite all the trials and tribulations that the world sends them, they toil on.”

The play was written in 1942 and won the 1943 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. In 2025, it was adapted into a Broadway musical called “The Seat Of Our Pants.”

The show is being directed by George LaVigne and will have 8 p.m. performances on May 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16. A 2 p.m. matinee will be shown on May 3, 10, and 17.

Chester Theatre Group has been putting on shows at the Black River Playhouse, located at 54 Grove Street, for more than 50 years. Click here to learn more and buy tickets to “The Skin of Our Teeth.”