SKINTIGHT

by Joshua Harmon 

directed by Daniel Aukin

Originally produced at Roundabout Theatre Company, New York, NY

June 21, 2017 to August 26, 2018

About the Premiere Production:

Synopsis: Roundabout reunites writer Joshua Harmon (BAD JEWS, SIGNIFICANT OTHER) and director Daniel Aukin (BAD JEWS) for Skintight, a scorching examination of beauty, youth and sex. Reeling from her ex-husband’s engagement to a much younger woman, Jodi Isaac (Idina Menzel) turns to her famous fashion-designer dad for support. Instead, she finds him wrapped up in his West Village townhouse with his much younger partner Trey. SKINTIGHT assays the nature of love, the power of attraction, and the ways in which a superficial culture persists in teaching its children that all that matters is what’s on the inside.

Artistic Statement: Contributing to the vitality of the American theatre is central to our mission, and a key part of this work is supporting living playwrights in every stage of their careers. Our relationship with Joshua Harmon began in 2012, with the world premiere of Bad Jews and his professional debut in our Black Box Theatre. Since then, Joshua has become one of the most produced young playwrights, his play Bad Jews has become one of the most-produced plays in the United States and he made his Broadway debut with Significant Other earlier this year. We are thrilled to be collaborating with Joshua on this thought-provoking new play. Skintight marks a turning point in Joshua’s artistic evolution, and we believe it will resonate deeply with modern audiences. 

Grant Statement: Skintight is a challenging piece to stage for several reasons. One, in particular, is that it involves nudity, and an additional week of rehearsal, with time to rehearse in private, will allow the actors to build comfort with this scene. Additionally, a large portion of the play’s dialogue also takes place off-stage, and an additional week of rehearsals will allow the actors and creative team to address these physical challenges, which are difficult to explore in a reading. This extra week of rehearsal will also help the actors tackle a very dialogue-heavy play. 

Cast: Idina Menzel, TBD 

Additional Funders Supporting Skintight: Roundabout’s work with new and emerging playwrights and directors, as well as development of new work, is made possible by Katheryn Patterson and Tom Kempner. Joshua Harmon’s Skintight was developed at Roundabout with support from the Laurents/Hatcher Foundation.