December 19, 2024 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

“Skintight” on Stage at the Geffen Playhouse

My mother use to say, “Remember Bevie beauty is only skin deep. It’s what’s on the inside that counts.” Well mom, that theory is totally blown up in Joshua Harmon’s “Skintight” as the play grapples with the effects of aging and the worshipping of beauty inherent in youth.

Skillfully directed by Daniel Aukin, who kept the action moving at a brisk pace, here’s the plot line: Aging woman Jodi Isaac (Idina Menzel) is dumped by her husband who gets engaged to a 24-year-old big breasted woman named Madison. Her friends, as well as her gay son (Eli Gelb) all attend the celebration party. Jodi is very depressed and flies to New York to be with her father Elliot, (Harry Groener) who is about to turn 70. He is a highly successful designer living in a luxurious four-story townhouse in the city with 24-year-old Trey, (Will Brittain) a vacuous, but sexy former porn star with fabulous buns who has swung both ways. Also present is the dutiful houseboy Jeff (Jeff Skowron) who, it appears, once occupied the “lover” position. However, he is now resigned to do everyone’s bidding such as Trey commanding him, sans a “please,” to “Bring me a diet coke,” as if to emphasize his position in Elliot’s life. If this sounds a bit like a soap opera, I’ll get back to that later.

L-R:  Jeff Skowron, (Jeff) Will Brittain, (Trey) and Harry Groener (Elliot.)

As the play unfolds, it is revealed that old dad is rather narcissistic and has been anything but a devoted parent, which has laid heavily on Jodi. A successful attorney, she is hoping, however, that under her depressing circumstances, he will be capable of offering her some tea and sympathy. She also wants him to get into celebrating his birthday but he warns that he doesn’t want anything special, especially, “No cowboy jumping out of a cake,” adding, “It’s not an achievement not to die.” Dad is really turned on by hunky Trey commenting, “I’d like to have sheets made from your skin.” Jodi takes an immediate dislike to the seemingly dumb Oklahoma born and bred lover and keeps asking him to leave so only the family is present. Plopping into a chair, he informs her “I live here. This is my home.” Jodi continues to harp on her disapproval of her dad’s relationship with Trey. He keeps defending his choice but despite professing how happy he is dad, who is also a recovering alcoholic, does not show outward signs of really being happy. Meanwhile Elliot’s grandson has flown in from Budapest for the birthday celebration where he shares that he is studying “queer theory.” Unlike his grandfather’s gay, young lover who does not display any overt physical manifestations that could be described as “swishy,” Benjamin is a walking illustration of a cliché physicality, but at no point does it appear layered on for effect, but rather an organically created stereotypical physical life. To complicate the plot, Benjamin is quite drawn to Trey, both of whom are the same age, and asks him why he would be with such an old man which causes grandpa to remind his grandson that Trey is his and warns him, “You can’t fuck your grandfather’s boyfriend,” who happens to be sporting a $450,000 watch. After taking Elliot out for a birthday seaweed wrap, in a surprise move, Trey offers a rather long birthday toast extolling all of Elliot’s wonderful qualities and how happy he is to be with him and at the end asks Elliot to marry him. Long, long pause following which the newly engaged Trey turns to a horrified Jodi and says, “You’re going to be my stepdaughter now.”

Jodi (Idina Menzel) hopes to receive some nurturing from her father Elliot, played by Harry Groener.

So, back to my comment as to whether this family dramedy could be considered soap opera. While walking a narrow tightrope, there are several elements that distinguishes this play from a daytime “soap” beginning with a well-written script. Add to that, sharp direction of a talented, professional cast, and a limited run vs. a serial, which is open ended. Also, there is a deeper level to this play in that it explores some elements of society’s fascination or even obsession with youth, relegating women, especially, to becoming invisible after a certain age. But, there’s a great line from Moonstruck where the Olympia Dukakis character of Rose Castorini, in referring to the professor’s propensity for dating students, says, “No matter how young they are, you’re still gonna’ die.” On the other hand, in defending his decision to be with a beautiful, sexy, much younger man, Elliot says, “Sex is life. I want to wake up next to life. I can have this so why the fuck not!”

L-R: Benjamin (Eli Gelb) is attracted Trey, his grandfather’s boyfriend played by Will Brittain.

“SKINTIGHT”
Gil Cates Theater at The Geffen Playhouse
10866 Le Conte Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Playwright: Joshua Harmon
Director: Daniel Aukin
Scenic Designer: Lauren Helpern
Costume Designer: China Lee
Sound Designer: Vincent Olivieri
Tuesday-Friday: 8:00 pm
Saturdays: 3:00 pm & 8:00 pm
Sunday: 2:00 pm: & 7:00 pm
Closing: Saturday, October 12, 2019
Tickets $30-$155
310.208.5454 or
www.geffenplayhouse.com

in News
Related Posts

Celebrate the Holidays in Style at Something About Her’s Ugly Sweater Soiree

December 19, 2024

December 19, 2024

Festive Looks, Limited-Edition Treats, and Holiday Cheer Await Something About Her has special treats this holiday, so it’s time to...

California Governor Declares State of Emergency Amid Bird Flu Outbreak in Dairy Cattle

December 18, 2024

December 18, 2024

Governor Newsom’s Action Expands the State’s Response to the H5N1 Virus Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency today...

Krispy Kreme and Lodge Bread Unite for Limited-Edition Hanukkah Sufganiyot

December 18, 2024

December 18, 2024

Only for a Limited Time and in Limited Quantities for This Special Collaboration Krispy Kreme and Los Angeles-based bakery Lodge...

Explore Eastern Mediterranean Flavors: Zaytinya by José Andrés Now Open in Culver City

December 18, 2024

December 18, 2024

Discover Mezze With a California Twist and Rooftop Bar with Tacos Butterfly  Renowned chef José Andrés has brought his celebrated...

Fia Restaurant Honors Veterans with a Special Thanksgiving Lunch in Santa Monica

December 18, 2024

December 18, 2024

Chef Scott Erickson, a Former U.S. Marine, Leads Fia’s Efforts to Give Back This Thanksgiving, Fia Restaurant extended its commitment...

Celebrate Hanukkah with Authors Paul Small and Josh Freeman at Diesel, A Bookstore

December 18, 2024

December 18, 2024

Interactive Event Explores the Deeper Meaning of Hanukkah With Art and Music On Saturday, Dec. 28, at 2:00 p.m., authors...

(Video) The Watermark at Beverly Hills Offers Boutique-Style Living for Seniors

December 17, 2024

December 17, 2024

For More Info, Go To Watermarkcommunities.com For More Info, Go To https://t.co/1KMXcau57L pic.twitter.com/GD2Cu380SJ — CCNewsLA (@CCWNNews) December 18, 2024

Oscar Race Heats Up: 97th Academy Awards Shortlists Revealed by The Academy

December 17, 2024

December 17, 2024

Documentaries, International Films, Blockbusters In 10 Competitive Categories The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the shortlists...

Best Christmas Dinners To Go and Very Special Christmas Treats for Your Holiday Celebration

December 17, 2024

December 17, 2024

Where to Order Some of the Most Delicious and Special Treats for Next Week Christmas is approaching soon and just...

(Video) The Willows: 30 Years Going Strong

December 16, 2024

December 16, 2024

Founded in 1994, The Willows Community School, located in Culver City, California, is a Developmental Kindergarten through 8th grade non-profit, co-educational independent school...

Jamie Foxx Injured in Beverly Hills Restaurant Altercation at His Birthday Dinner

December 16, 2024

December 16, 2024

Beverly Hills Police Investigate Battery Incident at Mr. Chow  The Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) is investigating an altercation at...

LAPD Confirms Hannah Kobayashi Found Safe After Voluntary Border Crossing

December 16, 2024

December 16, 2024

Customs Officials Report 30-Year-Old in Good Health; Case Closed The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed on Sunday that Hannah...

Los Angeles County Launches Program to Cancel $500 Million in Medical Debt

December 16, 2024

December 16, 2024

Initiative Targets Low-Income Residents with $2 Billion Debt Relief Goal The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has launched...

41-Year-Old Piano Teacher Arrested for Alleged Child Sexual Assault in Beverly Hills

December 16, 2024

December 16, 2024

Authorities Urge Other Potential Victims To Come Forward as Investigation Continues A 41-year-old piano teacher was arrested earlier this month...

(Video) Discover Seaside Fun With Pacific Park’s Amusement Rides and Games

December 15, 2024

December 15, 2024

For Tickets and More Info, Go To Pacpark.com For Tickets and More Info, Go To https://t.co/HneRcysYh5 pic.twitter.com/3Kh5HoDLDj — CCNewsLA (@CCWNNews)...