Gary Henderson’s “Skin Tight”, given its Chicago premiere by Cor Theatre under the direction of Victoria Deiorio, is a one act that attempts to explore the love story of a lifelong couple in just under an hour. Tom (Tony Buzzuto) and Elizabeth (Tosha Fowler) appear to be at the end of their lives and have been together since adolescence. Both actors are fairly young in appearance, despite the characters' apparent age. The play jumps around in time, not in the form of differing scenes or flashback but purely through the characters’ conversations and shared memories. The first thing we learn about these characters is that during a lifetime together, their sexual passion for each other has never wavered. Not only do they spend a lot of time kissing and embracing while strutting and fretting their hour upon the stage, but sex drives their conversations and memories. Tom and Elizabeth grew up together in a small farming community. You can be sure that means a lot of talk about haystacks. Their reminiscing of their youthful courtship is predictable but somewhat charming. Then Elizabeth dwells on the day Tom marches off to unspecified war. Mention is also made of the couple’s adult daughter from whom both feel alienated. The dialogue is highly stylized, almost stream of consciousness and doesn’t much resemble normal human conversation, although Buzzuto and Fowler are fun to watch. There is a strong sadomasochistic element to their lovemaking. In one moment, Tom menaces his wife with an apple cutting knife, she licks it and puts in her mouth, obviously evoking fellatio. Mostly though, the sadomasochism takes the form of well placed punches and kicks. I’ve seen and heard some freaky things but this is the first couple I’ve seen depicted as getting off on highly choreographed stage combat. The show is so short and fast paced, all of its interesting moments fleet by too quickly. The show is intriguing but not fleshed out enough to achieve its potential.
Reviewed by Centerstage!
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