More Theater Monday - The Seat of Our Pants

We received complimentary tickets to The Seat of Our Pants for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: The Seat of Our Pants 

Where: The Public Theater

              425 Lafayette St.

              New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 18 and Up Due to Complex Themes

When: Through December 7, 2025

The Seat of Our Pants is a strange new musical based on Thornton Wilder's The Skin of Our Teeth, which is also a peculiar show. It is a story about a family that lives through over 5,000 years of history. Yet, they are not meant to be an anomaly or something out of science fiction;  they are just an average family. On the surface, it seems like a very pessimistic show because this family is always facing disasters of epic proportions, including an ice age, a flood, and war. However, ultimately, it is a hopeful show because whatever is thrown at this family they manage to survive it. 

The score, like the show itself, is rather unusual. For instance, a beautifully sounding ballad is actually a song about the need to repress one's feelings, which isn't typically fodder for a ballad. In fact, all of the songs are similarly offbeat or different than what you would expect. There are some pretty songs and some fun songs, but not typical musical theater songs, nor any that really stick in your head.

The cast is stellar. Among them are at least two Tony winners, Shuler Hensley (Oklahoma) and Ruthie Ann Miles (The King and I), and at least two Tony nominees, Michaela Diamond (Parade) and Damon Daunno (Oklahoma). Their total commitment to their roles adds to overall believability of the show.

The show is three acts, although there is only an intermission between the first and second acts. Kudos to the hardworking stage crew that has to completely change over the set, including the backgrounds twice, and even the surface of the floor once. 

The show feels a bit long at times and seems slow and draggy toward the end of the third act in particular, even though it is allegedly only an average length of approximately 2 and 1/2 hours.  However, if you are looking for a truly unique theatrical experience, this show certainly provides that. On the other hand, if you don't like unusual shows, you will likely want to avoid this one. 

And that's our view. For more about The Seat of Our Pants or to purchase tickets, visit publictheater.org/productions/season/2526/the-seat-of-our-pants.

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Photo credits:

All The Seat of Our Pants production photos by Joan Marcus

Images used in this post were sent by publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission.  Address any concerns regarding image usage here.