Thorton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning American play “The Skin of Our Teeth” is coming to the Merced College Theater stage this weekend.

Wilder referred to this 1940s American classic as “a history of mankind through comic strip.” 

“The Skin of Our Teeth” follows the trials and tribulations of the Antrobus family over the course of thousands of years.

“Wilder presents us with the iconic American family at their best . . . and at their worst,” said Merced College Drama professor and director Carin Heidelbach.

This archetypal family has survived expulsion from the Garden of Eden, the Stone Age, an Ice Age, and several wars.  Through it all, they attempt to maintain an optimistic attitude while mankind falls apart around them.  As history progresses, so do they. 

A modern classic, “The Skin of Our Teeth” serves up surrealistic comedy as the Antrobus’ and their trusty maid Sabina come to grips with their own destinies.

“The Skin of Our Teeth” will be performed at the Merced College Theater at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday.  Tickets are $12 general admission and $10 for students, faculty and staff.  A special student price of $5 is offered for Thursday.

Tickets are available at the Merced College Bookstore and through the Theater Box Office by calling 384-6284.