The Skin Game (A Tragi-Comedy)

In a sun‑drenched country study filled with travel photographs, leather‑bound books and the faint smell of cigar leaf, the aging Hillcrist family gathers around a cluttered bureau. The patriarch, a gout‑ridden gentleman, is constantly teased by his spirited nineteen‑year‑old daughter Jill, whose quick wit and breezy sarcasm set the tone for the household’s restless energy. Their banter introduces a cast of newcomers—new‑rich Hornblower, his ambitious wife Chloe, and their son Rolf—each embodying the clash between old‑world propriety and youthful ambition.

As the first act unfolds, Jill’s sharp observations expose the generational tensions simmering beneath polite conversation. She questions the authority of the elders, hinting at a desire to upend tradition while still cherishing the comforts of the estate. Meanwhile, Hillcrist’s attempts to maintain order reveal his own insecurities, making the family dynamics both tender and absurd.

The play’s opening promises a lively mix of humor and pathos, inviting listeners to watch a genteel world teeter on the edge of change, where love, loyalty, and a touch of mischief collide.