FOUNDER OF MIXED BLOOD THEATRE DIRECTS "SKIN OF OUR TEETH"

For over four decades, Jack Reuler has been at the forefront of pushing theatrical boundaries, using the stage as a tool for addressing societal issues. As the founder of Mixed Blood Theatre, Reuler's commitment to social change through the arts has left an enduring imprint on the theatrical landscape. "I founded the Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis when I was 22 and ran it for 46 years, having stepped down 14 months ago. In that time, I had 743 play openings in which we tried to tackle the 'isms' that plague America, promoting a 'we-we' mindset instead of an 'us-them' one," said Reuler. 

This year, he brought his exceptional talents to the School of Theatre & Dance at the University of Houston, directing Thornton Wilder's timeless classic, "The Skin of Our Teeth." Known for seamlessly blending comedy and social satire, the play proved to be a perfect canvas for Reuler's creative vision. Set against various historical backdrops, the play addresses issues such as climate change, war, political shenanigans, and voting rights. Reuler's unique approach involved setting specific historical contexts for different acts, providing both political satire and rich comedic material. 

“Thornton Wilder wrote a play that he wanted to be produced for the audiences of the time and place in which it was being presented. As we traveled the cycles of cataclysm and reinvention, we settled on August of 1941 (months before Pearl Harbor) for the first act, spring of 1993 (early President Clinton) for the next portion, and December of 2024 for the last, allowing a promise of hope, compassion, and an undivided tomorrow. Through the creative team — media, costumes, music, and more — we were able to establish these times and their context, all with the blessing of the Wilder estate. These times allowed for not only political satirical bite, but good comic opportunities because we're in showbiz and aim to entertain, not preach,” said Reuler. 

Navigating the eccentric elements of the play, including decaying homes, floods, and prehistoric creatures, presented exciting challenges for Reuler. Embracing the absurdities, songs were added to create a distinct musical experience, making the production simultaneously juvenile, sophisticated, and irreverent. “In the play the suburban home of the central family is decaying before the audience’s eyes due to climate change. They build onstage fires to warm themselves. A flood overtakes the world, drowning even the audience. The actors playing the characters object to the absurdity of the script itself and stop the play. There is a dinosaur and a mammoth as natural occurrences in suburban New Jersey. The play's challenges are what makes it attractive to theatres to produce,” said Reuler. 

Reuler's experience working with the cast and crew was marked by joy, adventure, and a sense of humor. He initiated auditions with a joke-telling exercise, fostering a collaborative and laughter-filled production process. 

"The rehearsal room was the most joyous one I have ever led, with great attitudes, an adventurous approach to finding the right way to do it, and a very prepared cast of student artists who would put many professionals to shame with their technique and process," Reuler said. 

Nico Castillo, a student at the School of Theatre and Dance and a member of the cast, praised Reuler's leadership and the collaborative spirit of the team. “Jack skillfully crafted a nurturing and enjoyable environment for us to explore and experiment in the rehearsal space. His openness to feedback from everyone contributed to a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere,” Castillo said. 

Under Reuler's direction, the audience received a profound message from “The Skin of Our Teeth”. Reuler believes in the power of humor, laughter, and theater as universal elixirs. The play, updated by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, embodies ideals of empathy, compassion, optimism, and hope, promising an unforgettable and thought-provoking production. 

During his time on campus, Reuler made impactful visits to various classes. “Jack's presence in our stage management class was truly extraordinary. Not only did he share insightful anecdotes about his collaborations with stage managers, but he also conducted a comprehensive exploration of the theatrical landscape. From the intricacies of production to the vital roles of donors, boards of directors, and various production departments, Jack provided us with a wealth of knowledge, illustrating how these elements seamlessly converge to create a successful and harmonious theatrical model,” said Joseph Blanchard. 

In addition to instruction from Reuler, Blanchard served as the stage manager for "Skin of Our Teeth." 

"While I've enjoyed collaborating with all guest directors during my tenure at the School of Theatre & Dance, our experience with Jack was unique because he approached it from a teaching perspective. He challenged the team, pushed us all, and ensured we acknowledged our contributions and the insights we gained about ourselves along the way," explained Blanchard. 

As the curtain falls on this chapter of Reuler's theatrical journey, the impact of "The Skin of Our Teeth" at the University of Houston lingers, leaving audiences entertained, enlightened, and inspired by the resilience of the human spirit.