Encountering work colleagues daily, few people think about the question: how well do we really know them? As it turns out, not very well. This is precisely what Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’s gripping play “Gloria” by Gloucester Stage Company is about. This dramatic comedy manages to explore relationships between colleagues in the workplace. They strive to climb the career ladder whilst simultaneously trying to find meaning and recognition at work. This review allows one to trace how gossip amongst the play’s egocentric characters demonstrates the influence and importance of attitude towards those around us.
Main Characters of the Play
The stage, the lights, the “Gloria” section from Bach’s Mass in B minor sounds, and a magazine editorial office from the 2010s appears. All 4 cubicles are turned towards the auditorium so that viewers can see all the characters. But in the first seconds, viewers’ attention is focused on the first and only character on stage – Miles (Jordan Pearson), a student intern who is typing something on a computer.
Gradually, other characters appear on stage:
- Ani (Theresa Langford) – assistant editor, who is considered a fashionable brown-noser, self-satisfied. She appears on stage quite loudly, slamming folders and answering calls.
- Dean (Michael Wood) – dishevelled, late for work, suffering from alcoholism, in a carelessly buttoned shirt and with a severe hangover.
- Kendra (Anne Dang) – an egocentric and self-assured materialist, in whose hands viewers see branded bags filled with purchases, as well as a Starbucks order.
- Gloria (Esme Allen) – awkward and somewhat shy, who drills everyone around with her gaze and tries to carefully conduct conversation.
- Lorin (Mike Broadhurst) – a proofreader who feels acute burnout. He appears on stage to shout at assistant editors or give everyone a nervous breakdown.
- Nan (also played by Esme Allen) – an arrogant editor, whom viewers will see only in the second act. But her loud scream will be clearly heard even from backstage.
The play manages to convey the intriguing relationships of all characters, one can trace how they cope with a shocking event that changed their lives.
The director managed to demonstrate the atmosphere of a modern office environment in which competition often displaces humanity. Characters compare themselves to each other, discuss others’ successes, try to earn management’s attention, whilst simultaneously hiding their own fears and emotional exhaustion. Against the backdrop of ordinary conversations, the internal problems of the entire collective are gradually revealed.
Plot Development and Attention to Detail
During active plot development, the setting changes, and therefore the second act begins in a Starbucks café and then moves to other office premises. At the same time, special attention to the smallest details is noted in any of the locations: Jeffrey Petersen demonstrates his precise decisions in the field of scenography to bring the entire story to life.
For example, even in the first scene, such details as personal calendars or sticky notes are revealed to viewers’ attention at the characters’ workplaces, and all telephones, computers, and stationery are arranged taking into account the individual preferences of each character. Looking at the back wall, one can see standard exit signs, light switches, and fire alarms. Various printers are placed in the corners, many folders, boxes of paper.
To convey the atmosphere of the popular café, unique Starbucks decorations are presented on stage:
- a barista works behind the counter;
- the bar counter is decorated with the original logo;
- real cups and Starbucks bags are placed on the tables;
- a round silver rubbish bin is installed on the floor;
- a detailed board with drinks and prices hangs on the wall.
Each of the actors brilliantly inhabited their role and conveyed the emotions, mood, and character of their character.
Viewers noted the incomparable performance of Anne Dang, who in the role of Kendra delivered her fiery speeches with particular enthusiasm, holding attention on stage throughout the entire play. She managed to fully demonstrate the life position of the wealthy Kendra with big dreams.
No less interesting actor for viewers was Jordan Pearson, who with particular ease transforms into different roles to give the auditorium the necessary comic relief.
The production of the opera “Gloria” by the Gloucester Stage Company theatre troupe directed by Bryn Boice is a provocative picture that is well remembered by viewers and demonstrates deep themes that are relevant today. Here, rather delicate themes have been raised, which are demonstrated in convincing forms. The main appeal for viewers is to remain more attentive to those around them.