By LeAnna Hamblin
Good Company Theatre in Ogden, Utah brings societal issues to the forefront of the minds of its audience in their production of Gloria, an original work by playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. This deceptively simply titled show is anything but. Gloriais the story of an ambitious group of assistants working in the magazine industry in the 2010s, trying desperately to climb the corporate ladder before they each turn 30. Their dreams of glamorous lives as writers and editors are overshadowed by the ordinary humdrum days they lead trapped in the office. That is until one ordinary day is turned into anything but ordinary when Gloria (Sahna Foley), who works in the copy department of the magazine and is often overlooked as a permanent office fixture, takes drastic and violent action in order to be noticed, and changes the lives of everyone connected to the magazine. Gloria takes an in-depth look at who could benefit from the resulting tragedy and whether it is acceptable for anyone to gain from such a disastrous occurrence.
Gloria has affected so many lives after leading an invisible existence. Foley’s dedication to the role of this troubled middle-aged woman is creepily intriguing. She captures the audience from the first moment she steps onto the stage with her stoic expression and monotone voice. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Foley also plays Nan, who is an editor at the magazine and walks away physically unscathed from the tragic events. As Nan learns to deal with what transpired in her own office that fateful day, she realizes that there is more to life than work.
Ani (Cassidy Wixon) is the sound mind and reason that we all possess in this chaotic world. As we navigate through life, the sensibility inside of each of us is necessary in order to achieve our aspirations. Wixon flawlessly portrays this character by keeping her own actions and attitude in check. As Ani goes through her morning, she desperately tries to focus on the tasks assigned to her but finds herself getting sucked in to office antics with her coworker Kendra (Lara Vo). Vo is an intensely passionate actor who embraces the role of Kendra. Kendra is the one who lets others know the reality of how their lives will turn out even before they know for themselves. She understands that people hide behind masks and knows that in order to overcome the obstacles and obtain true success, the masks must be removed. Life is not the same as it was when she entered the industry, and society no longer rewards those who work for what they earn. Life is about taking the opportunities handed to you and making your own reward.
Miles (Avery Franklin) is young and seemingly full of ambition, but only because he has been told that he would be good at what he does. He has no real drive and uses his position as intern to make connections that he may or may not use in the future. He is blissfully unaware of the effects a career in this industry can have on his life and is only concerned about making the assistant content. Franklin is a versatile actor who also plays the social Starbucks server Shawn and the up and coming laid-back executive Rashaad.
Dean (Brandon Garside) is the most troubled of the office staff. He is frustrated with his job and boss and coworkers and life in general. He has aspirations to be a writer and has a completed exposé of his experience working in the industry. As the one office worker who was affected most by the tragedy, his exposé takes an unexpected turn. He spends the following months rewriting, interviewing and trying to recover from that ill-fated day. Knowing that he could be the “golden goose,” his manager tries to profit from the pain Dean has experienced. The situation leaves the audience wondering: Is this right? Should anyone gain from such a loss? Does any healing come from sharing the perspective of the survivor?
Lorin (Jesse Nepivoda) is frustrated with his progress in life, but he knows that he has a job to do and must do what it takes to complete the tasks given to him, no matter how meaningless they may seem. His outlook transforms and he realizes that he needs to be present, as we all do, in each moment of life. Nepivoda’s diversity in portraying this one character is a beautiful piece of art.
The creative team for this production does an excellent job in gathering a talented cast, creating a working a realistic set, designed by Allen Smith, and fully utilizing the unique space which houses Good Company Theatre. Producer, director, and costume designer Alicia Washington puts her heart into this show, and her dedication to her craft is apparent through her work. Kelly Wideman, production manager, lighting designer, and sound designer, uses her technique to make the audience feel part of the story. The lighting choices reflect the mood of each scene and create an aura felt by the audience.
Gloria, presented by Good Company Theatre in Ogden, is a thought-provoking and intriguing work and will be talked about long after the lights go out. Leave your young ones at home, as it does contain adult language and violence.
Good Company Theatre presents Gloria, by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins.
Good Company Theatre, 2404 Wall Avenue, Ogden, Utah 84401 (parking is around the back)
March 8-24, 2019 8:00 PM Friday-Saturday; 4:00 PM Sunday; Matinee 2:00 PM Saturday, March 16; ASL Interpretation, 8:00 PM Saturday, March 23
Tickets: $20
Contact: 801-917-4969, https://www.goodcotheatre.com/
Good Company Theatre Facebook Page
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