By Ben Watson
Gloria, the 2015 dramatic comedy by playwright Brandon Jacobs-Jenkins, is a laser-focused look at workplace toxicity and violence in this intimate production by Westminster Department of Theater in Salt Lake City. Directed by Michael Vought, Gloria gives the six member cast ample fodder to explore questions of disaffection, disparate management styles, and the ethics of cashing in on tragedy. Audience members may relate to the pitch-perfect depiction of office cubicle life created by the snappy dialog and cleverly efficient set designed by Nina Vought, managed by Sam Allen, and lit by Spencer Brown. Just as we are settling in to the workday dynamic with accompaniment from sound designer Hayden Phillips, this tightly crafted but universally familiar world is upended in an instant, as the eponymous Gloria, played with appropriate quirkiness by Hannah Orr, precipitates the horror that pivots the play to the aftermath we have come to expect in media portrayals of workplace violence.
The talented multi-character cast, rounded out by Aidan Croft as Dean/Devin, Mina Sadoon as Kendra/Jenna, Kate Slick as Ani/Asha/Callie, Ryan Jacquet as Miles/Shawn/Rashaad, Emir Sabic as Lorin, and Orr as Gloria/Nan. The actors are collectively proficient at office snark and struggle, and Sadoon in particular expands on the generational stereotypes of younger office workers. Croft’s Dean is a laid bare exhibit of good guy/degenerate struggle. With costumes by Spencer Potter and props by Hanna Bartnicki, the cast makes the multiple character changes seamless and believable.
Gloria will make some flinch at the timely subject matter, but the more horrific elements are handled with sensitivity and discretion. Where this production does not flinch, however, is in its examination of the commonalities of tragic profiteering and the tendency for introversion following trauma. Westminster Department of Theater succeeds in creating a piece that will seep into watercooler interactions, if only to prompt the question “how well do I know my co-workers?”
The show runs nearly two hours with one 15 minute intermission. Please note the viewer warning prominently displayed, indicating possible triggering content as well as strobe light effects. This is not family theater, and would be best suited for audience members 18 and older due to language and thematic content. Gloria by Westminster Department of Theater in Salt Lake City is an outstanding example of what college theatre can accomplish.
Westminster Department of Theater Presents Gloria by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins.
Westminster College, 1840 S. 1300 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
February 27 – 29, March 5- 7, 2020 7:30 PM
Tickets: $12
Contact: 801-832-2457
Westminster College
Department of Theater
Gloria Content Information
Westminster College Performing Arts Facebook Page
Gloria Facebook Event https://www.facebook.com/events/399777404005128/
0 Comments