Gloria
Written byBranden Jacobs-Jenkins
Date premieredMay 28, 2015 (2015-05-28)
Place premieredVineyard Theatre, New York City

Gloria is a dramatic comedy written by playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins focusing on the lives of working Americans and dynamics in the workplace. The play made its debut Off-Broadway at the Vineyard Theatre in May 2015, after being developed by the same theatre.[1] It was a finalist for the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Production history

Gloria premiered Off-Broadway at the Vineyard Theatre on May 28, 2015 in preview, officially on June 17, directed by Evan Cabnet. [2] The artistic directors were Douglas Aibel and Sarah Stern, and the executive producer was Jennifer Garvey-Blackwell. Set design was created by Takeshi Kata, costumes were designed by Ilona Somogyi, lighting was designed by Marr Frey and the sound was designed by Matt Tierney.[3][4] The play closed on July 18, 2015.[5] A developmental workshop was held by the Vineyard Theatre in January 2013.[6]

The Goodman Theatre produced the play, running from January 14, 2017 to February 19, 2017, directed by Evan Cabnet.[7] In 2018, The Gamm Theatre of Warwick, Rhode Island produced Gloria, with performances running from November 21, 2018 through December 16, 2018. [8]

The play was performed at London's Hampstead Theatre June 15 to July 29, 2017.

Gloria received its Australian premiere at the Melbourne Theatre Company's Southbank Theatre, opening on June 21 2018, after six previews.[9] It then enjoyed critical acclaim and a multi-extended season in Sydney, opening on June 6, 2019.[10][11][12]

Gloria was performed by BA Acting students at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland from May 12, 2022 to May 14, 2022, directed by Monique Touko.[13]

Cast

Characters Original Off-Broadway Cast 2017 Hampstead Theatre Cast 2018 Melbourne Cast 2019 Sydney Cast
Dean, Devin Ryan Spahn Colin Morgan Jordan Fraser-Trumble


Rowan Witt
Kendra, Jenna Jennifer Kim Kae Alexander Aileen Huynh Michelle Ny
Ani, Sasha, Callie Catherine Combs Ellie Kendrick Jane Harber Annabel Harte
Gloria, Nan Jeanine Serralles Sian Clifford Lisa McCune Georgina Symes
Miles, Shawn, Rashaad Kyle Beltran Bayo Gbadamosi Callan Colley Justin Amankwah
Lorin Michael Crane Bo Poraj Peter Paltos Reza Momenzada

Reviews

The New York Times pointed out how "whip-smart satire of fear and loathing in a beleaguered industry under siege," and, "the cannibal culture cycles that grip and warp Americans’ attention these days,"[14] are portrayed in the play. The "New York Theater" review also credits the play with "providing more illumination into the characters, and raising some intriguing questions, such as the ugliness of artistic ambition, the ways we individually and as a society process trauma, the exploitation and corruption inherent in our commercial culture."[15] The Hollywood Reporter also recognizes Jacob-Jenkins himself, as he "handles his serious themes in a thoughtful, provocative manner."[16]

Awards and nominations

Gloria was a finalist for the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.[17]

The play received nominations for:[4]

Original London production

Year Award Category Nominee Result
2017 Critics’ Circle Theatre Award[21] Most Promising Playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins Won

References

  1. ^ "Gloria | Productions | Vineyard Theatre". Vineyard Theatre. 2014-08-15. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
  2. ^ Clement, Olivia. " 'In the Heights' and 'Fortress of Solitude' Star Heads Cast of 'Gloria', Opening Tonight" PLaybill, June 17, 2015
  3. ^ Jacobs-Jenkins, Branden (2015). Gloria. New York: Dramatists Play Service Inc. ISBN 978-0-8222-3433-3.
  4. ^ a b Gloria lortel.org, retrieved February 14, 2017
  5. ^ Gioia, Michael. "Last Chance: What's Closing This Week" Playbill, July 15, 2015
  6. ^ Jones, Kenneth. "Vineyard Plans New-Play Readings and "Reunion" Presentations of Hits 'The Dying Gaul', 'Pterodactyls' and More" Playbill, September 14, 2012
  7. ^ "Gloria | Goodman Theatre". www.goodmantheatre.org. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
  8. ^ Wild, Stephi. "Gamm Theatre Presents GLORIA". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2023-05-15.
  9. ^ "Gloria".
  10. ^ Shand, John (11 June 2019). "Smart satire applies blowtorch to office politics". Sydney Morning Herald.
  11. ^ Gill, Lali (9 July 2019). "Gloria is an outstanding piece".
  12. ^ Blake, Jason (9 June 2019). "GLITTERS WITH MALEVOLENT HUMOUR".
  13. ^ "Gloria". Box Office. Retrieved 2022-04-27.
  14. ^ Brantley, Ben (June 17, 2015). "Review: 'Gloria,' at the Vineyard Theater, Looks at a Toxic Workplace". The New York Times. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
  15. ^ Jonathan, Mandell (June 17, 2015). "Gloria Review: Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' Play Of Warped Ambition and Trauma". New York Theater. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
  16. ^ Scheck, Frank (June 17, 2015). "'Gloria': Theater Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
  17. ^ "Drama". The Pulitzer Prizes. 2016. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
  18. ^ Cox, Gordon (2016-04-20). "Drama League Awards Nominations: Jessica Lange, Lupita Nyong'o, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Lots More (FULL LIST)". Variety. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
  19. ^ Fierberg, Ruthie (June 5, 2016). "Drama Desk Awards Name Shuffle Along Best Musical". Playbill.
  20. ^ Cox, Gordon (2016-04-19). "Outer Critics Circle Nominations: 'American Psycho,' 'She Loves Me' Take the Lead (FULL LIST)". Variety. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
  21. ^ "2017 Results | Critics' Circle Theatre Awards". 2018-01-31. Retrieved 2020-12-06.
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