A Clever and Haunting OnStage Playhouse Show

Many people have worked at least one job that is overwhelming, psychologically harmful, and emotionally draining. This phenomenon is explored in OnStage Playhouse’s excellent production of the dramatic comedy, Gloria.

Opening in the office of a New York magazine company, Dean (Geoffrey Ulysses Geissinger), Kendra (Katrina Heil), and Ani (Kimmy Weinberger) are young adults who do not act young. Instead, the three of them come across as cynical co-workers who often converse like they are middle-aged.

It quickly becomes clear their lives appear to be controlled by a toxic social and professional environment. What starts as a seemingly ordinary day becomes uncomfortable, especially when it is revealed that almost no one, outside of Dean, showed up to a housewarming party hosted by a fellow employee, Gloria (Holly Stephenson).

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ script tackles the world of modern journalism with situations that are darkly humorous and others that are just plain dark. The contrasting tones of comical levity and shocking realism keep the story unpredictable as the events unfold at the Chula Vista venue.

The artist’s narrative eventually becomes broader in scope as Jacobs-Jenkins features discussions focusing on exploiting tragedies, entertainment, subjective storytelling, and the importance of human connections.

Though the characters sometimes speak dialogue about life and mortality in Act One, that occasionally feels repetitive, it does reflect their tough personalities.

Artistic Director, James P. Darvas, stages every sequence on Javier Guerrero’s standout set with an authenticity that should hit close to audience members that ever held an unhealthy job. He masterfully handles the balance of laughter and grimness in Jacobs-Jenkins’ prose, and gets multilayered performances from his cast.

Geissinger, Heil, Weinberger, and Chris Tenny each excel at portraying the newspaper staff who have been hardened by day-to-day responsibilities. While they initially play these characters as comical ones, their acting allows them to appear grounded, nuanced, and empathetic.

In addition, Imahni King accurately captures the carefree attitude of the intern, Miles, and Stephenson gives a versatile performance as the seemingly awkward Gloria and writer, Nan (this is partially a voiceover role, since Nan is offstage for the first act.).

Gloria manages to be painfully realistic, disturbing, and hilarious in depicting the dangers of spending excessive time in the workplace. It is another strong staging from an organization that is not afraid to tackle topical issues.

Show times are Thursdays at 8:00 pm, Fridays at 8:00 pm, Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Sundays at 5:00 pm, and Monday, July 22nd, at 7:30 pm.