# Gloria (play)

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. 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.
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. The play closed on July 18, 2015. A developmental workshop was held by the Vineyard Theatre in January 2013.
The Goodman Theatre produced the play, running from January 14, 2017 to February 19, 2017, directed by Evan Cabnet. In 2018, The Gamm Theatre of Warwick, Rhode Island produced Gloria, with performances running from November 21, 2018 through December 16, 2018.
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. It then enjoyed critical acclaim and a multi-extended season in Sydney, opening on June 6, 2019.
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.

## 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," 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." The Hollywood Reporter also recognizes Jacob-Jenkins himself, as he "handles his serious themes in a thoughtful, provocative manner."

## Awards and nominations

Gloria was a finalist for the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
The play received nominations for:
* 2016 Lucille Lortel Awards
** Outstanding Play
** Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play, Jeanine Serralles
* 2016 Drama League Awards, Outstanding Production Of A Broadway Or Off-Broadway Play
* 2016 Drama Desk Awards, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play, Jeanine Seralles
* 2016 Outer Critics Circle
** Outstanding Director of a Play (The Lucille Lortel Award), Evan Cabnet
** Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play

### Original London production

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