Gloria — Cadence

Cadence Theatre Company and Virginia Repertory Theatre present Gloria
By Branden Jacobs-JenkinsRunning May 11th–June 2nd at Virginia Rep’s Theatre Gym

Cadence Theatre Company and Virginia Repertory Theatre are pleased to announce their co-production of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Gloria, premiering at Virginia Rep’s Theatre Gym on May 11th and running through June 2nd.

A finalist for the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Gloria is a dramatic comedy set in the offices of a prestigious Manhattan magazine. The play focuses on a group of editorial assistants in the culture section: Dean, the longest serving assistant constantly looking for a way to climb the ladder; Kendra, a sharp-tongued fashion blogger who never seems to do any real work; Ani, who has a background in science and a willingness to go wherever life takes her; and Miles, the ever-present and under-utilized college intern. These twenty-somethings gossip, bicker, and scheme, each hoping to find their way out of their cubicle and into a book deal before they turn thirty. But when an ordinary day at the office becomes anything but, the stakes for who will own the truth become higher than ever.

The Washington Post calls Gloria “a giddy, scathing sendup of office politics.” As they fight to have their voices heard, the characters must decide whether to listen to their ethics or their ambition. In a media industry that profits on tragedy, the most successful individuals are often the ones with the fewest scruples. Laine Satterfield, who plays the titular character Gloria, reflects on the play’s timeliness: “Gloria is relevant not only because it touches on the sometimes toxic nature of workplace relationships, but because it addresses how we sensationalize trauma and exploit violent acts for our own gain.”

Gloria is directed by Artistic and Managing Director Anna Senechal Johnson (Appropriate, Rabbit Hole, Equus). The ensemble cast features Laine Satterfield (In The Next Room, Sight Unseen, Detroit), Anne Michelle Forbes (John, 4000 Miles), Happy Mahaney (Appropriate), and Matt Polson (Violet). Making their Cadence Theatre debuts are Joel Ashur and Jessie Jennison. This production includes original music by Nicholas Caviness and Ali Thibodeau, and also features young vocalists Lola Muhlenfeld and Caroline Johnson. The design team includes Rich Mason (Scenic), Daniel Burgess (Set Dressing), Emily Hake Massie (Scenic Painting), Sarah Grady (Costumes), Weston Corey and Michael Jarett (Lighting), Ellie Wilder (Properties), Aaron Orensky (Fight Choreography), Tommy Hawfield (Technical Direction), and Jesse Senechal (Sound).

This production of Gloria is made possible through the generous support of Cadence Theatre Company’s Season Sponsor, Salomon & Ludwin, and The E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation. Other major supporters include The Richmond Group USA, Julian Hillery and Joe Hoyle in Honor of Sara and Sarah, Chris and David Lindsay-Abaire, The Virginia Commission for the Arts, Artworks, and Community Idea Stations.

Gloria will have discounted preview nights on May 9th and 10th, with an official opening on May 11th and a closing date of June 2nd. All performances will be held at Virginia Repertory Theatre’s Theatre Gym at 114 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220. Talkbacks will be held after the May 19th and May 26th performances. For ticket information, please visit Virginia Rep’s website at www.va-rep.org or call the box office at (804) 282-2620.

Please be advised that Cadence Theatre Company and Virginia Repertory Theatre’s co-production of Gloria contains sudden, loud explosions and realistic depictions of violence that may not be suitable for all audience members. Recommended for ages 16 and up. For more information, we encourage you to contact the box office at (804) 282-2620.