Gloria
- Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
- Chip Walton
- January 12 - February 16
- January 10-11
- Buy Now
"a blistering tragicomedy"
The squabbling editorial assistants at one of New York’s most prestigious magazines are all chasing the same dream: a starry life of letters and a book deal before they turn 30. When an ordinary day at the office suddenly becomes a living nightmare, two survivors transform the experience into career-making stories. Which one of them will get to own the truth? In this 2016 Pulitzer Prize finalist, MacArthur “Genius” Branden Jacobs-Jenkins skewers the cutthroat, opportunistic culture of modern media.
NOTE: This production includes sudden, loud gunshots. For additional context about the production, see our Content Warning; be aware this includes spoilers.
Reviews of Past Productions of GLORIA
“A whip-smart satire! A sharp-toothed comic drama with a whole lot to say. GLORIA is to the New York publishing business what David Mamet’s ‘Speed-the-Plow’ is to the Hollywood film industry.” – THE NEW YORK TIMES
“All you need to know is that the bitingly funny and fierce Gloria is one of the year’s best shows. What playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins says about American society, the media and how we package celebrity and tragedy is as spot-on as it is depressing.” – NEW YORK POST
“You’ll be unsettled by GLORIA, perhaps even haunted. The ghosts this playwright wants you to sense are hovering all around the theater, reminding us of a parasitic human penchant for getting the last word – and profiting from it.” – WASHINGTON POST
“Sometimes shocking, frequently hilarious.” – DC THEATRE SCENE
“Sharply observant and playfully theatrical, this thought-provoking work continues its talented young writer’s winning streak.” – HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
“You’ll be gripped” – CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Dates & Times
| Date | Time | Additional Information |
Cast
Production Team
Sponsors
SEASON SPONSORS
Diana and Mike Kinsey
The Harold & Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust
PLATINUM SHOW SPONSORS
John & Stephanie Flanigan
Susan Tucker
GOLD SHOW SPONSORS
Shelley Fleetwood & Jim Gusek
Roscoe Hill
SILVER SHOW SPONSORS
Richard & Joanne Akeroyd
Dale & Ellen LaGow
Jim & Elizabeth Neid
Click here to view the playbill for GLORIA.
ABOUT THE PLAY AND PLAYWRIGHT
Delve into the mind of the playwright and understand what makes “Gloria” so unique and timely.
A Conversation with “Gloria” Playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
This OnStage article features an interview with the playwright and offers insight into why he wrote this piece.
Rising Up from Their Cubicles in Brilliant ‘Gloria’
A Chicago Tribune article that serves as a brief overview of the piece.
Branden Jacobs-Jenkin by Hilton Als
This personal interview sheds a light on the life and mind of the playwright.
WHO OWNS TRAUMA
A major theme of “Gloria” is who gets to own the narrative around a traumatic event and how we glamorize tragedy. These articles give further insight to this issue.
Responding to Violence with Guns: Mass Shootings and Gun Acquisition
This in-depth study analyzes the profits made off of mass shootings in America and the endless acquisition of guns.
How Power Profits from Disaster
Through the lens of Hurricane Katrina, this journalist writes on how those in power can often profit from others’ tragedy.
9/11 Museum Gift Shop Turns Tragedy into Profit with These Expensive Items
This article analyzes the implications of having a gift shop in the 9/11 museum, the site of one of the biggest terrorist acts in America.
Owning Our Stories, Holding Space for the Stories of Others
This article was written by the Interfaith Yoga Project and offers a rather introspective look into how we can learn to tell our stories while leaving room for others to tell their own.
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE
The workplace environment that “Gloria” takes place in is seeping in toxicity, these articles outline how detrimental this can be to an organization.
Workplace Violence in America: Frequency & Effects
An article that examines the prevalence & implications of violence within the workplace.
Violence & Stress at Work in the Performing Arts & in Journalism
This review provides statistics and analysis of workplace violence, specifically in the performing arts and journalism fields.
Burned by Bullying in the American Workplace
Published in the Journal of Management Studies, this research article offers perspective on the prevalence of bullying in the workplace in America.
5 Signs You’re in a Toxic Workplace
A 2017 Forbes article that outlines what a toxic workplace can look like.
RESOURCES TO ACTIVATE CHANGE
With the growing number of mass shootings plaguing our country, it’s time to demand change.
Gun Violence Archive
This non-profit has created an online archive to view our history of gun violence in the US
March for Our Lives
This organization advocates and demands change in the issue of gun violence.
Everytown
A great resource that is committed to providing resources for promoting gun safety.
America’s Gun Culture in 10 Charts
A comprehensive research study that covers a variety of issues relating to gun violence.
Gun Violence: US Statistics & Charts
This Vox article offers more statistics on gun violence and offers a way we can learn to admit that there is indeed an issue at present.
What is the runtime of this show?
The runtime is 1 hour and 55 minutes plus a 15 minute intermission.
Is there an intermission?
Yes, fifteen minutes.
Are there any advisories I should know about?
This production includes sudden, loud gunshots. For additional context about the production, see our Content Warning; be aware this includes spoilers.
If you have any further concerns about content or language, please contact the box office.
Can I bring my kids?
We require that audience members find alternative activities for children under 6 years of age. In addition, our material may not be appropriate for young people under 14 years of age. We will gladly discuss subject matter with parents or guardians before the performance in order to make an informed decision for you and your child. Before purchasing tickets, please email or call our Box Office at 303.623.0524.
Where can I park?
Curious is pleased to offer various options for complimentary parking on performance days: the Denver Community Credit Union parking lot directly across the street; the lot directly adjacent to our theatre; on-street parking along Acoma. Please make sure to pick up a parking permit from our Box Office if you wish to park in either lot. Note that these lots are only available for the two hours before a performance and one hour following; Curious does not own either lot and the owners will tow vehicles left past midnight.
Is Curious wheelchair accessible?
Yes. However, due to the age of our building (1890s!), there are a few quirks to our accessibility. When buying tickets, know that Rows F & G are fully wheelchair accessible and all seats are removable. All seats on the orchestra level of the theatre are accessible to those with mobility concerns, however, the other rows of the orchestra do involve a small step up and the seats are fixed. The balcony of Curious is only accessible by stairs. Know that the bar for Curious is located in the balcony; however, Curious staff are eager to assist you by serving you from your seat should you have mobility concerns that prevent you from stairs.
The front entry of Curious is stairs-only, so those with mobility concerns or in a wheelchair may enter the building through the double red doors on the south side of the building (where you will also find accessible parking spaces) beginning 30 minutes before the show. Please let the ushers or staff know that you have arrived so we may greet you if we miss you slipping in.
May I eat/drink in the theatre?
You bet! Our bar is on the balcony level and carries wine, beer, and bourbon in addition to treats, chips, coffee, water, and soft drinks. All are permitted in your seats, although we ask that you unwrap any candy before the show begins.
Where do I pick up my tickets?
If you have selected Will Call for your tickets, they will be available at the Box Office one hour prior to the show. If you selected Print-at-Home, simply print out the PDF that was emailed to you or show that attachment on your phone to the ushers when you arrive, no need to see the box office.
Can I change my tickets to another performance?
Usually, yes. If you know your dates have changed, do contact us as soon as possible to ensure comparable seats are available for your new date. Sometimes our shows do sell out and occasionally an entire run will sell out. So it is always best to call early with a change.
What if I arrive late?
Patrons who arrive late will be seated at the discretion of the House Manager, and may not be seated in their assigned seats until intermission. In the event that a performance runs without an intermission, latecomers will be seated in a location that will not disrupt the performers or other audience members. We reserve the right to deny admission to latecomers when a performance has been running for 15 minutes or more.
Will the show go on in a snowstorm?
Curious will make every possible attempt to continue with a scheduled performance in inclement weather. However, in the VERY RARE case that local authorities deem it unsafe, we will alert all patrons of the canceled performance and reschedule you following our return to normal operations. Should you feel personally unsafe driving in weather, you are encouraged to call the box office to move to a later performance if one is available.
Is it cold/hot in the theatre?
While we make every attempt to ensure our patrons and performers are comfortable in our space, Curious is in a church built in the 1890s; we have no A/C or central air (although we do have two swamp coolers and radiant heat). Temperature control can be a challenge in the extreme cold or extreme heat of Colorado. We encourage you to wear light layers to ensure your comfort.
Do you offer group discounts?
Yes! Call the box office to get a quote for the performance you would like to attend. Discounts vary by performance. As a general rule, bigger discounts are given for Thursday evening performances early in the run of a show.
How can I become a volunteer?
Call or email the box office for information on joining our volunteer corps.
Can I get the program ahead of time?
Yes. About one week before the show opens, you can find our full program in the Go Deeper section of the show website.
In Media
- REVIEW: Curious Theatre Hits the Mark With the Brilliant Gloria
There’s a lot to ponder here about the way we commercialize tragedy. But there’s also something else, something about the way our culture prizes and rewards both navel-gazing and professions of victimhood. Artistic director Chip Walton has made it his mission to introduce audiences to thought-provoking and boundary-pushing new work. With Gloria, he succeeds on every count.
- REVIEW: Rattling insights, dialogue whetted for cruelty in Curious’ “Gloria”
The play’s rattling insights — about ambition, age-ism in its various forms, publishing’s broken promises, race in the workplace and marketplace — are substantial.
- REVIEW: Two theaters stage unflinching plays
A cynical look at a segment of society? Yes, but so very well-written and acted. Kusic called “Gloria” a “modern masterpiece” in the talk-back session that followed. There was general agreement that there was no one answer to the issues the play raises ... Kusic also commented on the especially well-put stage directions that were included in the script ... and added “it’s kind of wonderful being in a play that’s not about love or rich people.”
- REVIEW: At the Curious, a modern tragedy with plenty of laughs and a dim view of humanity
“Gloria” holds a funhouse mirror up to the kinds of goings-on we may see in our own workplaces, not to mention on the nightly news. When it closes on Folkins in an abrupt but deeply satisfying ending, we’re left with the feeling that there is indeed something wrong with this society.
- REVIEW: Gloria
A gripping tale, Gloria and I will be coming back for more! Thank you Curious Theatre. This show took guts, and the production really illuminated the story. Gloria is confronting audiences now until February 16th.
- REVIEW: Gloria
Fullmer's Ani is the cool, tempered, and aloof Manhattan archetype; Mee Jung's Kendra is the hot, quick on her feet, and in-your-face Gotham go-getter; while Kusics's Dean is the devious, sarcastic, and vengeful Big Apple gadabout. Lawrence's Miles manages to remain unsullied by the mud-slinging, despite his treatment as a gopher, as the newly transplanted idealist. And then, there is Candace Joice's quirky, furtive, and ridiculed Gloria, every inch a time-bomb.