Ambition and the cost of success take center stage
By: MaryAnn DiPietro
Marya Mazor, the director of Chance Theater’s upcoming Orange County premiere of “Gloria” by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, views the experience of staging this sharp, satirical comedy as both a challenge and an opportunity to dive into the complexities of ambition, workplace dynamics, and the cost of success. With over 25 years of freelance directing experience, Mazor brings a wealth of knowledge to this production, having directed in various spaces, including Disneyland’s live stage shows and the Alley Theatre. While this marks her first time working on Jacobs-Jenkins' material, Mazor is already familiar with his voice, having seen another one of his productions, “Appropriate”. She’s eager to explore the intricacies of “Gloria” with her creative team and cast.
Set in a literary magazine office in New York City in the 2010s, “Gloria” follows a group of ambitious twenty-something editorial assistants as they vie for attention, opportunities, and promotions. These young professionals are driven by both internal and external pressures to succeed before turning 30. Navigating the challenges of modern media, where opportunities are scarce, and competition is fierce, the characters are willing to sacrifice their integrity-- and each other-- to climb the corporate ladder.
One of Mazor’s favorite lines from the play, “I’ll die before I turn 30 in a cubicle,” showcases the relentless pursuit of success that runs throughout the story. The idea of making it big before a certain age adds stress to the plot as each character wrestles with the costs of reaching their goals. When asked about her creative vision for the production, Mazor emphasizes the importance of collaboration. She explains, “I’m very text-driven,” adding that much of her inspiration comes directly from the play itself and the detailed design conversations she has had with her team. “There are a lot of quick transitions between locations, so it’s important that everything feels seamless.”
Working with a talented and collaborative team has been a “gift” for Mazor, and she speaks highly of the theatre’s technical crew. She praises Andrea Hellman, the lighting designer, with whom she has worked before, and commends the entire design team for their attention to the subtle nuances of the play. “It’s a dark comedy, and there’s a lot of humor,” Mazor says, “but it also asks very important questions. The play has layers of subtext that will keep the audience engaged throughout.”
Despite the challenges of bringing such a complex play to life, Mazor is most excited about getting into the rehearsal room with her actors. “There are so many discoveries to make once we start working together,” she says. No matter how many times she has read the play, Mazor is confident that the actors will bring fresh perspectives and insights that will shape the production in ways she hasn’t yet imagined. She is particularly looking forward to sharing the play with Chance Theater’s audiences, describing them as “engaged and intelligent.” The theatre’s post-show talkbacks, where audience members are invited to ask questions and share their thoughts, are something Mazor values deeply. “It makes the production a dialogue with the community,” she says, adding that “such conversations are an invaluable part of the theatre experience.”
“What makes this one special,” Mazor notes, “is how impressively it’s constructed.” Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, a MacArthur Genius Grant recipient, is known for exploring complex themes. The play, which was a 2016 finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, unpacks issues of opportunity, competition, and storytelling in the workplace with intelligence and wit. Mazor appreciates Jacobs-Jenkins’ ability to ask big questions without offering easy answers.
For Mazor, the best plays are those that challenge the audience to reflect on their own lives and choices, and “Gloria” does just that. “This play makes us question our own behaviors,” she explains, “and how we might be blinded by our own goals and dreams at the expense of community and service.” As the characters in “Gloria” battle with the potential consequences of their actions, the audience is invited to consider how much they, too, may have sacrificed for success.
With its dark humor, sharp satire, and thought-provoking themes, “Gloria” promises to captivate and challenge audiences. As Mazor and her team work to bring “Gloria” to life on Chance Theater stage, she “hopes the audience walks away reflecting on their own ambitions and the costs that come with them.” “Gloria" serves as a mirror for modern society, forcing us to ask ourselves what price we are willing to pay for success.
MaryAnn DiPietro is an actor, singer, pianist, music director, and writer.
“Gloria”
Chance Theater
Bette Aitken Theatre Arts Center
5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, CA
September 27 - October 20, 2024
(888) 455-4212, www.ChanceTheater.com
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