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Gloria
This funny, trenchant, and powerful play follows an ambitious group of editorial assistants at a notorious Manhattan magazine, each of whom hopes for a starry life of letters and a book deal before they turn thirty. But when an ordinary humdrum workday becomes anything but, the stakes for who will get to tell their own story become higher than ever.
87 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
November 2, 2018
What stuck out to me the most in reading this was the use of double-casting. BJJ's acknowledgement of the familiarity of these characters encouraged me to interpret this as a universal story, which, in post-Columbine America, it truly is. The plight of interns and assistants stuck in day jobs that probably won't lead to anything is sort of beat to death at points, only emphasizing melodramatically how melodramatic overly ambitious twenty-somethings can be. The play not only highlights the lackluster corporate environment, but examines the frenzy of media after a trauma like a shooting. I often felt myself wondering how the play would have changed if Miles and Ani had survived instead of Dean, Kendra, and Nan. Reading the conversation between Dean and Kendra about exploitation and claiming trauma as another form of privilege made me sick, and I lamented for Miles, hoping he would somehow find his way back to this world. I am thankful for Lorin's reappearance in the final scene, in which he points out the truths and traps of the play up until that point without providing any answer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2018
There are a lot of lessons to be learned from this work.
Perhaps the best one is that if you happen to write a play that gives voice to a younger generation in the workforce in an incisive, comedic, and piteous way that is quintessential to our collective experience of the everyday and of trauma,
DON'T release it the same year as Hamilton because it will get way less attention this should be on everyone's radars or did I somehow miss this!?
Perhaps the best one is that if you happen to write a play that gives voice to a younger generation in the workforce in an incisive, comedic, and piteous way that is quintessential to our collective experience of the everyday and of trauma,
DON'T release it the same year as Hamilton because it will get way less attention this should be on everyone's radars or did I somehow miss this!?
May 18, 2025
Update: 5/16/25: Since it had been over 5 years since my last reading, and Jacobs-Jenkins just won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his latest play, Purpose, I wanted to revisit this, the play for which he was first nominated for the award in 2016. It still reads like gangbusters, and I have come to appreciate that final scene more. If I were still directing this would be #1 on my bucket list.
Update 2/24/20: So I saw the excellent ACT production of this yesterday in SF ... and if anything, it plays even better than it reads... the first act curtain wasn't quite as gory as I pictured when I read it, but effective nonetheless. The second act played well, but I still think that last scene doesn't QUITE work... Kudos to the ACT cast, however, who were all terrific, most playing multiple roles.
Update 2/1/20:
I wanted to reread this, as I'll be seeing an SF production of it in 3 weeks. The first act curtain promises to be as shocking and upsetting as it is on page, but I am curious how the rest of the play will strike me, as much of the first act remains rather (necessarily) frivolous by comparison, although the first scene of the second act seems powerful as well. The second scene of the second act seems almost overkill. We'll see.
Original review:
I thought this was a much more successful piece of dramaturgy all the way around than the first play of Jacobs-Jenkins I read (Appropriate), and I hope to see it staged sometime, since it has a lot to say about both media and the aftermath of mass shootings.
Update 2/24/20: So I saw the excellent ACT production of this yesterday in SF ... and if anything, it plays even better than it reads... the first act curtain wasn't quite as gory as I pictured when I read it, but effective nonetheless. The second act played well, but I still think that last scene doesn't QUITE work... Kudos to the ACT cast, however, who were all terrific, most playing multiple roles.
Update 2/1/20:
I wanted to reread this, as I'll be seeing an SF production of it in 3 weeks. The first act curtain promises to be as shocking and upsetting as it is on page, but I am curious how the rest of the play will strike me, as much of the first act remains rather (necessarily) frivolous by comparison, although the first scene of the second act seems powerful as well. The second scene of the second act seems almost overkill. We'll see.
Original review:
I thought this was a much more successful piece of dramaturgy all the way around than the first play of Jacobs-Jenkins I read (Appropriate), and I hope to see it staged sometime, since it has a lot to say about both media and the aftermath of mass shootings.
May 9, 2020
This play highlights the worst of Millennial culture. I don’t mean that as a compliment. Or maybe I do: Jacobs-Jenkins captures the cadence and conversational tics of the influencer set, which is the highlight of the play.
But what a shallow, trite story that tries to be something more than it is. I know some people will say that this play represents Millennial culture, but I’d instead argue it represents the very privileged minority of that generation.
Jacobs-Jenkins has an idea here – an excellent one – but his reliance on shallow observational moments and jumping around leave this play eminently forgettable. There’s no depth, no emotional arc, no chance to connect with the characters. Not recommended.
But what a shallow, trite story that tries to be something more than it is. I know some people will say that this play represents Millennial culture, but I’d instead argue it represents the very privileged minority of that generation.
Jacobs-Jenkins has an idea here – an excellent one – but his reliance on shallow observational moments and jumping around leave this play eminently forgettable. There’s no depth, no emotional arc, no chance to connect with the characters. Not recommended.
March 14, 2025
Rating in terms of how well “Gloria” represents my girlfriend Gloria:
⭐️works at a magazine (newspaper)
⭐️packs elaborate lunches in Tupperwares
⭐️gets upset about people flaking on her plans
❌commits a mass shooting
❌unloved (Gloria my gf is widely beloved)
I liked this play! The millennial cattiness was a little over the top, but conveyed good commentary about how the commodification of trauma worsens as the media landscape contracts. (With fewer book deals to go around, the competition is on to sell the story of a tragedy. The most sensationalized version usually wins).
⭐️works at a magazine (newspaper)
⭐️packs elaborate lunches in Tupperwares
⭐️gets upset about people flaking on her plans
❌commits a mass shooting
❌unloved (Gloria my gf is widely beloved)
I liked this play! The millennial cattiness was a little over the top, but conveyed good commentary about how the commodification of trauma worsens as the media landscape contracts. (With fewer book deals to go around, the competition is on to sell the story of a tragedy. The most sensationalized version usually wins).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2020
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Critic Score: A-
Reader Score: B+
At first I thought the plot twist at the end of Act 1 was cheap, but now I see it was the beginning of an incredible discussion on gun violence, millennials, office life, media exploitation, and the book publishing industry. Very impressive to have this all woven into a play that doesn’t feel nearly as dense as it is rich.
Critic Score: A-
Reader Score: B+
At first I thought the plot twist at the end of Act 1 was cheap, but now I see it was the beginning of an incredible discussion on gun violence, millennials, office life, media exploitation, and the book publishing industry. Very impressive to have this all woven into a play that doesn’t feel nearly as dense as it is rich.
December 20, 2024
Chilling, an excellent portrayal of contemporary life and the modern terrors that we face. A wonderful exploration of alienation between life and work, and what a lifetime of transactional relationships can result in.
Read
December 27, 2024quick-witted and entertaining. most likely cured my reading slump too
January 5, 2026
Act one was a five star moment it was terrifying and quick and got you hooked but I feel like the ending and act two fell kinda flat for me?
May 27, 2024
On first reading this play I wrote: "This is fine. It's not really funny, though. At least I didn't laugh. Everyone's an asshole in it, and that's fine too. This wasn't for me. Even more odd, this has none of the theatricality of BJJ's first two plays. Not that he needs to keep talking about the US American theatre or Blackness or rethinking Black theatre history, but, well... this just doesn't have the same insouciance."
I think I was mostly wrong. It is somewhat theatrical – there is cast doubling that is working in a clever way – and I think also the play is much funnier than I imagined it on a first read-through. This is a satire, and this is not really my kind of humor, I think, and so I missed the actual humor in the play. I think audiences will laugh a lot when this is performed.
I think I was mostly wrong. It is somewhat theatrical – there is cast doubling that is working in a clever way – and I think also the play is much funnier than I imagined it on a first read-through. This is a satire, and this is not really my kind of humor, I think, and so I missed the actual humor in the play. I think audiences will laugh a lot when this is performed.
August 29, 2022
I never thought I would thoroughly enjoy reading a play like I did with Gloria.
The dark comedy perfectly comments on America as a country and the toxic society that it has built - specifically centred around the workplace.
Having a focus on a group of characters - played by the same actors - throughout its two acts universalises the American workplace experience, focusing on how media companies would rather exaggerate a tragic story to make headlines rather than focus on the trauma of the storytelling victims.
A perfect critique on society, Gloria encapsulates the different people in the American workplace and how some actions can negative affect others, to a larger extent than ever thought.
5/5. Incredible read.
The dark comedy perfectly comments on America as a country and the toxic society that it has built - specifically centred around the workplace.
Having a focus on a group of characters - played by the same actors - throughout its two acts universalises the American workplace experience, focusing on how media companies would rather exaggerate a tragic story to make headlines rather than focus on the trauma of the storytelling victims.
A perfect critique on society, Gloria encapsulates the different people in the American workplace and how some actions can negative affect others, to a larger extent than ever thought.
5/5. Incredible read.
December 17, 2017
Scorcher of a first act with characters who completely scratch and tear at one another. Second act loses some of that fun/hilarious steam in search of deeper meaning around ownership of narratives/office culture in the age of the internet. I kinda liked the fun of the first act better, but it’s sharp writing throughout.
October 12, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this one. I was eager to pick it back up after having to put it down during work. It was a quick read that never lost my attention once. I enjoyed the language the characters used. I particularly loved Kendra's monologues.
It's also noteworthy that I read this during the aftermath of the Parkland school shooting and subsequent #walkout and #walkupnotout campaigns.
It's also noteworthy that I read this during the aftermath of the Parkland school shooting and subsequent #walkout and #walkupnotout campaigns.
August 18, 2025
too millennial for me i fear
December 10, 2024
3.5*
I loved the first act of this play, it was chaotic and funny and the pace was perfect.
I thought this story would go in a completely different direction from what I knew about it and I guess that made me a little disappointed at the second act, but that is fully on me. I still enjoyed it and I think it makes very punctual arguments about office culture, the panic our generation is in due to the state of the economy and jobs, the aftermath of mass shootings, survivors, who gets the right to talk about traumatic events and how history is just one silly little spiral that keeps on repeating itself.
I loved the first act of this play, it was chaotic and funny and the pace was perfect.
I thought this story would go in a completely different direction from what I knew about it and I guess that made me a little disappointed at the second act, but that is fully on me. I still enjoyed it and I think it makes very punctual arguments about office culture, the panic our generation is in due to the state of the economy and jobs, the aftermath of mass shootings, survivors, who gets the right to talk about traumatic events and how history is just one silly little spiral that keeps on repeating itself.
May 9, 2024
Thought I'd read a lil play as a treat while subbing a class and I managed to choose THIS ONE. I went in completely blind, and I'm so glad I did. I'm not going to say anything more in hopes that others have the same experience.
December 9, 2024
I never read plays but this was insane??
December 31, 2024
Quick and fun rag of millennials by a millennial. Would definitely enjoy seeing this on stage.
January 13, 2025
WOW. Showcases the contemporary horrors of workplace toxicity, gun violence and press/media exploitation. Haven't read a play since HS and this was a great reintroduction.
January 28, 2025
might bump up the rating later? tbd
May 14, 2025
I had to read this as part of my Acting—American Realism class. I loved it. It was a very dynamic and interesting play to read and act in.
Read
October 29, 2025plays are soooo awesome i love reading and finishing things
thank you katie 2x
thank you katie 2x
December 23, 2025
i simply NEED to see this play - preferably live but i’d honestly take a flipbook
August 5, 2024
it was okay. really depressing
September 6, 2018
***SPOILERS***
I admit, I walked out at intermission of this play. I wasn't feeling well, and I could tell early on exactly what was going to happen at the end of act 1. The only question I had was who was going to die (and I mostly got that right, too).
I wasn't in the right frame of mind to watch this, but it still bugged me that the author portrayed the office shooter as a recently slighted female. I've been expecting someone to tackle this topic in fiction, because so many of us have spent the past two decades watching mass shooting after mass shooting. But making it a recently slighted female: 1) Removes the conversation about masculinity and gender norms. Sure, occasionally shooters are women, but hardly ever. This type of event is nearly always caused by a man, not a pathetic, pitiable female; and 2) making it the direct result of a slight (so many people not attending a party she threw?!?! the stereotype about what women care about is hard to ignore....and not reflective of reality) undermines a large part of what makes this type of event so impactful to us - the knowledge that it's random victims who are usually murdered, that while the perps may have social adjustment issues, these mass shootings are mostly unpredictable and harm random people. So I strongly objected to tackling this issue by showing something that almost never happens. It's almost never a woman and almost never the direct result of an explicit slight. If anything, it is statistically likely to be due to a romantic slight, which again opens the conversation to toxic gender norms and the power of rejection in a mating context.
Anyway. On a different night, I might have enjoyed it and might have stayed to the second half. I'd be curious to read the script of the second half. But with the world being as awful as it is right now, I try to avoid exposure to depressing stories of random, senseless murder, because it is too much for me right now. (way too much). So I didn't want to see it on stage. Not the author's fault. Someone needs to tackle this topic. Still, the perp didn't feel real to me, because of the two issues I described above, so it felt like a missed opportunity.
Curious what others thought. Would the play have felt different if it had been a male who had acted not based on a specific event but apparently randomly (as is typically the case?) Did making it such a pathetic female contribute to negative stereotypes about women? (they are trivial - spend their whole life focused on parties - they have no reason to live if they don't have kids or a spouse, etc.)
I admit, I walked out at intermission of this play. I wasn't feeling well, and I could tell early on exactly what was going to happen at the end of act 1. The only question I had was who was going to die (and I mostly got that right, too).
I wasn't in the right frame of mind to watch this, but it still bugged me that the author portrayed the office shooter as a recently slighted female. I've been expecting someone to tackle this topic in fiction, because so many of us have spent the past two decades watching mass shooting after mass shooting. But making it a recently slighted female: 1) Removes the conversation about masculinity and gender norms. Sure, occasionally shooters are women, but hardly ever. This type of event is nearly always caused by a man, not a pathetic, pitiable female; and 2) making it the direct result of a slight (so many people not attending a party she threw?!?! the stereotype about what women care about is hard to ignore....and not reflective of reality) undermines a large part of what makes this type of event so impactful to us - the knowledge that it's random victims who are usually murdered, that while the perps may have social adjustment issues, these mass shootings are mostly unpredictable and harm random people. So I strongly objected to tackling this issue by showing something that almost never happens. It's almost never a woman and almost never the direct result of an explicit slight. If anything, it is statistically likely to be due to a romantic slight, which again opens the conversation to toxic gender norms and the power of rejection in a mating context.
Anyway. On a different night, I might have enjoyed it and might have stayed to the second half. I'd be curious to read the script of the second half. But with the world being as awful as it is right now, I try to avoid exposure to depressing stories of random, senseless murder, because it is too much for me right now. (way too much). So I didn't want to see it on stage. Not the author's fault. Someone needs to tackle this topic. Still, the perp didn't feel real to me, because of the two issues I described above, so it felt like a missed opportunity.
Curious what others thought. Would the play have felt different if it had been a male who had acted not based on a specific event but apparently randomly (as is typically the case?) Did making it such a pathetic female contribute to negative stereotypes about women? (they are trivial - spend their whole life focused on parties - they have no reason to live if they don't have kids or a spouse, etc.)
October 18, 2019
"Gloria" follows a group of coworkers, Dean, Ani, Kendra, Miles, Nan, and Gloria before, during, and after a traumatic event occurs at their workplace. We see ambitious young workers continue to take one another down while attempting to rise to the top by using this traumatic event.
First Reaction to finishing the script:
AHHHH. That's it?
What I Thought:
So many of these characters and their actions drove me nuts! In the beginning we see how unkind and power-hungry each character is. Kendra became enemy number one when she attacked each and every named characters work in order to promote herself. Act 1 was written with more humor and showed the audience the relationships the characters had built with one another. However, the description of the horrific event was intense and even made me get goosebumps.
Act 2 describes the aftermath of the event eight months later. Again we see the characters create conflict over who gets to benefit the most from this tragedy. Act 2 contains less humor and demonstrates more of the real pain felt by the survivors. We are able to see characters struggle with the pain and experience characters had. The dialogue allows the audience to see how genuine some characters were and how determines others were.
Rating:
Really liked it! The realness of the plot, writing, overall message made this script hard to put down. The conflict and how the characters interacted with one another was frustrating however.
Who Would I recommend it to?
any and all theatre kids looking to read another beautiful script; readers interested in understanding the aftermath of shooting-related events; someone looking for genuine plot regarding being a young worker today
My Final Thought:
I am upset this came out the same year as Hamilton and I missed out on hearing about this show! The script displays honestly and the realness of traumatic events and the difficulties of being a young member of the workforce.
First Reaction to finishing the script:
AHHHH. That's it?
What I Thought:
So many of these characters and their actions drove me nuts! In the beginning we see how unkind and power-hungry each character is. Kendra became enemy number one when she attacked each and every named characters work in order to promote herself. Act 1 was written with more humor and showed the audience the relationships the characters had built with one another. However, the description of the horrific event was intense and even made me get goosebumps.
Act 2 describes the aftermath of the event eight months later. Again we see the characters create conflict over who gets to benefit the most from this tragedy. Act 2 contains less humor and demonstrates more of the real pain felt by the survivors. We are able to see characters struggle with the pain and experience characters had. The dialogue allows the audience to see how genuine some characters were and how determines others were.
Rating:
Really liked it! The realness of the plot, writing, overall message made this script hard to put down. The conflict and how the characters interacted with one another was frustrating however.
Who Would I recommend it to?
any and all theatre kids looking to read another beautiful script; readers interested in understanding the aftermath of shooting-related events; someone looking for genuine plot regarding being a young worker today
My Final Thought:
I am upset this came out the same year as Hamilton and I missed out on hearing about this show! The script displays honestly and the realness of traumatic events and the difficulties of being a young member of the workforce.
October 24, 2025
“Is another human life anything to us but an excuse to think about ourselves?”
January 6, 2025
the first play i've ever read as a recommendation from uncarley on youtube and this has absolutely blown my mind. the setting is a corporate publishing office and the characters are pretentious and whiny editorial assistants complaining about their mundane lives. the end of act one fucking shook me to my absolute core!!!! in act two there's a conversation between two characters that explore the effects of a traumatic event, claiming and exploiting that traumatic event for selfish gain. this was short and quick but incredibly powerful. absolutely loved this. it will live with me for a long time.
September 6, 2023
BJJ is simply the GOAT. I would read anything he writes, and really loved this. This play is both a searing indictment of the wanton self-aggrandizement at the heart of YoPro ambition and a poignant reminder of our common humanity. I would love to see a production of this. A powerful plea for human connection.
May 29, 2025
I ate this up in about an hour. This book delves into different perspectives of grief and how we treat others when coping with tragedy. Bits of monologues discuss growing older, success anxiety, and our relationships with our peers when ambition is involved. I loved this play and would love to see it live. This book is a life in itself.
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