Dark Comedy Takes the Spotlight
Pulitzer Prize finalist Gloria brings biting humor and thrilling drama to UC Irvine
Irvine, Calif., Jan. 20, 2025 — UC Irvine’s Claire Trevor School of the Arts Department of Drama presents Gloria, an explosive dark comedy by acclaimed playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. A Pulitzer Prize finalist, this sharp satire exposes the cutthroat culture of modern media and the lengths to which people will go for success. Performances will run from January 31 through February 8, 2025, at the Robert Cohen Theatre. The production is directed by Andrew Borba and features an exceptional creative team, including scenic design by Gretchen Ugalde, costume design by Christina Toth, lighting design by Mac McDermott, and music composition by Eric Backus.
Gloria takes an unflinching look at ambition, competition, and the cost of chasing success in today’s fast-paced media landscape. With razor-sharp wit and moments of shocking intensity, the play transitions seamlessly from satire to thriller, challenging audiences to reflect on the personal and professional sacrifices made in pursuit of opportunity.
Set in a prestigious Manhattan magazine office, Gloria follows a group of twentysomething editorial assistants navigating their careers and interpersonal dynamics. As tensions rise and loyalties are tested, the story captures both the humor and heartbreak of striving for success in an unforgiving industry.
“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.
As part of the production, a special Q&A session with playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins will take place on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the CAC Colloquium Room. This free event offers an exclusive opportunity to hear from the award-winning playwright himself.
For more information about Gloria and the winter season of performances, visit the Department of Drama website: drama.arts.uci.edu.
Performances and Ticket Information
Evenings: January 31, February 1, 6, 7, 8 at 8 p.m.
Matinees: February 2, 8 at 2 p.m.
Evening: February 5 at 7:30 p.m.
General Admission $25/ Senior Age 62+ $22/ UCI Faculty, Alumni, Staff, Emeriti and Retirees: $22/ Arts Packages (3+ events): $21/ Groups 10+ $20/ UCI Students & Children under 17: $10. Box office (949) 824-2787 or arts.uci.edu/tickets.
Box office: (949) 824-2787 or arts.uci.edu/tickets.
The UC Irvine Department of Drama production team will host talkbacks with the cast, crew, and scholars after each performance.
Content Advisory
This production is recommended for ages 16 and older. It contains strong language, mature themes, depictions of violence, and sudden loud noises. Flashing lights (strobes) will also be used. For more detailed information about content, visit the Department of Drama website.
Major support for Gloria is provided by the Robert and Lorna Cohen Endowment for Excellence in Drama, the Theatre Guild, and the Claire Trevor Society.
About the Claire Trevor School of the Arts: As UC Irvine’s creative engine, the Claire Trevor School of the Arts has proven itself to be a national leader in training future generations of artists and scholars who go on to inspire audiences in theaters, galleries, and concert halls — as well as in entertainment and technology-related venues throughout the world. CTSA combines artistic training with a top-ranked liberal arts education. It is home to the departments of art, dance, drama, and music, offering 15 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and two minors. CTSA is currently ranked No. 1 in affordable fine arts, drama/theater, and music degrees by the College Affordability Guide. Courses include extensive studio, workshop and performance experiences; theoretical and historical studies; and arts and technology practices. CTSA’s nationally ranked programs begin with training but culminate in original invention. The distinguished, international faculty work across a wide variety of art forms and forge interdisciplinary partnerships with others across the campus. For more information, visit arts.uci.edu.
About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation, and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224-degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. For more on UC Irvine, visit uci.edu.