Ensemble Theatre kicks off their ’24-’25 season with The Garbologists by Lindsay Joelle. The Garbologists is a contemporary play centering around two New York City sanitation workers. Despite having totally opposite personalities, they find themselves working alongside one another while collecting trash in The Big Apple. Torie Wiggins and Nathan Neorr lead the way as Marlowe and Danny, respectively. The set (Brian c. Mehring) features trash bags scattered around the stage with two giant trash containers and an on-stage garbage truck. I attended a preview.
The Characters and Performances
In the beginning of the play, Marlowe (Wiggins) is in her first week on the job as a sanitation worker with Danny (Neorr) as her partner. In no time at all, it becomes increasingly clear the two do not get along. Wiggins and Neorr exchange rapid fire quips as they drive around the city meticulously picking up trash bags (and at one point, a mattress). Wiggins’ Marlowe is laser focused and quiet and while Neorr’s Danny is brash and loud. Their dynamic can best be described as Shakespearean. Opposites attract and in this case, they also bicker.
Over time, Marlowe and Danny come to learn they have more in common than they realize. Biases are challenged, truths are revealed, and hijinks ensue throughout this one act comedy.
Themes in The Garbologists
The Garbologists takes on themes of loneliness, class, and shame. Playwright Lindsay Joelle, weaves together a story about the messiness of being human. The trash surrounding Marlowe and Danny becomes a metaphor for discarded memories and pain. They start to connect over their hidden past. This leads to a bond and an unexpected friendship between them.
Actors, Wiggins and Neorr lead with intention in their performances. They hit every mark in terms of what one would expect from top tier theatre in the Queen City. Beat after beat. Moment after moment. If you are looking for a reason to leave the house, look no further than Ensemble Theatre.
Ensemble Theatre Artistic Director D. Lynn Myers directs the season opener. It’s clear that she allows Wiggins and Neorr to make big choices as their respective characters.
Summary
Overall, The Garbologists is a noteworthy production with grittiness and heart. Audiences can expect a rousing comedy that tugs on the soul. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and yes, you’ll see LOTS of trash. I recommend this for theatre goers who are looking for new theatrical works that offer unique perspectives.
Tickets for The Garbologists
The Garbologists runs now through October 6th at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. Tickets can be found here.
