REVIEW: The Garbologists
ETC's New Play About Trash is A Real Treasure
I’ve often thought that one of the main reasons D. Lynn Meyer’s productions are so creatively successful is her impeccable knack for casting the right actors. In THE GARBOLOGISTS, the opening show in Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati’s 39th season, she pairs Nathan Neorr, an underutilized performer who has always impressed, with Torie Wiggins, who continues to delight and surprise with nuance and subtlety. The resulting chemistry between this unlikely duo is pure magic.
Thank goodness, since just the two of them are on stage for ninety minutes. Throughout Lindsay Joelle’s sweet script, we learn about garbage collector newbie Marlowe (Wiggins), the grizzled veteran Danny (Neorr), and their struggles and heartaches. But we also learn how to read the trash and ask the streets for good karma. It’s a touching show with surprises, funny banter, and outstanding technical elements.
Brian c. Mehring’s trashbag-filled set looks urban enough (shout out to Shannon Rae Lutz for what I’m sure are elaborately detailed props hidden in some of those bags - but the garbage we do see is shocking and hilarious.) The garbage truck dominating the stage (and moving around) really helps tell the story. Thanks to Jacob Dowell’s technical direction (and probably the lessons learned during “Hands on a Hardbody”), we’re transported into the believable streets of New York City. Also assisting with the immersion is debuting sound designer Trey Tatum, whose soundscape was omnipresent but not overpowering - and sometimes I wondered if I was hearing his work or 12th and Vine Streets just outside the theatre. Chris Lipstreu’s lighting design is also highly visible, as it focuses our attention on the action and illuminates when we’re at red and green stoplights - and more. Hannah Dringenberg’s costume design is realistic, and both actors’ non-uniform wardrobes are character-appropriate.
Meyers’ direction ensures that this magnificent tech only accentuates the story and the acting. Neorr is perfect; it’s feasible that he just walked off the street from a garbage collection shift before climbing into the truck on stage. He’s so believable that it’s easy to forget he’s acting (brilliantly).
I know Torie Wiggins from watching her dozens of times on stage. I have taken an acting class from her (and even performed in a scene with her at the end of the class in a showcase - one of my theatrical highlights). So, I know her very well. And every time she’s on stage, she presents something new, different, and exciting character. As Marlowe, there were moments where I just sat in awe of the subtlety of the transformation from the real person to this authentic but broken character. It’s a remarkable thing to see.
THE GARBOLOGISTS is a fine start to this ETC season; they are just getting warmed up. In this season, which is all about gaining new perspectives through empathy for others, this play reminds us that sometimes, the most extraordinary stories are hidden in the most ordinary places . . . if we only take the time to sift through the trash.
THE GARBOLOGISTS runs through October 6th at Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati. Tickets and more can be found here.