Trash Humor and Heart in Gloucester Stage Company's 'The Garbologists'

Read the trash - it has a story.

Gloucester Stage Company presents The Garbologists by Lindsay Joelle, a 90-minute play about two unlikely partners thrown together on a New York City garbage route. As Danny and Marlowe chuck trash from the bustling streets, they discover shared grief, vulnerabilities, and unexpected joy, revealing a deeper bond.

I was expecting myself to laugh, but not to be close to tears at Gloucester Stage Company’s visceral production of The Garbologists. This is a show about friendship, my favorite stories. The Garbologists is a comical, eye-opening, and heartfelt show about letting others in and respecting the workforce.

Two talented actors lead The Garbologists. Thomika Marie Bridewell (Marlowe) and Paul Melendy (Danny) dig out compelling, dynamic, and rich characters from the mounds of trash bags. Both actors deliver strong performances, studying the hidden layers of their characters.

Bridewell does an amazing job with her emotional performance. She is also a sass wizard! Marlowe is quick to tie her vulnerabilities away in a bag. The emotional pain that she experiences is relatable. As a woman shaped by hardships, Marlowe slowly lowers her guarded exterior to find peace.

Danny is not the most well-mannered man, shouting colorful language and strange puns, but he means well. That’s what I liked most about him. Melendy's performance strikes comic gold, both in delivery and in physical mannerisms. Danny also has multiple nuances that are portrayed tremendously by Melendy.

Right from their first scene in the garbage truck, Danny and Marlowe appear incompatible, but find themselves ‘reading the trash,’ as Danny says. One of my favorite aspects about these types of stories is the conversations. The duo has conversations about movies, books, and, to their surprise, quoting Shakespeare!

Although it’s not your typical road travel story, I like car settings. You have no choice but to talk. As Danny and Marlowe dig deeper and deeper, they create a bond.

“Hmm, I wonder if Gloucester Stage Company creates an actual garbage truck,” I said to myself. And right I was! Models of movable trucks appear onstage with flashing lights, accompanied by loud belting car noises. Audiences marveled at the trucks.

The technical work for The Garbologists is impressive, from lighting, sound, costumes, and scenic design. The Gloucester Stage Company can remodel its black box theater into any unique setting. That’s the best part about theater. Scenic designer Kristin Loeffler transforms the stage into the streets of New York City with garbage scattered throughout.

Let’s not overlook the garbage - it plays the most important role in the show. Throughout their scenes, Bridewell and Melendy toss garbage bags and other trash into the truck. Trash is not just trash. Every item thrown out has a story. Even a box of adult content that spawned memorable giggles and cackles in the auditorium. It’s the funniest scene ever!

Gloucester Stage Company’s The Garbologists comes at a rather convenient time, coinciding with the recent garbage strikes around the North Shore. This play made me appreciate garbage and recycling workers more. These workers deserve recognition for their hard work. For some, they’re not just trash collectors, but superheroes with cool sidekicks.

Director Rebecca Bradshaw said she was taken aback by the play’s themes during rehearsals. Bradshaw incorporates splendid and personal attention to this show. True connection and understanding can be found in the most unexpected places - even atop a heap of trash.

The Garbologists may look like a simple story, but there’s so much more. Be aware of adult themes and language that aren’t appropriate for younger audiences. Spend a night out at Gloucester Stage Company with The Garbologists playing until July 26.