The word “garbologist” might sound trashy. But according to Merriam-Webster, garbology is the study of modern culture through the analysis of what is thrown away as garbage.
Lindsay Jolle’s play “The Garbologists” is much more.
Currently at Curtain Call Theatre, the play about trash is also about people. Danny is a blue-collar lifer working on a New York City garbage truck. Marlowe is an African American Ivy League-educated woman who has just joined his route. The blue-collar Danny is able to teach Marlowe many of the ways of the street. Marlowe, in turn, teaches Danny much about a life he knows only from collecting the trash of people he knows nothing about.
At one point each is certain the other has the better vantage point on life.
Danny notes that Marlowe has a degree from an ivy League college. Her response is that he is a white man in America — he will be fine. Perspective is everything.
There is a third character in this incredibly well-produced production: the outstanding set designed by Lucas A. Degirolamo and built by master carpenter Peter Max. Max has created onstage an actual working garbage truck that becomes an integral part of the play.
The play is directed by Curtain Call’s resident director Steve Fletcher who — aside from thoughtfully leading his characters and the audience through the intriguing, funny and moving story — also makes an uncredited appearance. Listen closely to the musical interludes and you might recognize the voice performing original music and accompanying himself on guitar.
Perhaps one of Curtain Call’s best productions of the season, “The Garbologists” explores heart, the human condition, the slings and arrows of relationships, creating friendships, knocking down walls, the act of bonding with a stranger and kindness. The play sweeps through myriad emotions — you’ll laugh, cry, be frustrated and annoyed, and ultimately be satisfied at the outcome.
Two Capital Region veterans return to the CCT stage for the production. David Robert Orr and Angelique Powell are flawless in the interpretation of their characters. They not only inhabit the characters but become them. Fletcher does a masterful job with the two experienced pros, leading them but never pushing them beyond the reality in which they live.
If there was a flaw to the production it would have to be the long gaps in the scene changes and several missed lighting and sound cues. One can only assume that as the play settles into its run those minor flaws will be dealt with.
“The Garbologists” is just over 80 minutes long and will leave you wanting more in the most satisfying way. The show is engaging and perfect for the moment in helping to realize the importance of humanity.
