Leave it to two strong leads to make trash an intriguing subject, especially when it is linked to tales of the heart.

Keenly directed by Rebecca Bradshaw, Gloucester Stage Company continues the regional premiere of Lindsay Joelle’s dramedy, The Garbologists live and in person at Gloucester Stage Company in Gloucester, Massachusetts through Sunday, July 26.  This two-hander production runs 92 minutes with no intermission and contains adult humor while offering some eye opening facts and a look into the physical demands working as a sanitation worker.  Click here for more information and tickets.

Fueled by Julian Crocamo’s quirky and arresting sound design which clicks and integrates car horns, crackling glass, and Snow White’s ‘Heigh ho’ expression remixed to a thumping beat, The Garbologists delves into the lives of two seemingly different strangers placed together on ‘junior jack’ Marlowe’s first day of work. 

Wearing a New York Rangers winter hat, veteran sanitation worker Danny, depicted with a thick New York accent and seemingly tough and sarcastic demeanor by Paul Melendy, is tasked with the job of training Thomika Marie Bridwell as newbie Marlowe.  Outspoken, playful, street smart, and not above bending the rules, Danny is frank, casual and forward while serious and intellectual Marlowe is quiet and reluctant to share details into why she turned to this line of work.  As they discover more about each other, their complicated and tumultuous relationship veers from ‘teach me’ to ‘don’t speak to me’ through small victories, misunderstandings, and growing tension as their time together progresses.  They may also have something more to learn from each other than they realize.

A detour, one way and parking sign, bike lane, crosswalk, a Starbucks sign, fire hydrant and a stop light spread out on marked black pavement are included in Kristin Loeffler’s authentic thoroughfare setting while garbage bags are strewn to the side.  Official high visibility and reflective jackets and orange gloves are just portion of Jen Greeke’s costuming which includes formal and work attire which offers glimpses into each individual’s personality.  Taking place during a Manhattan winter, Anshuman Bhatia’s glaring and flashing lighting evokes a sense of solitude and loneliness in the early morning still cold air as Danny and Marlowe navigate in a steel garbage truck to their next stop. 

Melendy and Bridwell share a fascinating camaraderie and sharp comedic timing which makes watching these opposites react to each other thoroughly enjoyable.  Their aside looks, Danny’s prankster nature, and Marlowe’s intolerance for idle chatter make silences deafening and their banter and actions unpredictable.  They are also two people trying to overcome their current situations in their search for happiness.  Dealing with grief and family dysfunction, The Garbologists explores two people trying to overcome their current situations in search for happiness.  The production contains its share of moving and poignant moments which broadens this pair’s depth and vulnerability as they deal with complex challenges in and out of work.

In this delicate and challenging time for New York sanitation workers, The Garbologists opens a world into a day in the life of a civil servant with talk of taxes, tips, what actually happens to garbage when you throw something away and just how dangerous and crucial in what can be an underappreciated line of work.  At one point, Melendy’s Danny reflects, “There is a lot you can learn about a person by what they throw away” which is real food for thought. 

Gloucester Stage Company continues the regional premiere of Lindsay Joelle’s dramedy, The Garbologists live and in person at Gloucester Stage Company in Gloucester, Massachusetts through Sunday, July 26.  Click here for more information and tickets.