by Tony Annicone

The second show of Gamm Theatre’s 38th season is The Pulitzer Prize winning play “Sweat” by Lynn Nottage. “Sweat” premiered in 2015 and tackles the loss of work and de-industrialization in modern America. Based on interviews with residents of Reading, a small town in Pennsylvania, the play vividly portrays the betrayal and resentments of striking female workers during the decline of the industry and how it destroys their families. Unfortunately, it also helped Trump win over the small towns of this state in 2016. Nottage delves into the plight of the working class. Two ex-cons being interviewed by their parole officer open and close the show in 2008. This last segment is where the audience learns of the results that led to their arrest and rips your heart out. The main action takes place in 2000. African American Cynthia is given a promotion over her oldest white friend, Tracey. The personal betrayal becomes more apparent when she learns she must tell the workers they must take a 60% cut in their wages. This leads to a lockout, and scabs enter the situation, which leads to violence (which explains the parole interview scenes.) Director Rachel Walshe casts these nine roles splendidly and has her cast delve into what makes each of them tick as they examine their motives for the approval or disapproval of Cynthia’s rise to her position of power. Rachel also gives each member of her cast their moment to shine with outstanding speeches or what the effects of their actions result in and the consequences they must face. Rachel always does a marvelous job with all of the shows I have seen her direct and this one is no exception. Brava!