Well-Cast “Glut” Raises Thought-Provoking Questions at Contraband Theatre

Glut
by e. k. doolin
Directed by Taijha Silas
Contraband Theatre
October 8, 2026

Contraband Theatre seems to like doing plays set in the near-future, as well as tackling topics from today and imagining how they will be addressed in that not-so-distant future. Their latest production, e. k. doolin’s Glut, directed by Taijha Silas, is another show in that vein, although it is more of a comedy than previous productions, although there are elements of drama. The show, for the most part, is an intriguing show with humor, heart, and many topics for thought and conversation, although there are a few plot and character issues that could be addressed. 

The story follows engaged couple Sarah (Reagan Posey) and Steve (Ronmal Mottley), who are first seen meeting with their wedding coordinator (Kelly Howe, who plays several roles) to talk about setting a date and a venue for their wedding. Film buff Steve wants to hold the ceremony in a historic movie theatre, but Sarah, for personal reasons, hopes to have it at the church she attended as a child with her mother. She’s disturbed when the wedding coordinator informs her of the church’s new policy of not marrying “practicing gluttons”, which apparently refers to both Sarah and Steve’s being overweight. Sarah, eventually runs into Reverend Jody (Rachel Bailey)–the church’s perky pastor–at a coffee shop and is received warmly, causing Sarah to doubt what she’s heard and investigate further. Meanwhile, Steve hangs out with his brother Cab (Joshua Mayfield), and reveals his concerns about a general fat-phobic trend in the world itself, outside the one church. Even Cab’s husband, the somewhat stuffy Miles (Brian McKinley, who also plays several roles), seems to agree with the overall trend, despite the discrimination both he and Cab have experienced as gay men, as Cab points out.  Other figures in their lives, including Sarah’s mother (Howe) and a park worker named Carl (McKinley) also weigh in, either directly or indirectly, on the couple’s plight and the general rising prejudice against overweight people in the neighborhood, the country, and the world, adding a level of fear and intensity to the story despite its generally comic tone. 

For the most part, this is a thought-provoking, entertaining show with a fantastic cast, although their are a few issues with the plot that can be worked on, such as the church being somewhat of a caricature, as well as the lack of resolution for a key scene between Cab and Miles, who isn’t the easiest character to like despite a strong performance by McKinley, who is also excellent as the somewhat mysterious Carl. Howe is also strong as the wedding planner, Sarah’s flighty mom, and others, as Mayfield has a warm, likable turn as Cab. Bailey, as the somewhat excitable and over-the-top Reverend Jody, is also excellent. The stars, however, are Posey and Mottley as Sarah and Steve, who display strong chemistry and presence, although I wish they had more scenes together and had a little more backstory about how they met and got together. Still, the cast is the strongest point of this show, lending much warmth, humor, and drama to the story.

The production team has created a credible “world” for this play, which is staged in a different way in each act. At first with the audience seated on either side of the performance area, Act I unfolds with the action in the center on the floor of the Chapel’s performance space. Then, the audience is ushered out of the space for intermission, only to return to a more “traditional” setup with chairs facing the stage, preparing for the opening scenes of Act 2 which take place at the church. Erik Kuhn’s set is simple and effective, aided a great deal by the excellent lighting by Theresa Comstock and sound by Tre’von Griffith. The costumes by Elena Jaquez are well-suited to the characters, as well. 

Glut is another thought-provoking show from Contraband Theatre. There are many issues raised here that are sure to raise topics for conversation and thought. It uses its performance space especially well, and most importantly, serves as a showcase for a first-rate cast of excellent local performers. 

Contraband Theatre is presenting Glut at The Chapel until October 24, 2026