By Mary Ann Bourbeau
The world premiere of Joe Giovannetti’s play, “The Promotion,” began its run at New Jersey Repertory Company March 5, 2020. Like everything else though, the show shut down shortly after it started due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The play was originally set to return in September 2021 but was pushed back once again out of safety concerns. It is finally ready to reopen Jan. 27 through Feb. 20, with most of its original cast returning to their roles.
“We started rehearsals on Jan. 11 and it was so weird,” said Sophia Lucia Parola, who returns in the role of Trish. “Everything is still intact, in the exact place we left it. It feels like we were just there yesterday but it’s been two years.”
“The Promotion” revolves around Trish and Josh, who are coworkers and good friends. Trish is a single Black woman who is responsible for taking care of her ailing mother. Josh is a married white man who is the sole breadwinner for his family. When both of them are up for the same promotion, their competitiveness pushes them to their limits. The play ponders the notion of how far people are willing to go to get ahead. It’s a comedy, albeit a slightly dark one, about surviving in the dog-eat-dog world of business.
John Caliendo, who hails from Point Pleasant, and Phillip Clark are returning to their roles, but now Anja Lee has replaced Chantal Jean-Pierre in the show, directed by Evan Bergman.
“It’s like life,” said Parola. “It’s dark, but you find ways to laugh about it. These are the things people struggle with in real life.”
“The Promotion” marks Parola’s NJ Rep debut.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to do theater again after everything we’ve been through,” said Parola.
The Manasquan resident began acting at Brookdale Community College under longtime theater professor John Bukovec, whom she credits with much of her skill. “I took a theater appreciation class and then an acting class, and I fell in love with it,” said Parola. “He didn’t like musicals much; he wanted us to be actors. I took private lessons with him and it helped me build my résumé.”
After majoring in journalism and acting at Brookdale, Parola studied radio and television and earned a degree in communications from Monmouth University. She feels honored to be among such a talented cast in a play that mirrors the issues and struggles that people face in real life.
“My character is a woman of color, but it’s not just about that,” said Parola. “It’s about a woman in business trying to fight for equal pay and what she believes in. My character is taking care of her sick mom. I grew up taking care of my mom, who was paralyzed when I was 9. I really relate to the character’s burden.”
Parola is grateful to be acting again, especially at a theater that emphasizes new and original works.
“I love the energy here at NJ Rep,” she said. “They really welcomed me. It feels like family. I’m honored to be among people who are so talented and make me better.”
Tickets for “The Promotion” are $50 and can be purchased by calling 732-229- 3166 or visiting njrep.org. Masks are required as well as proof of COVID vaccination and booster. If not vaccinated because of a doctor-approved medical exemption, audience members need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance date.
This article originally appeared in the Jan. 27-Feb. 2, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.
