Award-Winning “Good People” Opens at Waterfront Playhouse (Paradise)

Award-Winning “Good People” Opens at Waterfront Playhouse (Paradise)

Posted Thu, Apr 6, 2017 in Articles

 

Good People is a barn-burner of a play. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, David Lindsay-Abaire, this multiple award-winner opens April 13th at the Waterfront Playhouse and runs until April 29th. There’s a low-priced preview April 12th.

Good People asks why some people have all the luck—and some don’t. Is it luck or strength of character that helps a person escape from the situations into which they are born? The New York Times called Good People – “wonderful…poignant, funny and subversive theater.”

Good People was a Broadway hit a few seasons ago, with Frances McDormand winning a Best Actress Tony for her tour-de-force performance. The play won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for best play and was nominated for the Tony Award, the Drama Desk Award and the Outer Critics Circle Award for outstanding Broadway play. It has been one of the most produced plays recently in regional theaters, and now the Waterfront Playhouse brings this funny, on-the-edge-of-your-seat play to Keys’ audiences.

The play takes place in South Boston – or “Southie” as the locals call it – an Irish working-class neighborhood, known for its history, unique culture, racial tensions and class struggles. It’s a place where a night on the town means a few rounds of bingo, and where the monthly pay check will hopefully cover the bills. It’s the setting for numerous movies, including “Good Will Hunting,” “Gone, Baby Gone,” “Mystic River” and the recent, “Manchester By The Sea.”

Good People is the story of Margie Walsh, who loses her job at the local Dollar Store. Her hilariously snarky two best friends (and Bingo-buddies) try to provide comfort, while offering questionable advice for her next steps. Her friend Jean, or as she’s better known, “the mouthy from Southie,” pushes her to look up an old fling. That would be Mike Dillon, who is their one acquaintance from the neighborhood who became a success – a doctor in Boston. The hope is that he might have a job for Margie. However, the meeting doesn’t go as planned as secrets are revealed and emotional fireworks explode. Variety says, “Good People is a playgoing experience filled with humor, humanity and mind-churning drama.”

Director Danny Weathers says, “I’ve wanted to do this extraordinary play for a few years now. It beautifully captures what I love about good theater – brilliant writing, lots of twists and turns, character-driven humor and really juicy roles for actors. And this cast will knock your socks off. They’re amazing.”

The cast for Good People includes George diBraud (“August: Osage County,” “Other Desert Cities”) as Margie. Michael Castellano (“Cock”) makes a much-anticipated return to a local stage as Michael, the doctor. Playing Margie’s two best friends are Mary Falconer (“Enchanted April,” “Lend Me A Tenor”) and Peggy Montgomery (“The Cripple of Inishmann”). Justin Ahearn (“Avenue Q,” “Leading Ladies”) plays Stevie, Margie’s boss and Bingo pal. Imported actress, Simone Elizabeth Bart (numerous Off-Broadway and New York credits) plays Michael’s much younger wife.

Michael Boyer creates the world of Boston with multiple set locations. John Jaworski is the lighting designer, Jaime Laba is in charge of costume design and Carmen Rodriguez is the props mistress, with Annie Miners acting as stage manager.

Opening night is April 13th with a gala reception following the production. The catered party will be sponsored by Mary-Lynne Price and Donna Stabile. There will be one low-priced preview on April 12th. All shows begin at 8 PM. The production is sponsored by WLRN Public Media, with season sponsors: Digital Island Media, Wodu Media and Royal Furniture.

Tickets are $40 and are available at www.waterfrontplayhouse.org or at 305-294-5015. Opening night tickets are $50 and include the after party. Preview tickets are $25. Check out our Friday Night Date Night deal, as well as other discounts on the website.

Latest News

The latest happenings at The Waterfront Playhouse.

Trunk Material 5 comes to Waterfront Playhouse

For one performance only, the historic Waterfront Playhouse on Mallory Square will present the fifth and final installment of Trunk Material Sunday March 31  at 8pm. Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.waterfrontplayhouse.org or by cal [...]

One-Night-Only Staged Reading of “Ten Blocks on the Camino Real” by Tennessee Williams

Waterfront Playhouse to produce a one-night-only staged reading of the seldom produced “Ten Blocks on the Cam [...]

Agatha Christie thriller to open at Waterfront Playhouse

The award winning Waterfront Playhouse on Mallory Square has begun rehearsals for the next selection of their a [...]