Play examines roles of luck and character

Is it luck or strength of character that helps a person escape from the situations into which they are born?

Good People, opening Thursday, April 13, at the Waterfront Playhouse, takes a look at that question, asking why some people have all the luck — and others don’t.

Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire, Good People was a Broadway hit a few seasons ago, with Frances McDormand winning a Best Actress Tony for her 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.

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.

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, “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.

“I’ve wanted to do this extraordinary play for a few years now,” said director Danny Weathers. “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.