Good People
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Summary
With the intelligent precision of a master at his trade, director Daniel Sullivan crafts a meticulous and loving production in David Lindsay-Abaire's Good People. Frances McDormand heads a stellar cast in this compelling drama about class distinction and moral dilemma.
Lindsay-Abaire's ability to shape his plays, including the hit Rabbit Hole, with wry, insightful humor while allowing the emotional center of his characters to take flight is his strong suit.
Here, McDormand, as Margie, is stuck in a series of dead-end jobs while juggling a special-needs child. She's trapped in the tough Boston neighborhood known as "Southie," where the struggle of "getting out" or "getting stuck" is the crux of the play.
McDormand gives a stunning performance, whether arguing to keep her job with enough nervous energy to display the panic within, or playing a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse with an old friend who managed to move out of the 'hood. McDormand stirs the pot with what's left unsaid.
Tate Donavan as the "doctor who made good" is the perfect foil here -- wary of Margie's passive-aggressive behavior and self-conscious enough to spur his self-doubt mingled with anger.
The rest of the cast is equally magnetic. Estelle Parsons as the chain-smoking landlady and babysitter spews venom with acerbic wit. Becky Ann Baker, as Margie's bingo-playing pal, is a wonderful patchwork of loyal friend and anarchist. Renée Elise Goldsberry, as the doctor's chic wife, handles the low-class intrusion with grace and intelligence.
John Lee Beatty's fabulous turntable set brilliantly floats from uptown to downtown, beautifully accenting how swiftly life's changes can be.
The joy of Good People is the richness of Lindsay-Abaire's subtext, the complexity of his characters, and the engrossing way in which director Sullivan presents the play. The excellent performances are the icing on the cake!
By Lesley Alexander
Visit the Site
http://www.mtc-nyc.org/current-season/goodpeople/default.asp
Cast
Becky Ann Baker, Patrick Carroll, Tate Donovan, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Frances McDormand, Estelle Parsons
Open/Close Dates
Opening 2/8/2011
Closing 5/29/2011
Box Office
(212) 239-6200
Theatre Info
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
261 West 47th Street
New York, NY 10036
Map
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