The world premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire’s “Good People” took place on March 3 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. The drama, based on Lindsay-Abaire’s own experience growing up in Boston’s south section (“Southie”), is a production of the Manhattan Theatre Club.
Margie Walsh, played by Frances McDormand, is the jobless mother of a disabled daughter and resides in Southie. When she faces eviction, she turns in desperation to Mike (Tate Donovan), an old friend and former high school flame. Not only must Margie confront him over the uncomfortable circumstances of her life, but she places Mike in a position where he also must confront his own past.
Daniel Sullivan directs this production, fresh from his recent stint at the helm of the highly successfully staging of “The Merchant of Venice.” The supporting cast here features Becky Ann Baker, Patrick Carroll, Renée Elise Goldsberry and Estelle Parsons.
The 650-seat Friedman Theatre hosted three weeks of previews, beginning February 8, with capacity ranging from 90 to 95 percent. Regular ticket prices range from $57 to $121. Going in to opening night, the show had a reported total gross of $845,622, according to the Broadway League.
The limited engagement is scheduled through May 8, 2011. Its current schedule includes performances on Tuesday at 7 p.m., and Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., as well as 2 p.m. matinees on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
Beginning April 11, the schedule changes. Shows then will be staged Tuesday and Wednesday at 7 p.m., Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m.; and Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Friedman Theatre is located at 261 West 47th Street in New York, NY. “Good People” runs approximately two hours, including one 15-minute intermission. Additional scheduling and ticketing details are available on the production’s official Web site.
Opening Night: “Good People”
| Publication | Critic | Review |
| Variety | Marilyn Stasio | “If ‘Good People’ isn’t a hit for Manhattan Theater Club, there is no justice in the land.” |
| New York Times | Ben Brantley | “…Mr. Lindsay-Abaire (who grew up in South Boston) is scrupulous here about presenting people who are consistent even in their inconsistencies.” |
| USA Today | Elysa Gardner | “…it’s too thoughtful, moving and richly entertaining to be missed.” |
| TheaterMania | David Finkle | “…contains such belief in the goodness that thrives within otherwise afflicted hearts that it defies onlookers to leave without feeling deeply satisfied.” |
| Hollywood Reporter | David Rooney | “…David Lindsay-Abaire has crafted another penetrating drama about deeply relatable issues, albeit with more warming doses of humor.” |
| New York Daily News | Joe Dziemianowicz | “Lindsay-Abaire muddies things with late reveals that make you wonder if, to use Margie’s favorite phrase, she or Mike are ‘good people.'” |
