The Indiana Repertory Theatre’s production of Good People, the Tony Award-winning play by David Lindsay-Abaire, proves that the IRT has seriously stepped up their game, bringing challenging and powerful theatre to the city.
Blue-collar Margie Walsh (Constance Macy) loses her job at a dollar store because she is late so often — mainly due to having to wait on daycare for her handicapped daughter. Desperate for a job, she connects with a former high school boyfriend who is a doctor, asking for work. After bantering with Mike (Sean Patrick Reilly), she gets herself invited to his birthday party in a swanky part of town. However, the party gets cancelled, and Margie believes she has been disinvited, so she shows up anyway to confront him. Margie meets Mike’s wife, Kate (Nicole Lewis). Revelations about the father of Margie’s daughter are made, Mike’s past in the rough area of town are revealed, and a mysterious package from former boss Stevie (Nick Abeel) arrives at the last minute to pay the rent.
Powerful performances by the entire cast, but especially Macy as the hard-done-by Margie, propel this story of an American Dream gone bad in Boston. Who gets the breaks and who gets broken in today’s economic climate are explored in Good People, but the text and acting at the IRT prevent it from being a preachy exercise in class warfare. Fine performances by Peggy Cosgrave as Dottie and Dee Pelletier as Jean round out the cast, adding caustic commentary from the queens of the bingo parlor.
Scenic designer Jo Winiarski took on a mighty challenge in creating South Boston and Chestnut Hill on the stage, and overcame it with clever three-sided turning units and simple foregrounds.
Good People will be at Indiana Repertory Theatre until Feb.1. Visit www.irtlive.com for showtimes and prices.