Good People

         Some people say our lives are defined by the choices we make. Others say that some people have all the luck. How many of us have said "If I could only catch a break"? These questions and more are deliberated onstage nightly at The Samuel Friedman Theater in Manhattan Theater clubs production of David Lindsay-Abaires new play Good People.

     The play concerns a working class mother (played by Academy Award winner Frances McDormand) from Boston's Southie neighborhood who falls on hard times and looks up an old flame as a means to climbing her way out them. This old flame has gotten himself out of the old neighborhood and is now a Dr. with a successful practice and a large house in one of Bostons finest neighborhoods.

      The entire cast is superb. Frances McDormand is sure to get a Tony Nomination for her performance, and deservedly so. She fills the character of Margaret with a complexity and ferocity that makes you laugh one moment, and leaves you silently awestruck the next. Tate Donovan is also very good in the role of Mikey.

   The women of the supporting cast are superb. Being from the area, I can say that their portrayals of hardened New England women were precisely on point. Oscar winner and Tony nominee Estelle Parson's is particularly hilarious and biting in the role of Dottie. She is also a heavy contented for another Tony nomination.

   The play it self is a bit disjointed. Getting from one scene to the next can seem a bit jarring. The beginnings and the ends of each scene don't seem to quite mesh well. Once each scene gets going though you forget all about the awkward stare. The play is expertly directed by Daniel Sullivan and the end is so good that you can't help but leaving satisfied.