Gamm’s ‘Good People’ is as good as it gets

Posted 11/13/13

I sat through the first act of David Lindsay-Abaire’s “Good People,” knowing that I was seeing a good play-well written and constructed and superbly acted.

The Gamm lobby was buzzing at …

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Gamm’s ‘Good People’ is as good as it gets

Posted

I sat through the first act of David Lindsay-Abaire’s “Good People,” knowing that I was seeing a good play-well written and constructed and superbly acted.

The Gamm lobby was buzzing at intermission, as people discussed the many questions raised and where this mesmerizing plot would take them. Back in our seats, we were then treated to one of the best second acts I have ever seen, performed by three actors who have crawled inside their respective characters and held us in awe at the depth of their performances.

“Good People” asks the complicated question: Who are good people. What makes them good and bad. Is it luck? Is it upbringing? Is it where they live?

Margaret (Jeanine Kane) has had a rough life. She grew up and remained in Boston’s “Southie.” A teenage mother, she dropped out of school to raise a disabled daughter. She has lost her job, can’t pay her rent and has nowhere to turn. Her friend Jean (Casey Seymour Kim) suggests that she look up an old high school boyfriend, now a successful doctor living in the ritzy suburb of Chestnut Hill.

Margaret shows up at his office looking for a job. The culture clash is overwhelming. Lindsay-Abaire’s writing is classic, mixing humor and pathos. And Rachel Walshe’s direction is superb.

Mike (Bill Mootos) reluctantly invites Margaret to a party at his house, in hopes that she may find a job with one of his wealthy friends. When the party is canceled and Margaret shows up anyway, we have the set-up for an incredibly tense, funny, poignant and explosive interchange among Margaret, Mike and Mike’s wife, Kate (Mia Ellis).

Margaret, and the audience, get an unexpected surprise in meeting Kate, who is not at all what she expected. She learns that there are some problems in their marriage and pries into them, opening some new and old wounds.

Mike and Margaret’s histories are exposed, and nobody is ever sure who is telling the truth. Subtle digs, prejudices, hurtful attacks and shocking revelations all come to the surface until the situation reaches an emotional climax.

A short “post-script” scene ties a few things together, as you are catching your breath from the incredible encounter.

This is New England actor Bill Mootos’ first role at Gamm, and we hope it won’t be his last. Mia Ellis comes out of the Brown/Trinity program and has earned roles on the Trinity stage. Jeanine Kane is a resident actor at Gamm, having shined in so many roles. Her portrayal of Margaret is certainly her shining star.

Not to be forgotten are the actors who support this trio and perfectly set the stage for what is to follow: Marc Dante Mancini, Margaret Melozzi and Casey Seymour Kim, who play Margaret’s Southie friends.

David Lindsay-Abaire also wrote an outstanding play, “Rabbit Hole,” which has been produced a couple of times in Rhode Island.

Gamm is offering copies of the script for $15, something I’ve never seen done around here before. While reading scripts is a different type experience, the language in this play is so good I would highly recommend reading it.

“Good People” is by far my favorite production by any Rhode Island company this year. It is at Gamm through Dec. 8. As word spreads, it is sure to be a valued ticket, so make your reservations now by calling 723-4266. Tickets are $38 and $48.

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