OnStage Playhouse’s current production of “Good People” runs through Saturday, Sept. 24. It’s still not too late to reserve tickets. Performance dates are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.
“Good People” throws the audience into the neighborhood of “Southie” in Boston, a world of barely surviving and plenty of dark humor. Margie Walsh, a middle-aged single mother who cares for her mentally handicapped adult daughter, needs to find a job in order to keep her home. Margie reconnects with Mike, a former high school boyfriend who has escaped the neighborhood to become a physician. She contemplates “what if” she hadn’t broken up with him. Along with the biting humor, the play is a haunting examination of the human condition.
Kaly McKenna reveals the depth of Margie, a sympathetic yet often disappointing character. We want to believe in Margie, but see how she often works against herself. Her two Bingo buddies, played convincingly by Dee Kelley and Michele Dixon, are both hilarious and cruel. Stevie and Kate, (Markuz Rodriguez and Ray-Anna Ranae), deal with difficult ethical questions. Chris Tenney in the role of Mike reveals a prosperous man who is still marked by his past in the South Boston area.
Expertly directed by James P. Darvas, the play is taut and compelling. Darvas leads his actors into a realistic world of life on the edge. The complex multiple sets, ranging from a Bingo hall to an elegant home, are well-conceived by Chad Oakley.
First-time audience member Paula Zamudio was delighted to find this gem of a theater in downtown Chula Vista. She was enthusiastic about all the actors, especially Kayla McKenna, and was impressed by the authentic cultural presentation of life in Boston. She plans to invite friends and family to both this and future productions.
Producer Desiree L. Peters and stage manager Nicole White are part of the success of this production.
Reserve tickets by calling (619) 422-RSVP (7787) or online at www.onstageplayhouse.org. OnStage Playhouse is located on historic Third Avenue in downtown Chula Vista, within walking distance of many restaurants for pre- and post-show dining. Parking is available.
