Good People

By David Lindsay-Abaire

Directed by Daniel Sullivan

Originally produced at Manhattan Theatre Club, New York, NY.

February 8, 2011 through May 8, 2011

About the Premiere Production: (Good People is also published by TCG Books.) Welcome to Southie, a Boston neighborhood where a night on the town means a few rounds of bingo… where this month’s paycheck covers last month’s bills… and where Margie Walsh has just been let go from yet another job. Facing eviction and scrambling to catch a break, Margie thinks an old fling who's made it out of Southie might be her ticket to a fresh new start. But is this apparently self-made man secure enough to face his humble beginnings? Margie is about to risk what little she has left to find out. With his signature humorous glow, Lindsay-Abaire explores the struggles, shifting loyalties and unshakable hopes that come with having next to nothing in America.

Artistic Statement: David Lindsay-Abaire’s immense talent was already evident in Fuddy Meers which we produced during MTC’s 1999-2000 season on our off-off-Broadway stage. That was David’s first professional production. We produced his next two plays, Wonder of the World and Kimberly Akimbo, off-Broadway in 2001 and 2003. And in 2006, I was thrilled to produce his debut on Broadway--Rabbit Hole--which went on to win the Pulitzer Prize.

David’s first straight play since Rabbit Hole is Good People. When Margaret, a woman from South Boston, encounters an old boyfriend from the neighborhood who went to college and has made good on the American Dream, she is forced to confront what has held her back in life and why she has never felt that she had the opportunity to break free from poverty’s chains. In this play, David has successfully tackled a topic rarely addressed in the theatre today - the very important issue of class in America - with a strong voice and a lot of heart.

Today’s audiences will most certainly find much to connect with in the play, especially during these troubled times; but the beauty of Good People, and the genius of David’s writing, are that audiences of any age can relate to the essentially universal story of striving for something better.

Good People is another artistic leap for David. I look forward to sharing it with the world in what I am sure will be a thoughtful and beautiful production steered by one of today’s most renowned theatre directors, Daniel Sullivan, who also directed Rabbit Hole. It will star Frances McDormand and Tate Donovan.

What this grant will allow us to do: We are honored that the Edgerton Foundation has selected Manhattan Theatre Club’s world premiere production of David Lindsay-Abaire’s Good People to be among the recipients of its 2010 New American Play Awards. This award will provide essential support by allowing us to extend the rehearsal period by one week, providing a full five weeks of rehearsal. This time together before the Broadway curtain rises is a crucial period for the creative team and cast. We believe David’s first solo work since Rabbit Hole will prompt be a great deal of attention and anticipation. The additional week of rehearsal made possible by the Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award grant will allow David, director Daniel Sullivan, the cast, including Frances McDormand and Tate Donovan, and other members of the creative team to continue to refine and ready the play for its world premiere audience. We are eager to share the results of this (now extended) collaboration with the world!

Director: Daniel Sullivan

Cast: Frances McDormand and Tate Donovan

Additional Funders: This play was commissioned through MTC’s Bank of America New American Play Program. Support for this production was provided by The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation

Award Wins and Nominations

Tony Award®
Best Play
2011 Nominee
Produced by Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Barry Grove, Executive Producer)
Written by David Lindsay-Abaire

Drama Desk Award
Outstanding Play
2011 Nominee
Produced by Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Barry Grove, Executive Producer)
Written by David Lindsay-Abaire

Subsequent Productions:

Hampstead Theatre and Old Vic in London, UK April 10-14, 2014

WaterTower Theatre in Addison, TX June 6, 2014 - June 29, 2014

Alley Theatre in Houston, TX May 30, 2014 - June 29, 2014

Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble Bloomsburg, PA May 8, 2014 - May 25, 2014

Capital Stage in Sacramento, CA April 30, 2014 - June 1, 2014

The Public Theatre in Lewiston, ME March 14, 2014 - March 23, 2014

Curious Theatre Company in Denver, CO March 8, 2014 - April 19, 2014

Northern Stage in White River Junction, VT March 5, 2014 - March 23, 2014

Hampstead Theatre in London, England February 27, 2014 - April 5, 2014

TheatreSquared in Fayetteville, AR February 13, 2014 - March 9, 2014

Ensemble Theatre Company Santa Barbara, CA February 6, 2014 - February 23, 2014