The play called “Good People” written by David Lindsay-Abaire brings Broadway to Washington D.C. Arena Stage and illustrates a very real fundamental question: “why aren’t there more plays about class in America?” The character Margaret played by Johanna Day gives a classic example: “Why good people become homeless?” The set designer Todd Rosenthal brings South Boston’s Lower End right into front view. This must-see play directed by Jackie Maxwell gives each viewer a surreal front row seat to witness the unraveling intricacies in facing homelessness.
Margaret’s candor of anger, frustration and confusion as the lead actress brings honest feelings to the stage while at the same time gradually expressing her personal emotional struggles in being a single parent and the choices she’s had to make versus what she wanted to do. Her minimum wage boss at a dollar store doesn’t care about the ‘whys’. He’s only left with excuses (“I can’t make it in today or I am sorry, I am late”) and isn’t concerned until after he fires her. Her female landlord only cares about the rent and constantly reminds her about a teenage friend in the neighborhood who’s homeless and lives on the street.
While her best friend tries to keep a glimmer of hope in her friend’s eyes, the insensitive, cold, callous, cruel and ugly hands of homelessness provide a reminder that there’s not too many places to turn except within. That’s when Margaret’s what-ifs become as real as life itself. And every decision made up to this point reflects back the unanswered questions of “If I had made different choices would my life been different?” Meanwhile, an old flame named Mike played by Andrew Long brings this bitter unanswered question home when he returns back to their poverty-stricken community, where the only way in beating the poverty rat race is through completing your education.
Generally, homelessness mirrors self-imposed hardship versus unpredicted circumstances, uncontrolled conditions which have very little or nothing to do with a person’s choices. None the less, the ramifications are always the same…. A very difficult road ahead!! I don’t believe the playwrite wanted the viewers to walk away from the play with the questions of what-if’s or shoulda’s or coulda’s but rather the impression of what actually happens to good people who end up homeless. “Good People”’s hard-on-your-luck comedy and stellar cast will have you mesmerized and captivated.
For tickets to the play call 202-488-3300.
What has left a lasting impression is that this Theater Group and Arena Stage are willing to go further than just presenting a play. Arena Stage will open their doors to good people who presently face homelessness. On March 1, 2013 from 10:00am-2:00pm in the Mead Center for America Theater (1101 Sixth St., S.W.) 20 local business, nonprofits and government agencies hold a job fair. In a joint partnership with Arena Stage and Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells’s Office, employers will be looking for talented, deserving people to employ, as well as organizations committed to improving job opportunities in our community. I would have to concur with Mr. Well’s who stated “it is a perfect example of local businesses and the community working together in helping to end homelessness.”
