Hampton Theatre Company's Beautifully Heart-Wrenching Production Of GOOD PEOPLE

If ever there was a more relatable tale for these times, David Lindsay-Abaire's Tony-Award winning play, Good People, is certainly among that list. This story hits home with the masses that are struggling with the current economy. You'll find yourself empathizing, in whole or in part, with the story and the characters we meet now playing through November 18th at Quogue Community Hall on Long Island.

Leading the great cast was Morgan Vaughan as Margaret, a single mother who was just fired from her long-term cashier job. She also supports her 30-year-old handicapped daughter, so this job was important to both of them. Ms. Vaughan’s portrayal of Margaret's determination and desperation was heart wrenchingly meritorious. As she is being fired, she gets into a heated argument with her manager, Stevie, portrayed by Brennan Vickery. She suggests several alternative ways to keep on staff (taking a pay cut among them), but Stevie, acting on the orders of his boss, must let her go.

Also among the cast was Linda May as Margaret's friend Jean and Diana Marbury as Dottie the landlady. They give Margaret advice to get in touch with an old boyfriend for a new job as Jean randomly saw him one day and started speaking. They certainly bring out Margaret's sly nature as she hasn't seen him in thirty years.

Joe Pallister portrays Mike the ex-boyfriend. He and Margaret grew up in South Boston and dated in high school. Mike went on to become a successful doctor and moved to Chestnut Hill while Margaret, and most of their class, stayed in the tough area. He married Kate, portrayed by Nehassaiu DeGannes, and they have a daughter. Most of the second act of the play takes place in Mike and Kate’s house. They were going to have a party, with Margaret wrangling for an invite to network for a job, but cancelled. Margret's suspicious mind brings her to their house anyway after she was blatantly told of the cancellation thinking Mike just didn't want her there.

Not only is Ms. Marbury in the show and noted as a Producer, she and James Ewing are the set designers. The set was very resourceful as it is not a huge stage. The beginning of the first act when Margaret is getting fired, she and Stevie are speaking privately in an ally-way attached to the store. The background, or wall of the building, extended the entire length and width of the stage. Then for a kitchen scene, they retracted a portion of that wall to reveal a table and chair set, refrigerator, and a window with little curtains. Then when Margaret visits Mike at his office, another portion of that wall was retracted to reveal a bookcase, cherry wood desk, and artwork on the wall. Then, for Mike and Kate's house for the 2nd act, they revealed an upper-middle class style living room with a very large comfy couch, heavy window draperies, and flowers all around the room. It was definitely well thought out and everything moved swimmingly from scene to scene.

This beautifully heart tugging production of David Lindsay-Abaire's Tony-Award winning play, Good People features a wonderful cast and a tale that is, unfortunately, all too familiar to too many people as of late. Opening night was practically sold out, so check out this limited run while you can.

Kicking off their 28^th season, the Tony Award winning play Good People is presented by Long Island’s Hampton Theatre Company at the Quogue Community Hall through November 18^th. By David Lindsay-Abaire, Produced and Directed by Sarah Hunnewell, Set Design and Décor by James Ewing and Diana Marbury, Lighting Design by Sebastion Paczynski, Costume Design by Teresa Leburn, Production Stage Manager is John Zaleski. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 631-653-8955 or visit www.hamptontheatre.org.

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