A Portrait of Southie’s Good People

A Low-Income Woman Tries to Keep it Together for her Handicapped Daughter

Fringe ArtsMeghan Pearson — Published November 7, 2012

Exploring the culture of a low-income, tight-knit community, Good People tells the story of a mother’s fight for survival.

“It really is a commentary on the economic situation we are living in, in which the divide between the rich and the poor is growing bigger and bigger,” said actress Johanna Nutter, who plays the role of Margie Walsh.

Set in Boston, Lindsay-Abaire’s powerful play focuses on the tough, working-class neighbourhood known as “Southie.” After losing her job at a dollar store, single mom Margie Walsh struggles to support her mentally handicapped adult daughter. She seeks out an old lover who is now a successful doctor. Good People paints a picture of a culture which teaches that hard work and no complaints are the only way to get anywhere in life.

Nutter said one of the biggest challenges for the six-person cast was capturing the tricky South Boston dialect when all of them hail from Montreal.

Nutter, as well as director Roy Surette, took a trip down to Southie, Boston to discover the world and people, intimately captured by playwright David Lindsay-Abaire.

“I learned to love the people of South Boston with all my heart,” said Nutter. “They’re protective of their own and they don’t welcome you with open arms when you show up as a stranger, but from my experience these people are the best kind of people who are real friends.”

Produced by Centaur Theatre, the comedy/drama Good People is the second show of their season and the Canadian premiere.

Good People / Centaur Theatre (453 St-François-Xavier) / Nov. 6 to Dec. 9 / $47.50 regular, $36.00 matinee, $26 student (call in advance for student ticket availability)

More info: Centaur Website or call 514-288-3161