{"id":1051,"date":"2015-08-10T17:28:16","date_gmt":"2015-08-10T17:28:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hamptontheatre.org\/?page_id=1051"},"modified":"2020-01-14T14:41:05","modified_gmt":"2020-01-14T14:41:05","slug":"good-people","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.hamptontheatre.org\/?page_id=1051","title":{"rendered":"Good People"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

GENERAL INFO<\/a><\/p>\n

\n \t\r\n
\r\n\"ham\"<\/a>\r\n
by David Lindsay-Abaire\r\ndirected by Sarah Hunnewell<\/h6>\r\n
October 25 – November 18, 2012<\/h6>\r\nPulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire’s tough and tender\u00a0new piece about the insurmountable divide between those who make\u00a0it and those who don’t, and the moral dilemmas both sides face.\r\n<\/div>\r\n
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\r\nCAST:<\/strong>\r\nMargaret – MORGAN VAUGHAN<\/a>
\r\nStevie – BRENNAN VICKERY
\r\nDottie – DIANA MARBURY
\r\nJean – LINDA MAY
\r\nMike – JOE PALLISTER<\/a>
\r\nKate – NEHASSAIU deGANNES<\/a>
\r\n<\/div>
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WHO'S WHO<\/a><\/p>\n

\n \t\r\nNEHASSAIU deGANNES<\/strong> (Kate) makes her Hampton Theatre debut with this production. She played The Nurse in EQUUS opposite Alec Baldwin at Guild Hall, and was recently seen in NYC reading Carmen to Amy Irving\u2019s Madame Irma in THE BALCONY at Red Bull Theatre and performing the title role in DIANA SANDS: A CERTAIN TOUGHNESS OF SPIRIT. Other NY and regional theater credits include: Catherine in PROOF, Rose Rose in CIDER HO– USE RULES, Gladys in THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH at Trinity Rep; COCo Dance Theatre\u2019s RIGIDIGIDIM DE BAMBA DE; KING LEAR (Cordelia) and THE TALLEST BUILDING IN THE WORLD at Luna Stage, as well as roles at LaMAMA, Shakespeare & Company, Oldcastle Theatre and The GAMM. She has performed her one-woman show DOOR OF NO RETURN at The Seaport Salon and throughout New England as well as real-world testimonials for The UN Trust Fund To End Violence Against Women. www.nehassaiu.com<\/a>

\r\n\r\nDIANA MARBURY<\/strong> (Dottie, Producer, Set Decor) is pleased to tread the boards with such a talented cast. Diana directed BLACK TIE last spring and was seen most recently as Helga Ten Dorp in DEATHTRAP, Mme. Parole in MY THREE ANGELS, Mrs. Fisher in THE ENCHANTED APRIL, Lillian Troy in I HATE HAMLET and Nat in good people. She is the Artistic Director of the HTC and has worn many hats over the years. She would like to thank all the \u201cbehind the scenes\u201d people who make these productions possible.

\r\n\r\nLINDA MAY<\/strong> (Jean) is thrilled to be making her Hampton Theatre Company debut with this production. Linda caught the theater bug when she was eight years old and has never looked back! Some of her favorite roles include Diana in NEXT TO NORMAL, Sister Aloysius in DOUBT, Terry in SIDEMAN, Louise in ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE, and Reggie Fluty in THE LARAMIE PROJECT. Thank you for supporting live theatre!

\r\n\r\nJOE PALLISTER<\/a><\/strong> (Mike) appeared most recently with the Hampton Theatre Company as Randle P. McMurphy in ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO\u2019S NEST. Other roles with the company include Father Flynn in DOUBT, Stanley in A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, John Buchanan Jr. in SUMMER AND SMOKE and Bill in LOBBY HERO. He played Bob Ewell in Bay Street\u2019s production of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD last winter and has appeared in three productions at Center Stage at the Southampton Cultural Center\u2013as George in OF MICE AND MEN, as Juror #8 in TWELVE ANGRY MEN and as Lee in TRUE WEST. Other credits include recurring roles on both One Life to Live and Guiding Light. He has also appeared in several mildly humiliating skits on Late Night With Conan O\u2019Brien.www.joepallister.com<\/a>

\r\n\r\nMORGAN VAUGHAN<\/strong> (Margaret) holds an M.F.A. in Acting from The Shakespeare Theatre Company\u2019s Academy for Classical Acting at The George Washington University in D.C. and a Certificate in Acting Shakespeare from RADA. Regional credits include Patsy in ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE; Catherine in PROOF; Helen in THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN; Nancy in OLIVER; and Brooke\/Vicki in NOISES OFF. Locally, she is lead singer in an eclectic rock and jazz standards duo and she and her husband Tristan offer an adult acting class called \u201cSpeaking Shakespeare\u201d at Guild Hall. She will play Lady Macbeth in MACBETH this January at LTV Studios just off Montauk Highway in Wainscott.\r\nVisit: roundtabletheatrecompany.org<\/a>

\r\n\r\nBRENNAN VICKERY<\/strong> (Stevie) is a New York-based actor who has had the pleasure of working with wonderful companies such as TSS (with Terry Schreiber), The Gallery Players, Punchdrunk, The Seven Collective, and Shakesperience. Television spots: The Good Wife and Biography Channel\u2019s Celebrity Ghost Stories. He is currently interning with Elevator Repair Service theater company.

\r\n\r\nDAVID LINDSAY-ABAIRE<\/strong> (Playwright) won a Pulitzer Prize for his play good people (produced by the HTC in 2010) and the Horton Foote Prize for Outstanding New American Play for GOOD PEOPLE (2012). Other works for the stage include FUDDY MEERS (HTC 2006), KIMBERLY AKIMBO, WONDER OF THE WORLD, DOTTING AND DASHING, A DEVIL INSIDE, SNOW ANGEL, THE LI\u2019L PLAYS and THE KITCHEN SINK DRAMA, as well as the book and lyrics to SHREK THE MUSICAL. He wrote screenplays for the films good people, Rise of the Guardians and Oz, The Great and Powerful. Born in South Boston, he now lives in Brooklyn.

\r\n\r\nSARAH HUNNEWELL<\/strong> (Director, Producer) is thrilled and honored to be opening the HTC\u2019s 28th season with this wonderful play and excellent cast. This the third play the HTC has presented (and Sarah has directed) by David Lindsay-Abaire, following FUDDY MEERS and good people. Other directorial favorites include THE ENCHANTED APRIL, ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO\u2019S NEST, THE OLDEST LIVING GRADUATE, EVERYTHING IN THE GARDEN, PROOF, SUMMER AND SMOKE, THE RAINMAKER, and A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE. Many thanks to our cast and crew for bringing this play to life and to our wonderful angels and audience members for making our work possible. Thanks to Jimmy, Sean, Diana and all the team for our beautiful set.

\r\n\r\nJAMES EWING<\/strong> (Set Design and Construction) founded the HTC in 1984 and has since appeared in over 20 productions and built numerous sets. Special gratitude has to be expressed to his reliable and skilled production team all listed in the program. And of course to Sarah for her wise guidance and fortitude as we stumble along in these efforts.

\r\n\r\nSEBASTIAN PACZYNSKI<\/strong> (Lighting Designer) first worked with the Hampton Theatre Company when he designed the company\u2019s 2003 production of SUMMER AND SMOKE at Guild Hall and has designed all the company\u2019s productions since PROOF in 2004 as well as the theater\u2019s new lighting system. He has designed lighting for theater, dance and special events in a number of Broadway, Off Broadway, Off Off Broadway and regional venues. He has also worked in film and television as the director of photography. He has designed numerous productions for Guild Hall and for the Hamptons Shakespeare Festival.

\r\n\r\nTERESA LEBRUN<\/strong> (Costume Designer) is the resident costumer for the Hampton Theatre Company and has designed costumes for all the company\u2019s recent productions. Teresa has also costumed for Spindletop Productions at Guild Hall. Much love to her boys Josh and Noah.

\r\n\r\nJEAN PLITT<\/strong> (Rehearsal Stage Manager). It is a pleasure to work with the talented people who perform or are involved in the production of each show presented by the Hampton Theatre Company. From auditions to opening night, the process of bringing the \u201cpage to the stage\u201d requires the creative energies of all involved, and I am very happy to be part of it. Congratulations to the cast and crew of GOOD PEOPLE!

\r\n\r\nJOHN ZALESKI<\/strong> (Production Stage Manager, Voice of the Priest). This is John\u2019s 25th production with HTC. After a personal hiatus, he is thrilled to be back with the best theater company on the East End. Special thanks to the Board of Directors for their patience, and to Catherine for her \u201cMoonstruck moment\u201d with me.

\r\n\r\nROB DOWLING<\/strong> (Lighting & Sound Technician) has done lighting and sound for 21 years at the North Fork Community Theater, Vail-Leavitt Music Hall, Producer\u2019s Club (NYC), the Loft Theater at Dowling College and the Southampton Cultural Center. He has also helped Sebastian with lighting set up at Guild Hall, the Ross School, and other local venues. \u201cMany thanks, Sebastian!\u201d This is Rob\u2019s sixth season with the Hampton Theatre Company. He is very happy to be part of the show and the company.

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PRODUCTION STAFF<\/a><\/p>\n

\n \t\r\n
\r\nDirector – SARAH HUNNEWELL
\r\nProducers – SARAH HUNNEWELL, DIANA MARBURY
\r\nSet Design – JAMES EWING
\r\nSet Decor – DIANA MARBURY
\r\nLighting Design – SEBASTIAN PACZYNSKI
\r\nCostume Design – TERESA LEBRUN
\r\nProduction Stage Manager – JOHN ZALESKI
\r\nRehearsal\/Assistant Stage Manager – JEAN PLITT
\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n
\r\nSet Construction – JAMES EWING, SEAN MARBURY, TONY CINQUE, JAMES FINK, FREDY GUZMAN,\r\nMARYANN KNOKE, MICK MORONEY, SEAMUS NAUGHTON, VINCENT RASULO
\r\nSet Painting – PAT TONER, TONER PAINTING
\r\nFloral Arrangements – PAMELA ORNSTEIN
\r\nKitchen Curtains & Rabbits – SUSAN ZACCARIA
\r\nLighting\/Sound Tech – ROB DOWLING, SEAMUS NAUGHTON
\r\nSound Design – SARAH HUNNEWELL
\r\nBackstage Crew – BOB ARCHER, COLBY HERBST
\r\nProduction Graphics – JOE PALLISTER<\/a>
\r\nProgram, Publicity & Box Office – SARAH HUNNEWELL
\r\nHouse Manager – JULIA MORGAN ABRAMS
\r\nAdvertising Sales – SARAH HUNNEWELL, RAFE WORTHINGTON
\r\nProduction Photographer – TOM KOCHIE
\r\nOpening Night Party – JONESEY\u2019S\r\n\r\n<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\n <\/div>\n

REVIEWS<\/a><\/p>\n

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‘GOOD PEOPLE’<\/h3>\r\nby Dawn Watson\r\nThe East Hampton Press & The Southampton Press<\/strong>

\r\n\r\nAre the powers that be at the Hampton Theatre Company prescient? They must be, otherwise how could they know that a season filled with morality plays such as \u201cGood People\u201d by David Lindsay-Abaire, would be so synchronistic right now.

\r\n\r\n\u201cGood People,\u201d directed by Sarah Hunnewell, is the first undertaking of the HTC\u2019s 2012-2013 season. Other productions slated to stage include \u201cOther People\u2019s Money\u201d \u201cThe Drawer Boy\u201d and \u201cHow the Other Half Lives.\u201d This season-opening drama\u2014an on-the-money portrayal of the class differences between the haves and the have-nots in the Boston area\u2014is an incredibly strong production, thanks to some of the best acting this reviewer has seen on the Quogue stage.

\r\n\r\nTo be clear, whenever I compliment good acting, what I mean is that the actor portraying a character on stage has convinced both him or herself, and me (as the audience), that they are in fact not themselves at all but the person whose life the audience is watching. That seamless believability, to me, is the mark of a fine and talented actor working at the height of his or her craft.

\r\n\r\nMorgan Vaughan\u2014starring as Margaret, or \u201cMargie,\u201d as she is called throughout the play, a down-on-her luck recently fired dollar store cashier in South Boston\u2014is well deserving of the highest praise for the best acting. This woman, whom I know to be a beautiful, young ingenue type in real life is so utterly convincing on stage as a worn-out, middle-aged, destitute single mother at the end of her rope that I was actually shocked. Everything about Ms. Vaughn became Margie\u2014from her posture, to the way she made her body appear larger, her face harder, her appearance a decade or more older (without any theatrical makeup that I could see), and turning her normally modulated and melodious voice into a harsh Southie accent. The transformation was complete and incredible.

\r\n\r\nIf there was an East End version of the Tony Awards, I would put Ms. Vaughan (who appeared in this production courtesy Actors\u2019 Equity) up against the venerable Tony Award-winning actor Lillias White\u2014who played the title role in \u201cBig Maybelle\u201d at Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor earlier this year\u2014for best performance by a female lead. Heck, I would put Ms. Vaughan up against Frances McDormand, who won Best Leading Actress in a Play for the same role at the 2011 Tony Awards. Brava, brava, brava Ms. Vaughan!

\r\n\r\nTackling an accent can prove to be difficult task for even the most skilled actor (unless it\u2019s Meryl Streep and then it seems to be a walk in the park), and one that more often than not should not be advised (hello Madonna). But for the cast of \u201cGood People\u201d the gamble to tackle the wicked Southie dialect paid off, particularly for Linda May, as Jean, Margie\u2019s best friend who could double as her coarser, less refined, sister.

\r\n\r\nNot only was Ms. May\u2019s accent spot-on, but her character\u2019s relationship with Ms. Vaughan\u2019s character was immediate, absolutely believable and subtilely perfect. Good work here from an HTC newcomer whom I hope to see again and again. Well done.

\r\n\r\nI also enjoyed Nehassaiu deGannes\u2019s work as Kate immensely. As a privileged Chestnut Hill transplant from Georgetown, Ms. deGannes (also appearing courtesy of Actors\u2019 Equity and also in her first HTC production) didn\u2019t have to put on any form of a Boston accent like the rest of the cast but she did have to carry the burden of being both the most relatable and probably the most likeable character in this story. She was excellent every moment she was on stage.

\r\n\r\nDiana Marbury, as the rascally and conniving landlord Dottie, was the vehicle of quite a few of the show\u2019s laughs. This Hampton Theatre Company regular, who also has a hand in putting together some of the finest sets on the East End theater scene time and time again, has an uncanny ability to pick the perfect role and she always goes for it with gusto. Her work in \u201cGood People\u201d might just be my favorite of her many portrayals on the Quogue stage.

\r\n\r\nSorry to give short shrift to the men this time around but \u201cGood People\u201d is really a piece of staged work crafted for the ladies to shine. That said, Joe Pallister (always happy to see him on stage) as Mike, a man born and bred in South Boston who makes good as a doctor and conveniently forgets his roots when he moves up in society, and Brennan Vickery (another new face on the HTC stage) as Stevie, a person who is torn between doing the right thing and what is expected of him as the boss man, both put in solid performances. Nice job guys.

\r\n\r\nBottom line: Don\u2019t miss this opportunity to see some truly great acting in \u201cGood People.\u201d

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‘GOOD PEOPLE’ REVIEW: CLASS DIVIDE WITH A BOSTON ACCENT<\/h3>\r\nby Steve Parks\r\nNewsday<\/strong>

\r\n\r\nMikey is one of the “Good People” Margaret is counting on to help get her through this latest rough patch. They grew up together in Southie, a part of Boston that few born into it escape. But Mikey, a reproductive endocrinologist — “fertility doctor,” he translates for Margaret — is among the lucky ones. He’s made it all the way from Southie to posh Chestnut Hill.

\r\n\r\nDavid Lindsay-Abaire’s Tony-nominated 2011 drama, which won the Horton Foote Award for new American play, makes its Long Island premiere with a Hampton Theatre Company production directed with a keen sense of class destiny by Sarah Hunnewell. There are those who’ve made it and those who never will.

\r\n\r\nMargaret, played with a passive-aggressive chip on her shoulder by Morgan Vaughan, never catches a break. Pregnancy caused her to drop out of high school decades ago. Now, late for work again, she’s about to get fired. Her upstairs landlady, who baby-sits Margaret’s now-adult daughter — another rough-patch story — has overslept. Margaret reminds her boss, Stevie (Brennan Vickery) — she’s old enough to be his mother — of the time his mom shoplifted a turkey and was caught when it fell out of her coat onto the floor. “Who threw that bird at me!” Margaret quotes her. Stevie fires Margaret, anyway.

\r\n\r\nHer sister, more aggressive than passive as played by Linda May, says she saw Mikey in the neighborhood and, in a thick Southie accent, encourages Margaret to ask him for work. Dr. Mike (a defensive, far-less-accented Joe Pallister) agrees to meet her in his office. Margaret dismisses his success as “lace curtains.” Taking the insult as a dare, he invites her to his birthday party. He calls later to cancel. Skeptical of his excuse, Margaret shows up, anyway. Dr. Mike’s wife, Kate, mistakes her for the caterer. Nehassaiu deGannes as Mrs. Mike artfully treads the boundary between surface civility and sisterly disclosure of marital secrets. Together, Kate and Margaret gang up to push buttons Mikey thought he’d deactivated.

\r\n\r\nThe set by Diana Marbury, who doubles as Margaret’s irksome landlady, and James Ewingtransports us seamlessly from Southie to Chestnut Hill. But it’s a tougher trip for the natives.



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HAMPTON THEATRE COMPANY’S BEAUTIFULLY HEART-WRENCHING PRODUCTION OF GOOD PEOPLE<\/h3>\r\nby Melissa Giordano\r\nBroadway World<\/strong>

\r\n\r\nIf 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.

\r\n\r\nLeading the great cast is 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\u2019s portrayal of Margaret’s determination and desperation is 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.

\r\n\r\nJoe 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\u2019s house. They were going to have a party, with Margaret wrangling for an invite to look for a job, but cancelled. Margaret’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.

\r\n\r\nThe set, designed by James Ewing and decorated by Diana Marbury, is very resourceful as it is not a huge stage. In the beginning of the first act, when Margaret is getting fired, she and Stevie are speaking privately in an alleyway attached to the store. The background, or wall of the building, extends the entire length of the stage. Then for a kitchen scene, a portion of that wall is opened to reveal a table and chair set, a refrigerator, and a window with little curtains. Then when Margaret visits Mike at his office, another portion of that wall is opened to reveal a bookcase, cherry wood desk, and artwork on the wall. Then, for Mike and Kate’s house for the 2nd act, the entire stage is opened up to reveal an upper-middle class living room with a large comfy couch, heavy window draperies, and flowers all around the room. It is definitely well thought out and everything moves swimmingly from scene to scene.

\r\n\r\nThis 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 of late. Opening night was practically sold out, so check out this limited run while you can.

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AUDIENCE COMMENTS<\/a><\/p>\n

\n \t\r\n“Good People” is truly the best show I have ever seen at Hampton Theatre Company, and since the work is consistently excellent, that’s saying a lot! I laughed throughout the first act, and sat on the edge of my seat through the second. The cast and crew did a phenomenal job creating the world of the play, from the spot-on accents to the inventive set, to the electric pacing, to the truthful and moving performances across the board. Bravo!\r\n– JULIENNE PENZA , WESTHAMPTON BEACH PERFORMING ARTS CENTER<\/strong>\r\n\r\nAn evening of “Good People” is so good for what ails us. The cast, the set, the direction were all superb. The play has all the elements any theater-goer would appreciate. It has comedy, pathos and extraordinary actors. I urge everyone to see it and enjoy a night of unbridled delight.\r\n– MIRIAM BRODY<\/strong>\r\n\r\nGood People was one of the most engaging and emotionally stirring performances that I have had the pleasure of attending.\r\n– VINCENT RASULO<\/strong>\r\n\r\nWhy travel all the way to the city when we have innovative, exciting theater right here on the East End?\r\n– MARY GRAVES<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe play was extremely well acted. A play that made you think and discuss for a long time after. A pleasure to attend theater of quality in the Hamptons. I highly recommend it.\r\n– SUSAN HABERMANN<\/strong>\r\n\r\nAlthough I am a long-standing member of the Hampton Theatre Company, my response to this production is based not so much on my loyalty to our troupe as it is on the experience of having seen the New York production with Francis McDormand and Estelle Parsons. The production in Quogue is every bit the equal of the New York show, and in many respects considerably superior. The set, without the benefits of the modern hydraulics and stage tracks of New York theaters, is a fluidly shifting evocative marvel. The sensitive direction has brought the best out of a superb cast that is completely immersed in the life of the play, with each player turning in a beautifully sculpted character study to underscore and advance the themes of this touching, often funny and sometimes troubling play by David Lindsay-Abaire. As often happens, it would be unfair to the ensemble to single out any one performance, but Morgan Vaughan, Joe Pallister and Diana Marbury, given the most emotionally complicated heavy lifting of the play, all deliver some of the most compelling performances I have seen on this or any other stage. Bravo!\r\n– ANDREW BOTSFORD<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\n <\/div><\/div>\n\r\n\r\nGallery images by Tom Kochie\r\n\r\n\n\t\t