Good People at Cleveland Playhouse is Great

It's a tall order to combine broad laughs, social commentary, and a melancholy, intimate, character-driven story.

But Good People - currently playing at Cleveland Playhouse's Allen Theatre through April 14 - succeeds with a subtle mastery.

When I was invited to attend Good People's opening night last week, I was greeted by a "Welcome to South Boston" mural overlooking the back alley of a Dollar Store.

However, that mural may be one of the only welcoming things about Southie, the rough-around-the-edges neighborhood in Boston where Good People is set.

Life is hard-going in Southie, with more than its fair share of poverty and even more layoffs to go around. It's challenge enough to survive, let alone escape, and a bit of luck or compassion can make the difference.

Good People's Margie Walsh has just about given up on escaping her fate in Southie. Month to month she scrambles to make rent while single-handedly supporting her handicapped adult daughter.

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