By Michael Buckley, Associate Publisher
Entering the Bas Bleu Theatre, the first person I encountered was a very friendly ticket seller. The next person was Wendy Ishii, Artistic Director. She gave a warm welcome to everyone who had come to see the performance of “Good People,” a play set in South Boston’s Lower End, neighborhood affectionately called “Southie;” “Sit back and enjoy the show,” Wendy said.
Attention went to the stage and a creative, professional set design that we viewed. The opening scene depicted an alley behind a Dollar Store. Five scenes followed. Each scene transition was handled methodically and smoothly. A real team effort in action.
Cast: standing (l-r) Brian Fritz (Stevie), Natalie Davis (Kate), Tom
Auclair (Mike); seated Wendy Fulton-Adams (Margaret), Jeanne
Nott (Jean), Miriam Chase (Dottie).
As the performers appeared and the storyline began to unfold, one could easily witness rank armatures/professionals giving their all in portraying their individual characters. Eye-catching facial expressions, determine script delivery, driven emotions behind the delivered lines, appropriate pauses, physical behavior patterns in accordance with the meaning of the story situation and scene, wittiness of the characters, all contributed to the realness of ‘Good People.’
Characters experienced inner battles and outer battles as the story progressed. A couple of times there were almost physical encounters as the characters stood their ground to make points. “Good People” was filled with surprises, rough language of the time and culture and acts of kindness. Life on life’s terms kind of sums it up. Overall, ‘Good People’ covered the gambit of life’s ups and downs, successes and failures, should and shouldn’t have, what ifs and all the rest.
There was excellence in character portrayals, direction, scenery and changes and overall performances. Many of the audience I chatted with after the show, were of the same opinion. Personally, I found the show to be most entertaining. Not as it ought to be; but as life is…
Be sure to visit www.basbleu.org or call 970-498-8949 for information & tickets for coming shows. You will be glad you did!