Jenny Rhoads
CIRCLEVILLE – A drama opening this weekend on the Roundtown Players stage explores everyday people questioning choices they’ve made and simply trying to get through life.
Written by David Lindsey-Abaire, “Good People” centers on South Boston native Margie Walsh, a single mother of a mentally handicapped child who is struggling to find employment. Along the way, she runs into an old friend who managed to make it out of Southie, which leads her to question her own life and whether she’s made the right decisions in order to provide for her daughter.
Lead actress Theresa Penrose describes her character, Margie, as a woman who has led a rough life and is doing the best she can with limited educational and social resources.
“I see a lot of myself in Margie,” Penrose said. “I’ve seen how both sides live.”
Director Gary Gillen said he believes the characters in the play are very relatable to characters we see in life.
“Regardless of their motivations, we’re all just trying to get along,” Gillen said.
The play also explores the belief that life can be a game of luck, or a “hiccup,” as Lindsey-Abaire writes. Some parts of life are out of our control, but it is what we do with those life experiences that shape us and determine our future.
“There’s a fine line between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ people,” Penrose said. “You never know where life will lead you.”
She said she hopes audiences will enjoy the powerful story the show delivers.
The cast also features Anthony Sever, Randi Morgan, Laura Hammond-Driesbach, Cory Baker and Chantel Harr.
“Good People” runs at 8 p.m. April 17, 18, 24 and 25 and at 2:30 p.m. April 26 at Memorial Hall.
Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for students and are available at the door and by reserving tickets by calling 740-474-5856.
For more information on upcoming productions, visit www.roundtownplayers.com.
This article originally appeared on The Pickaway News Journal
