Grappling with issues of social stratification, disability, and race, La Mirada’s production of “Good People” effectively uses humor to disguise a deeper social commentary on the plausibility of the American Dream. Directed by Jeff Maynard, “Good People” offers a cast truly in touch with the spirit of the text.

The play opens to a sharp-tongued Margaret (Katie MacNichol) being fired from her job at The Dollar Store for her repeated tardiness. A middle-aged single mother with an adult, mentally-handicapped daughter, Margie struggles to get by knowing that this most recent setback could result in destitution. Desperate for options, Margaret turns to an old high school beau with whom she grew up in the South East Boston projects — but Mike (Martin Kildare), now a well-off endocrinologist, proves unable to find Margie work in his office. When a verbal joust ensues between Margie and Mike, he grudgingly invites her to his upcoming birthday party to network with his wealthy friends. Margie is excited about the party and the opportunities it could bring her. However, the night before the party, she receives a call from Mike stating that it has been cancelled due to his daughter’s illness. Certain that Mike is lying to prevent her from embarrassing him in front of his educated peers, Margie resigns to crash the party— no matter what Mike says.

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Alongside Katie MacNichol and Martin Kildare is a skilled cast that knows how to use David Lindsay-Abaire’s banter to produce effective social commentary. Ann Gee Byrd plays Margaret’s penny-pinching landlady Dottie, who is best described as hilariously harsh. Dottie unabashedly says what she thinks, exposing her selfish nature and dead-pan sense of humor. Byrd successfully walks the line of providing both abrasive and hysterically funny material. In addition, Sophina Brown shines in this production as Kate. Proving herself the master of passive aggression, she navigates through the show throwing constant digs at others while remaining a likable, empathetic character. Though Katie MacNichol clearly establishes her ability to carry a show, her performance did leave something to be desired in regards to the emotional depth of Margaret’s character. She masters the biting humor and tenacity of Margie, but a greater exploration of the softer shades of her character may have provided a more empathetic protagonist. 

In regards to the visual elements and design of the production, Stephen Gifford crafts a set that reflects the underlying themes of the show. He artfully uses a large still of South East Boston to bare the social stratification of the characters. In Margie’s apartment and the Bingo Hall, most of the image is exposed; however in Mike and Kate’s home in Chesnut Hill, only the tops of the skyscrapers are visible. The remaining design elements blended effortlessly into the world of the show, and anything more perceptible would have detracted from the focus of the show: the dialogue.

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Jeff Maynard’s production of “Good People” at the La Mirada Theatre thoughtfully addresses the plausibility of the American Dream, questioning the idea that hard work ensures success. "Good People" effectively portrays the ability of life to recklessly advantage certain individuals, leaving others by the wayside, begging the question: Is the American Dream fact or fiction?

"Good People" is playing through Oct. 12 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts & McCoy Rigby Entertainment (14900 La Mirada Blvd, La Mirada). Tickets are $20-$70. For more information visit www.LaMiradaTheatre.com or call the Box Office at (562) 944-9801.