Iowa City is Blessed by Good People

By K. Michael Moore
Photos by Bob Goodfellow

(L-R) Jody Hovland, Carrie Houchins-Witt, 
Kristy Hartsgrove Mooers, Osean Perez

Iowa City —“Good” theatre has long been a crucible in which we test our ideas against themselves. It makes us think, it challenges us, forces us to examine the preconceived notions we may not want to admit are present in our lives. But theatre is also entertainment, joy, and a window into our own world. Riverside Theatre’s Good People is exactly that kind of theatre. All of that kind of theatre.

The play is set primarily in South Boston – “Southie” – a rough-and-tumble part of the city. This is not a place where stars rise, but rather where “good” people make do. They make their way. And sometimes that way is not in any way glorious. Sometimes, we don’t have choices. Or we think we don’t.

Good People Opens January 24

Iowa City – This winter, Riverside Theatre brings to life the award-winning play Good People by David Lindsay-Abaire. Set in South Boston, the play follows the struggles of sharp-tongued character Margie Walsh as she looks for work in the most unlikely place, her scrappy high school boyfriend turned doctor, using her best friends and bingo night for catharsis. The clever and timely script ultimately questions if a good heart fates one for the right, or wrong, side of the poverty line. Directed by Ron Clark.

Tickets: Adults, $25-30; Youth/Student Rush, $15. Riverside Theatre is located at 213 N. Gilbert Street, Iowa City, Iowa. Shows run Thursday – Sunday, January 24 – February 16, 2014. More information at riversidetheatre.org, or 319-338-7672.