Goodnight Nobody at McCarter Theatre Center

 

We’ve all had get-togethers with old friends we haven’t seen in a while. And we usually have great expectations that it will be a ton of fun, like old times. That is the starting point for Rachel Bonds’ new play at McCarter — Goodnight Nobody. Three old friends reconnect for a weekend at a cabin in the woods.

It starts off great. The characters are having fun time, as in the past. But when the mother of one character shows up with her new boyfriend, things start to change. Issues from the past, both distant and recent surface and challenge the characters in their understanding of their own lives and relationships with each other.

This play starts off hilariously, with fantastic dialogue. But as the characters head outdoors to have a bonfire, things get more serious and poignant. Anyone who has ever had friends can relate to the challenges this play highlights.

Directed by Tyne Rafaeli, Goodnight Nobody also stars two-time Emmy award winner, Dana Delany as Mara. Nate Miller (Reggie), Saamer Usmani (Nan), Ariel Woodiwiss (K), and Ken Marks (Bo) round out the ensemble cast. And this cast really clicks together to make this a great play.