Kaczmarek, whose New York stage appearances include Lost in Yonkers on Broadway, as well as Caryl Churchill's Ice Cream with Hot Fudge at the Public and Michael Weller's Loose Ends for Second Stage Theatre, is the first cast member to be announced.

The role earned Frances McDormand the 2011 Best Actress Tony Award. Good People was also Tony-nominated for Best Play.

The West Coast premiere of Good People will be directed by Matt Shakman (Primary Stages' Secrets of the Trade, "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," "House M.D."). Performances begin April 3, towards an April 12 opening night. The production will continue through May 13.

The Manhattan Theatre Club commissioned the play, which was praised by critics when it arrived on Broadway Feb. 8, 2011, at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. The Broadway cast also featured Tate Donovan, Estelle Parsons, Becky Ann Baker, Patrick Carroll and Renee Elise Goldsberry. Daniel Sullivan directed.

Here's how the Geffen bills Good People: "Margie Walsh can’t catch a break. Laid off from her job at the dollar store, Margie is faced with the reality that South Boston is providing her the same level of opportunity it always has: none. Wry, rough around the edges and ready to make a change, she goes to seek out the one who got away – both from 'Southie' and from her. Instead, she finds herself in the burbs and out of her element, facing the question – is opportunity granted or earned? Good People takes an affectionate look at the 'haves' and 'have nots' through the eyes of characters who won't be ignored." The production will have set design by Craig Siebels, costume design by E.B. Brooks, lighting design by Elizabeth Harper and sound design by Jonathan Snipes.

Lindsay-Abaire is the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of Rabbit Hole. His works also include Fuddy Meers, Kimberly Akimbo, Wonder of the World and Shrek the Musical, the latter with composer Jeanine Tesori.

Visit geffenplayhouse.com.