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In totality, the play was well-directed, well acted and dynamic to the fullest. The piece was vibrant, and took a very human approach to telling the story.

In some moments, Arena Stage’s large, shallow, rectangular pool — reportedly the largest used in any production of the show — is used to striking effect.

The great virtue of Good People is its ability to put a vivid, emotional, human face on what sometimes can seem an abstract policy discussion or merely the subject of a 30-second political spot.

If a visually dazzling spectacle was what was intended to be portrayed by this troupe’s work, then they succeeded.

First of all, there are some truly sensational performances on display here. Second of all, the play itself is a mishmash, a conglomeration of organs in search of an organism.

Overall, the show shone out as a piece of great entertainment. Truly, however, as great entertainment often does, it forced one to think.

Randy Johnson’s One Night with Janis Joplin vividly recreates an important piece of the 60s musical and emotional experience, to an enthusiastic reception from Arena Stage’s audience.

Molly lives again through Kathleen Turner and her one woman show at Arena Stage.

The Normal Heart centers around a political movement whose mantra was “Silence = Death,” and Arena Stage’s production will doubtlessly inspire conversations that can end the silence and save lives.

A sterling cast; gorgeous singing; and well-conceived, energetic and precise dancing make Arena’s production a delight, notwithstanding the conceptual baggage.