Mother/Daughter Relationship Focus of "Rich Girl"

What defines our self-worth? Is it our actions? Is it the way other people see us? Or is it defined by a price tag?

In "Rich Girl," the George Street Playhouse's latest staging, we are presented with a slew of questions revolving around the real worth of money, the importance of family and how to truly understand the motivations of those in our lives.

The playhouse is world-premiering this original comedy by Victoria Stewart, starring an ensemble cast. Dee Hoty plays Eve Walker, a financial guru whose face is prominently featured on the 24-hour news networks, and who runs a philanthropic foundation.

Crystal Finn is her daughter, Claudine, a bumbling, awkward young woman who works at the foundation in her mother's looming shadow. Respite comes for her in the form of Maggie, her mother's personal assistant, played by Liz Larsen.

Round out the cast is Tony Roach as Henry, a former classmate of Claudine's who comes back into her life in search of money from the foundation to support his fledgling theater company.

Claudine and Henry begin an unlikely romance that is threatened by Eve's unyielding, unsympathetic ways. Abandoned by her ex-husband while pregnant with her daughter, Eve cuts a hard-edged figure who is frugal with her love, even with her own daughter. More than 20 years later, she still struggles with the demons of her failed marriage and a bout with cancer.

As Claudine is pulled between her mother's empire and the love of her life, she begins to realize the control of her mother's money over her world.

This cast works fantastically well together, with Hoty beautifully portraying a character that is both dominating and vulnerable, and Larsen as her sidekick, who dispenses the majority of the play's humor and motherly love.

One of the most interesting parts of the play is watching Finn transition from a young, insecure woman into a copy of her mother, in mood, dress and appearance, spurred by her mother's refusal to accept her daughter's relationship and the cancer that has come back into their lives. Roach evokes both sympathy and skepticism with his character, as you continue to wonder who Henry really is.

Seamlessly directed by Michael Bloom, with impressive sets designed by Wilson Chin, "Rich Girl" is incredibly modern, featuring current fashion and music, adding to its authenticity. It's a fresh look at the timeless mother and daughter dynamic, aided by great acting and directing.

"Rich Girl" runs through April 7 at the George Street Playhouse. For more information, visit www.georgestreetplayhouse.org.