Play: Old Money

Introduction
"Old Money" is a play composed by Wendy Wasserstein in 2000. The play is set in an old, grand estate in Manhattan, where a celebration is being held by a wealthy socialite, Ovidio. The story checks out various styles like wealth, social class, and relationships through the lens of New York City's upper class. The star-studded cast includes characters like Vivian, Sidney, and Flint, who represent various elements of New York's elite class.

Characters and Plot Overview
At the heart of the story are two intertwined narratives that cover over a century. In today day, we see a group of friends participating in Ovidio's celebration, including Jeffrey Bernstein, an investment banker, his wife Carol, and a famous author named Flint Driscoll. These characters represent the new cash in New York's upper class, and their interactions expose the complexities and contradictions of their lives.

In parallel, we likewise explore the story of the Beekman family, who constructed the mansion in the 19th century and represent old money. The patriarch, Tobias Vivian, is a callous business owner, while his spouse, Mamie, is taken in by her social aspirations. Through their story, we learn more about the history of the mansion and the decadence and corruption of the Beekman era.

The connection in between the two narratives is made through Vivian, a girl who is the descendant of the Beekmans, and Sidney, the house's caretaker who has actually devoted his life to preserving the history of the estate. Vivian is struggling to find her location on the planet, while Sidney is deeply haunted by the legacy of his ancestors.

Themes
1. Wealth and Social Class
One of the main themes of "Old Money" is the distinction between old money and new cash. The Beekman household embodies the old money ideals, counting on inheritance and household connections to preserve their status in society. On the other hand, characters like Jeffrey, Carol, and Flint represent brand-new money, having actually made their wealth through their abilities and effort.

While the brand-new money characters may outwardly seem more respectable, the play reveals that they are still affected by the corrupt values of old money. This style serves as a commentary on the superficiality and materialism of New York City's high society.

2. Relationships
Another style in the play is the expedition of the detailed web of relationships between the characters. The interactions in between the characters reveal their real personalities and the complexities of their lives. For example, Vivian deals with her sensations of inadequacy and her desire to belong, while Flint is haunted by his past and looks for solace in his relationships.

The play likewise checks out the relationships in between the generations, with the Beekman family representing the older generation, and the partygoers representing today day. The juxtaposition of the 2 groups of characters highlights the style of the battle between the past and today.

3. Identity
The style of identity is prevalent throughout the play. The characters face their sense of self and their place in society, especially Vivian, who feels caught in between the old money world of her forefathers and the new-money way of life of her good friends. The battle for identity serves as a microcosm for the larger social struggles in between old money and new money perfects.

Furthermore, Sidney's character works as a suggestion of the significance of comprehending one's heritage and staying real to oneself, even in a world filled with superficiality and materialism.

Conclusion
"Old Money" is an informative, poignant play that checks out the intricacies of wealth, social class, relationships, and identity through the stories of the Beekman family and their modern-day equivalents. Wendy Wasserstein's wit, humor, and sharp social commentary make the play a thought-provoking addition to her comprehensive body of work. It is a pointer that behind the glamour and opulence of New York's upper class lies a world filled with contradictions and complexities frequently left undiscussed.