The characters in the play are:[2] The play examines the very delicate relationship of three women: a grandmother, Dorothea, who has sought to exert her independence through strong willed eccentric behavior, Artie, her daughter, who has run from her overpowering mother, and Echo, Artie's daughter, who is incredibly smart and equally sensitive.
In the end, Artie and Echo come to accept their mutual need and summon the courage to build a life together, despite the terror this holds after so many difficult years of estrangement.
[3] In addition to its premiere production in Minnesota, Eleemosynary was produced from April 25, 1989, to May 28, 1989, by the Manhattan Theatre Club at the New York City Center, Stage II.
Directed by Lynn Meadow, the cast consisted of Joanna Gleason (Artie), Eileen Heckart (Dorothea) and Jennie Moreau (Echo).
Moreau won a 1989 Theatre World Award for her acting in the production.