Tonight marks the opening of the School of Theatre's production of Spike Heels, a comedy about love, sex and self-identification.

The play, written by Theresa Rebeck, begins with a street-smart waitress named Georgie, who uses her sex appeal to get what she wants — until she meets Andrew, that is. He acts as a mentor to Georgie, giving her books to read, which eventually helps her secure a secretarial job.

"The play speaks to young women who are trying to define themselves beside their sexuality. You're not just a pretty face," said Terri Park, who plays Georgie.

Things become complicated when Andrew sets Georgie up with Edward, his lawyer friend. The lines become blurred when Andrew's platonic feelings for Georgie turn into something more, causing him to call off his wedding to Lydia, Edward's ex-girlfriend.

"It's a love rectangle, everyone's been involved with the others of the opposite sex at some time. It's a real love tangle," said Ginna Hoben, who plays Lydia.

The cast of Spike Heels is comprised of first and second year Master of Fine Arts students, who Director Steve Rothman let explore their talents.

"I feel very blessed. If you have the right cast, 80 percent of your job is done," said Rothman, an associate professor for the School of Theatre.

Rothman did research for the play, observing the way the people relate to each other in the dating game ritual by visiting various local hot spots like the HUB-Robeson Center. "There's a lot of funny stuff, but it will ring true with everyone on campus who's dating or has dated in the past," Rothman said.

Although the play focuses on the difference between love and sex, it also focuses on the struggles the characters have with their own identities.

"On the surface he's a cold, Wall Street suit who went to Harvard and had all the benefits of the world. He's on the verge of becoming an emotional being, accepting love into his life and loving someone else," said Brian Caplan of his character, Edward.

The characters all are catalysts for other characters' self-realization, affecting the way they look at themselves and the world around them. "He's very orderly and precise in about every area of his life. My sense of order is upset by the presence of Georgie. He can enjoy himself," said Alex Robertson, who plays Andrew.

All performances of Spike Heels begin at 8 p.m. at the Playhouse Theatre. The show runs through next week, ending with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Oct. 28.