Romance & Cigarettes 2007

In the gritty, pulsating heart of 1980s New York City, the seemingly idyllic marriage of Kitty Kane (character) is shattered when she stumbles upon a provocative poem penned by her husband Nick, confessing his illicit affair with a mysterious mistress. This devastating revelation sets off a chain reaction of turmoil, as the couple’s once-strong bond begins to fray, sending shockwaves throughout their family and community. As the characters struggle to redefine their understanding of love, desire, and pleasure, their deepest thoughts and emotions are brought to life through vibrant, elaborate musical numbers that underscore the drama unfolding on stage.

Meanwhile, their daughter Baby navigates the treacherous landscape of adolescence, her own romantic entanglements with Chetty Jr. (character) - a charming but dim-witted suitor - leaving her torn between the thrill of first love and the uncertainty of her future. When Baby announces her plans to tie the knot, Kitty’s maternal instincts are triggered, and she issues a stern warning: her daughter must not follow in her footsteps, sacrificing happiness and independence on the altar of marriage.

As Nick’s clandestine affair with Tula (character), a captivating young woman from Manchester who works at a lingerie shop, continues unabated, Kitty finds solace in the comforting rituals of her church community and rekindles an old friendship with her parish priest. Her cousin Bo (character) joins forces with her to track down Tula, leading to a violent confrontation that leaves both parties shaken.

Nick’s health begins to deteriorate after a reckless indulgence in licorice, sending him crashing into the hospital where he receives a stark reminder of his own mortality from his mother and longtime friend Angelo (character). Ashamed and fearful of being remembered as a “whoremaster” - echoing the philandering habits of his forebears - Nick terminates his affair with Tula and attempts to mend fences with Kitty.

Baby, however, has had enough of her boyfriend’s lack of ambition and breaks off their relationship. As Nick’s condition worsens, he becomes embroiled in a physical altercation with a neighbor that leaves him on the brink of death before Kitty intervenes. A terminal lung cancer diagnosis soon follows, its roots tracing back to years of nicotine abuse.

In his final moments, Nick finds solace by confessing his infidelity to Kitty’s priest and expressing gratitude for their life together. As he slips away, Kitty agrees to care for him until the end, her love and devotion unwavering despite his transgressions. In his last creative act, Nick composes a poignant poem, pouring out his love and appreciation for Kitty, as the curtain closes on his life.

In the aftermath of Nick’s passing, Kitty is left to grapple with her complex feelings for him - a mix of sorrow, anger, and ultimately, acceptance. As she contemplates her own future, she must come to terms with the memories they shared, the lessons learned, and the enduring power of love in the face of adversity.