For much of the story, the Narrator stands beside a piano and speaks to the audience, as the curtain opens to reveal scenes from his life.

[3][4] Directed by Richard Nelson and choreographed by Sean Curran, scenery was by Thomas Lynch, costumes by Susan Hilferty, lighting by James F. Ingalls, and sound by Scott Lehrer.

[7] A young woman, Albertine, emerges through the curtain holding a letter, which she shares with the audience ("Is It Too Late?").

With a black polo-cap pulled down over her forehead, she pushes along a bicycle and swinging her hips confidently.

Feeling alone and adrift, Marcel begins to aimlessly attend adult "society" ("Talk About the Weather") while also trying to compose at the piano.

He visits a seedy nightclub ("My Soul Weeps" — Tango) and discovers her dancing closely with another girl.

Confused and excited, Marcel invites Albertine to tea at his hotel where they happen across a lesbian couple.

Act I finishes as the Narrator closes the stage curtain and stands alone ("Song of Solitude") Marcel, Albertine and her friend Andrée visit an outdoor cabaret together featuring Mademoiselle Lea, a well-known lesbian singer ("I Want You").

As Albertine runs off to take a bath, Marcel and the Narrator imagine their worst fears coming to life ("Sometimes").

That night, after an argument, Marcel and the Narrator reach a decision, but before he can tell Albertine that she must leave, his maid Françoise informs him that she has gone.

He summons back Albertine to perform a simple, pure, straightforward love song ("If It Is True") — everything that Marcel and the Narrator have been seeking and never found.