The play, with a runtime of roughly 70 minutes, tells the story of Peter and Rita, a couple that falls in love despite the woman's pessimistic fear of the world.
[1] A preview version of the play premiered on January 15, 1988, at South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa, California, directed by Norman René.
Over time, Rita reveals her fears about the world, and her hesitancy to invest in joy or dreams when she expects bad things are more likely to happen than good.
They hope to make another body swap, but discover the Old Man has fled to stay with Rita's parents the Boyles, telling them the marriage is in turmoil and separation is needed.
Peter meets Leah, Julius's daughter, and learns the Old Man is a retired widower who has terminal cancer, with maybe a year left to live.
Rita now appreciates life more deeply, while Peter realizes he loves her despite the shell she inhabits changing how they relate physically.
[2] Critic James Hebert wrote: "When it premiered in 1990 it was widely presumed to be an oblique response to the ravages of AIDS.
"[1] The play was commissioned and originally staged by South Coast Repertory, Costa Mesa, California in January 1988.
[3] After receiving rave reviews,[2] the production moved to the Helen Hayes Theatre on Broadway, on May 1, 1990, with Timothy Hutton replacing Baldwin.
The show was directed by Daniel Sullivan with original music by John Gromada, scenery by Santo Loquasto, costumes by Jane Greenwood, and lighting by Donald Holder.