from the CD liner of the 1999 Off-Broadway production
As Little By Little begins, the lights come up to reveal Woman 1, Woman 2 and Man. They sing directly to the audience, explaining why they use no names and why they must go backwards in time to tell their tale.
The three change into baggy sweatshirts and sneakers in a transformation that takes them back to their early adolescence. It begins to rain. They wait out the storm, draped across each other, idly complaining. The rain stops and their boredom vanishes as they play a surprisingly stimulating game. Excited, confused, wondering – they ponder the mysteries of the future as their hormones launch them into the turmoil of their teens. Man approaches Woman 2. She turns away, not quite ready. Woman 1, however, is eager for romantic adventure, much to the regret of Woman 2.
Woman 1 and Man go on their first date. In a darkened movie theater, they delight in some innocent sexual exploration under the pretense of passing popcorn. Later, Woman 2 sees the couple kiss. Caught between her friends and her feelings, she reluctantly plays go-between, sealing their romance. She decides from then on to suppress her feelings for Man and focus on her ambitions.
The three remain best friends as they become adults. They celebrate their careers, independence and individual talents. Inspired by a wedding they all attend, Man impulsively proposes to Woman 1. To avoid answering him, she seduces him. Afterwards, while he sleeps, she wonders why she’s not jumping to say “yes” even though she loves him.
The three friends struggle with the growing complexity of life’s choices. Woman 1 asks Woman 2 to cover for her as she pursues a budding romance with a client on an overnight business trip, but Woman 2 refuses. Meanwhile, Man has arranged an important business dinner for himself and his “fiancée” – for the same night that Woman 1 plans to be away. When she won’t change her plans to accommodate his, they fight and she storms off. Man persuades Woman 2 to pretend to be his fiancée and accompany him to the dinner.
The evening is a huge success (despite some glaring social gaffes) and in their excitement Man and Woman 2 kiss. Woman 2 hopes her long pent-up love can finally be revealed, but Man acts as though nothing has happened. Woman 2 is heartbroken, once again.
After Woman 2 leaves in disappointment, Man reveals that he was totally turned on by their kiss. He examines his conflicting, forbidden emotions. All three separately ponder the events of the evening.
Meanwhile Woman 1’s romantic trip is a big disappointment. She returns home prepared to confess her out-of-town liaison, but before she does, Man innocently tells her that he and Woman 2 kissed. Woman 1 explodes with hurt and anger and they fight. Woman 1 then confronts Woman 2, accusing her of betrayal. Woman 2 accuses Woman 1 of a worse betrayal – having an affair. Man overhears this revelation and he is stunned. When Woman 1 and Man both unfairly direct their anger at Woman 2, she tells them both off in no uncertain terms and leaves.
All three realize their lifelong friendship is destroyed. Man then ends his romance with Woman 1 forever. She is left to confront her own faults and mistakes.
They all manage to get on with their lives, but wonder if they will ever find love and friendship again.
When they coincidentally meet at the movies, they begin to re-connect. Woman 1 apologizes. They all admit to mistakes and agree to tell the truth from then on. This prompts Woman 2 to blurt out her secret love.
Shocked, but hopeful, Man approaches Woman 2. They kiss, joyfully and passionately.
Their lives forever intertwined, the three friends vow to move ahead, eagerly, but with more care and caution.
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