It's a musical - here's the synopsis!
ACT ONE
In a dive bar, a crowd gathers to watch election night returns. They sing about the divided state of the country and their hopes and fears for the future (DEMOCRACY). JR, an ageing singer/songwriter, is in the corner with his guitar. He bemoans but accepts his fate as an unknown artist (I’LL NEVER LET GO). He takes a break and sits next to Suzie, an actress, who is watching a pop star’s music video on the bar’s enormous TV screen. She likens it to the societal conformity underpinning the rightward turn in politics (EVERYBODY DANCE). Jason enters. He’s wearing a large overcoat which he keeps buttoned up all the time. He orders a drink and introduces himself to Janie, who is busy sketching pictures. He tells her the story of how he was laid-off from his job and how he bought a gun intending to use it against his former employers but changed his mind (LIBERTY). Janie, mirroring his confessional mode, talks about her struggle with addiction (NOWHERE). Janie shows Jason a sketch she has just made of him. He is visibly moved by it. On the TV screen the election results are announced. The right-wing candidates have won. Everyone in the bar is stunned, as out from the TV screen step politicians Darren and Dora and skinheads Ron and Rhonda. JR comments on the dreadful turn of events (BACKLASH). The bar is buzzing with conversation as Howard enters and waves to Janie. She runs over and hugs him, obviously very happy to see him. He is carrying a big duffle bag. Janie introduces Howard to Jason. Howard describes his long journey through the criminal justice system. Jason, in turn, sings about his life growing up in a racially divided town and his struggle to transcend it (HERE WE ARE).
ACT TWO
Suzie is at the bar getting drunk. She is despondent about the election and the fate of the country (ANOTHER DRINKING SONG). Darren, Dora, Ron and Rhonda, celebrate the right wing’s victory (UNCLE DARREN). Howard recalls his time in prison and the life that led him there. He is tormented by his past with recurring nightmares (THE SLEEP OF ANGELS). Pablo, the bartender, tells the story of a young man who explodes a bomb at a church bazaar. Enrique, the waiter, describes the rise of a dictator. (THE BOY WITH A BOMB). Janie tries to comfort Howard. (SANCTUARY). Howard is revived by her support. Jason, jealous of the attention that Howard is receiving from Janie, steps away from them. Pablo takes the remote from behind the bar and turns off the TV. Darren, Dora, Ron and Rhondaare sucked back into the screen. Everyone cheers. Suddenly Jason opens his coat to reveal a pistol, which he points at Howard. The company freezes. Janie slowly walks toward him and, after a slight hesitation, hugs him. Jason drops the pistol. She then points to the back of the bar. The TV is pushed away to reveal a large painting of the planet earth. The company sings about what binds us all – the planet we inhabit and our responsibility to it and each other (CONNECTED).