Beyond Therapy

ACT ONE

Prudence arrives at the restaurant and tentatively introduces herself to Bruce. They’ve met through an ad Bruce placed in the personals column. He swears he’s never posted one before, and Prudence swears that she’s never answered one. The date seems ill-fated from the start, when Bruce compliments Prudence on her breasts. Uncomfortable, Prudence tries to signal for a waiter, but there isn’t one to be found. Bruce tells her that she reminds him of Bob, his lover. Prudence is further put off, telling Bruce that she doesn’t like gay people, but Bruce reassures her that he’s bisexual, not gay. Prudence still can’t get a waiter’s attention for the life of her. Bruce tries to connect with Prudence, and they discover a mutual appreciation for Prudence’s favorite song, “Someone to Watch Over Me.” Still, it’s clear the two are not compatible at all. Bruce is emotional and tears up at the table; Prudence hates seeing men cry. Bruce tells her that he wants to build a life with her,