Marsha Norman looks straight at the terrifying mediocrity of so many lives, at the lethal possessiveness of parents, and at the black hole of death itself.

Released from prison "Arlene" returns to a rundown apartment in Louisville, intent on starting her life over. Rebellious and disruptive as a young girl, she has found strength in religion and wants to put her youth (as "Arlie") behind her. But her struggle to find her way in the present (as "Arlene") is counterpointed by flashbacks of her past (as "Arlie"), her two personalities being represented by two performers, who sometimes appear on stage simultaneously....

"The fruit of an extraordinary project, Love's Fire reimagines seven of Shakespeare's immortal love sonnets as one-act plays by seven of the best playwrights in America. These short gems, paired with the sonnets that inspired them, are published here for the first time."--Jacket.

Contains thirty-six songs and scenes from the Broadway musical "The Secret Garden," including "Lily's Eyes," "Final Storm," "Wick," and "Letter Song."