Full Synopsis

Edges opens with the question, "Who am I and who do I want to become?" from four vastly different individuals. Encompassing varied ages, perspectives and demeanors, the four put their lives in abbreviated bios before moving into honest introspection: Am I gonna mess it all up? Am I being true to me? What am I to "Become?"

We next meet a young visionary putting himself through college by serving at Pizza Hut. Excited to leave his current life behind, this "Boy with Dreams" is pitching his ideas to anyone who will purchase a piece of his exciting tomorrow.

"Caitlyn and Haley" introduces two sisters, each wishing that the other would start or stop growing. Caitlyn is growing into a woman, distancing from her little sister. Haley wishes that things were the way that they used to be. The sisters are amazed at how much the other has changed and how they continue to grow apart. The only thing that each wants is her sister back!

The next song ("Be My Friend") endorses an unabashed obsession with social networking and offers a witty prose on the biggest modern addiction: Facebook! From accumulating friends, self-promoting and staying abreast of the latest gossip.... This song sings the praises and curses of being a registered user!

"Lying There" finds a restless girl looking at her resting man in bed. Releasing a secret internal monologue, she asks if she is fulfilled or merely compromising her desires. Is loving someone different from being in love? She wishes that she could join him in his love, but discovers that wishing is not really loving.

On an opposing relational tone, "In Short" utters the bottom line of one man's breakup: "I hope you die." Wishing physical pains on his ex to compensate for his emotional turmoil, the song offers a comedic rant full of creative revenge tactics.

We next meet a man who recalls ("I Once Knew") a woman who raised a city of children. Making more of life than what she had been dealt, this is a woman who bought a house and created a home. A woman who made a profound difference on his life, he wishes her strength as she battles age and endurance.

Defining a relationship is the theme of the next song. "I Hmm You" attempts to define the period of risky titling in emerging love. What is right or appropriate and when? After avoidance of saying the word, the couple confesses that, behind their buzzing, closed lips, there is love!

We next find Caitlyn in college, with a string of unsuccessful relationships ("I've Gotta Run"). In high school, she dated the captain of the varsity soccer team; in college, she loved a passionate political activist; now, she loves a man from work who has the perfect job, home and body. Whether struggling with a predictable future, a future in the shadow or to have a future at all, Caitlyn has a problem with commitment.

Following this commitment problem, we meet a wife who has a real, perfect man ("Man of My Dreams"). Jonathan and his wife enjoy concerts, dancing, traveling and cooking together. Jonathan also loves tanning, ballet, Broadway shows, going to the "Y" in the Village and cuddling to Sex and the City. Jonathan might be gay but he is still the perfect man!

"Part of a Painting" introduces an artist, fresh from a sabbatical in Athens. On his way home to a lady in Pittsburgh, he has discovered peace and beauty. Describing his visit to the Grecian castle in vivid detail and how he has subsequently found his way, he promises to paint a vivid portrait for his love.

The four singers reconvene and promise to move on from the past and embrace life with arms open wide ("Ready to Be Loved"). No longer needing relationships for comfort or for crutches, they are ready to care truly for someone.

The show closes with "Coasting," a song that blasts small talk and requests substance and connection from relationships. It encourages us to mean what we say and to embrace truly the question, "Who am I and who do I want to become?"