Act 2 Summary

The stage is as sparse as it was in the first act, but this time there is a bouquet of flowers lying on the piano. The accompanist again enters and takes his seat on the bench. However, he ignores the audience. The house lights are lowered, and there is a considerable wait until Maria enters and moves to the front of the stage. Maria approves of the lowered house lights, mentioning that the performers will not be distracted by the people and can concentrate on the drama of the moment. Maria engages Manny in some light banter and then comments on the flowers on the piano. Manny explains that the bouquet is from an unknown admirer, but Maria is not impressed, at least not visibly, and calls for the next student.

Sharon Graham is the next soprano to enter the classroom, and she...