Act 1 Summary

The Boys in the Band is the story of nine gay men in New York City of 1969. They gather one evening for a birthday celebration which turns out not to be very festive. The play opens in the well-appointed apartment of Michael who is wrapping a gift when Donald arrives, bemoaning the cancellation of his therapy appointment. Donald's spirits lift at the proposition of a martini and some items Michael has purchased exclusively for his pampering. Donald suffers anxiety attacks and would not be in the city tonight if it weren't for the appointment with his analyst and the birthday party as he prefers to stay at home on Long Island.

Donald shares some of the insight he has gathered through analysis. He now understands that his parents are not only responsible for his being gay but are responsible for some of his...