Chance sits across from a therapist, deflecting questions about his past. We flash-back twenty years to Glasgow, Scotland ("Library of Broken Dreams") to find a young girl, Jaxx, working a shift at the local launderette alongside her Mum and her overly talkative best friend, Spencer. Jaxx is more interested in an upcoming audition and daydreams, which takes a fantastical turn ("Laundry Blues"). A few days later, Jaxx fails to impress any of the talent scouts at the audition ("My Belly Aches"). Deflated by the entire experience, she begins her journey home, reflecting on her life, deepest dreams, and desires ("This Feeling"). Later that week, Jaxx is back at the launderette when a music manager, Rich Abaddon, hears her singing and offers a meeting. Spencer and Jaxx celebrate the news, but his affections aren't reciprocated when he crosses the line ("What Would I Lose?"). The following week Jaxx sits in Abaddon's office playing her demos. Sensing something far more significant under the surface, he pushes Jaxx to uncover the truth about who she really is ("Face to Face"). We flash-forward twenty years to the therapy session where Chance confirms that Jaxx was, in fact, his biological female self. We  then flash-back twenty years to find Jaxx in her bedroom, listening to music and binding her chest. Her Mum enters, and Jaxx quickly pivots, leading to a catastrophic fight ("I'm Her Mum"). Three months later, Abaddon is preparing Jaxx's first showcase. More importantly, Jaxx now presents as Chance for the very first time. ("Spark Of Gold"). Chance finally calls Spencer since running away from home. He's hurt and confused and doesn't recognize the person Jaxx has become. On the night of the showcase, Chance is extremely nervous. Abaddon tries several tactics to calm him down, which takes a sudden turn forcing Chance to make a life-altering decision ("Take Shelter"). We flash-forward to Chance's ongoing therapy. He's encouraged but still reluctant to speak the truth about his past and ongoing addiction. Rumors are swirling of multiple sexual misconduct allegations towards Abaddon. Spencer, now head of PR, is told to squash them by whatever means possible. When Abaddon asks Chance for his support, he refuses point blank, causing Abaddon to remind him who's in control ("All Worked Out"). In Scotland, Mum still works at the local launderette when a reporter drops by to dig up the past ("Face to Face Mum's Reprise"). In London, Spencer warns Chance to come clean at a press conference ("What I Need To Say"). A line of unexpected questions from the press sends Chance into a tailspin. The press has a field day and matters only get worse when the police arrest Abaddon on multiple counts of predatory sexual assault. Chance explodes when he finds out that Spencer is the whistleblower. At the end of his rope, with nowhere to turn, Chance attempts to take his own life ("Chance's Soliloquy"). We flash-forward to the final therapy session, where Chance has some major decisions to make ("Treading Water"). Chance reads a character statement in the final days of the Abaddon trial. Suddenly Mum appears, giving Chance the courage to reveal the truth. They reunite moments later after being estranged for more than twenty years ("This Feeling Mum's Reprise"). Chance and Spencer make amends just before a concert in his hometown of Glasgow, Scotland. He's now free of Abaddon, having revealed himself to the entire world. Most importantly, he's on the road towards self acceptance and determined to live life on his own terms ("Home").

 

One Act

Approximate running time 90 minutes

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