A smiling jazz Trio sings of perfect life in suburbia.

Sam and Dinah argue over breakfast. Dinah accuses Sam of having an affair with his secretary, which he denies. She reminds Sam that their son Junior’s play is that afternoon, but Sam insists that his handball tournament at the gym is more important. They continue to argue until Sam leaves for the office.

At work, Sam deftly handles business by telephone and promises to lend money to a friend. The Trio extols Sam’s virtues.

In her analyst’s office, Dinah recalls her dream of an untended garden, choked with weeds. In the dream, she hears a voice calling to her, describing a beautiful garden, a place of love and harmony.  Meanwhile, at Sam’s office, he questions his secretary about his behavior towards her.

Sam and Dinah accidentally run into each other on the street. Both invent excuses to avoid having lunch together. Alone, they each reflect on the painful course their relationship has taken, and yearn for their lost happiness.

The Trio sings of lovely life in suburbia.

At the gym, Sam has just won the handball tournament. He sings triumphantly about the nature of men – how some try to rise to the top but will never win; while others, like him, are born winners and will always succeed.

Dinah has spent the afternoon at the cinema watching a South Sea romance called “Trouble in Tahiti.” At first she dismisses it as sentimental drivel. But as she recounts the story and its theme song “Island Magic,” she gets caught up in its escapist fantasy, backed by the Trio. Suddenly self-conscious, she stops herself, and prepares dinner.

On his way home, Sam sings of another law of men: that even the winner must pay for what he gets.

The Trio sings of evenings of domestic bliss. Sam and Dinah try to talk about their relationship, but their effort quickly peters out. Neither of them had gone to their son’s play. Sam suggests they go to the movies, to see a new film about Tahiti; Dinah consents. As they leave, they express a longing to reconnect with each other, but for now they settle for the “bought-and-paid-for magic” of the silver screen. The Trio makes its final ironic comment, echoing the movie’s “Island Magic” theme song.

Introduction: Anna I sets out the plot, explaining the relationship between her and Anna II (they are actually one person) and their quest to travel and make enough money for their family back in Louisiana to build a little house.

Sloth: Anna’s parents note that she has always been lazy. The family says a prayer that God will keep Anna on the path that leads to prosperity and happiness.

Pride: Anna I and Anna II are in Memphis and find a job as a cabaret dancer. Anna II tries to turn it into art, to the displeasure of the paying customers. Anna I scolds her for her pride and reminds her that she must do what is demanded of her.

Anger: The Annas are now in Los Angeles, and things are going quite well until Anna II witnesses acts of cruelty and rebels against injustice. Anna I reminds her that such anger will make her unemployable, so she must set it aside.

Gluttony: The family has received a letter from the Annas in Philadelphia. They are making good money, but Anna II’s contract specifies that she may not gain any weight. They recall that Anna II loves to eat, but trust her to remember that a contract is a contract.

Lust: In Boston, the Annas have found a wealthy lover, but Anna II loves another man, who is poor. Anna I points out that the rich lover will not tolerate divided loyalty. Anna II reluctantly gives in.

Greed: The family learns that Anna is in Baltimore. Men are committing suicide over her, which will increase her earning power, but they fear she will get too greedy. They hope she will not make herself too unpopular to earn money.

Envy: In San Francisco, Anna II is worn out and envious of those who do not have to work hard. Anna I preaches of the need to renounce pleasure and promises a reward to come. The family seconds her, saying that strict self-control is the path to glory.

Finale: The Annas return to Louisiana after seven years. The house is complete.