Show Synopsis:
Frederik Armfeldt brings his new and virginal wife Anne to see his old lover Desiree, a prominent actress, in a play while Anne's maidservant Petra tries to seduce Frederik's son Henrik. Frederik sneaks out later that night to see Desiree, and they recommence their romantic activities before Desiree's married boyfriend Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm barges in. He is upset and later tells his wife Charlotte, who is aware of her husband's infidelity and happens to know Anne, who she visits to relay the story of Frederick's activities. Desiree convinces her mother to host a part for the Armfeldts, which Carl-Magnus and his wife will also attend uninvited. Everyone arrives with their own romantic aims, and Henrik shrieks at everyone for being immoral while hiding his love for Anne. Fredrik tells Desiree that he loves her, but she is a dream to him, and Anne and Henrik sleep together and then run away together. Carol-Magnus and Charlotte leave together and Fredrik finally acknowledges to Desiree that he knows her daughter is his as well. Desiree's mother dies peacefully.

Character:
Desiree Armfeldt, a self-absorbed and flamboyant actress whose age frustrates her; she wants more out of her career and her life before it is too late.

Song Context:
Desiree has only ever wanted to be with Frederick, but he tells her that though he loves her, she will always only be his dream. Desiree is incredibly hurt at being let down by him once again.

Fun Facts:
1. This musical was inspired by the plot of the Ingmar Bergman film Smiles of a Summer Night. 
2. Composer Stephen Sondheim thought that Frederick would have a song during this scene of the musical, but after seeing how the scene was staged, realized that it was truly Desiree?s moment to express her feelings. He wrote this song in a night after a rehearsal and never dreamed it would become a hit. 
3. This song is arguably Sondheim?s most popular piece after being recorded by Judy Collins in 1975.