Summary

Act Two: Scene One takes place at the Democratic Convention in Chicago in 1968. It opens with Aretha Franklin singing the national anthem, followed by complaints about her interpretation of the song. The Mayor of Chicago, Mayor Daley, warns the ABC news staff not to give undue attention to the many protests occurring outside of the convention. William Sheehan and Elmer Lower reply that it’s their job to report whatever happens.

The scene switches to Vidal and Matt in a hotel room. Matt is fielding multiple calls for Vidal. They are interrupted by Vidal’s long term partner Howard Austen. Matt, who has been romantically involved with Vidal throughout, is initially awkward about this, but Howard reassures him that his relationship with Vidal is not monogamous. Matt leaves Howard and Vidal alone. Howard observes that the fame and the political significance...