| In this enlightened take on tolerance, Anita is horrified to discover just where Bernardo has been picking up pointers on French-kissing. "But he's not even Puerto Rican," she wails, after bursting in on Bernardo and Lieutenant Schrank at a fantasy bridal-shop ceremony attended by mannequins. Forced to the wall at last, Bernardo makes a daring choice and announces his intention to assume his role in a cross-ethnic but same-sex marriage. Maria tries to soothe the anxious parents with well-intended but mis-fired folk wisdom: "You are not losing a son, you are gaining a son." The reception is hosted by Glad Hand ("Two circles, and each boy dances with the boy opposite."). Considering himself to be an outstanding dancer, Chino, Bernardo's best man, refuses to let Officer Krupke, Schrank's best man, be the lead as they slow-dance, and harsh words are exchanged. Drama heightens as Anita bursts in uninvited, seeping recrimination: "Queer for Uncle Sam, am I? Well you should talk!" Doc's effort to calm her down by suggesting a game of basketball are met with scorn. After an island honeymoon, the newlyweds retreat to a quiet life in Chelsea where a small business of selling dance accessories and leather wristbands, protected by a seasoned, round-the-clock security guard, thrives happily ever after. |
