Taking place in Depression-era Atlantic City, we follow Ms. Rita Racine as she participates alongside many other contestants in a Dance Marathon that is run by her corrupt husband Mick in Kander and Ebb’s “Steel Pier”. When her dance partner for the contest doesn’t show, Rita agrees to take on a rather persistent stunt pilot named Bill in order to enter in time. A form of competition and entertainment, we follow this particular marathon as the contestants must not only stay standing as long as possible but survive specific dances, specialty performances, a publicity stunt cellophane wedding and the sprints. Though this is meant to be her last marathon before she and Mick retire to their house by the shore, Bill inspires Rita to open her eyes to all the other opportunities which could lay ahead of her by escaping her current toxic situation.