TEXT: Skyline: Lights come on in various buildings. ACT I [Scene 1 - Cafe Nervosa Daphne and Niles are standing in front of the counter holding hands.] Daphne: It's official. Dr. Lee says we're pregnant. [They chuckle warmly and embrace.] Niles: I'm so excited! [He kneels and speaks to Daphne's tummy.] Niles: Hello in there! It's your pater. Daphne: Oh, stop it. [She sits.] So, how do you want to make the announcement? Niles: Uh, well, Frasier's on his way over. We could... Daphne: [interrupting] No! He's a blabbermouth. Let's have him and your dad over for dinner tonight, and we can tell them at the same time. Niles: If you already had a plan, why did you ask me how I wanted to do it? Daphne: Well, because if you'd have had the same idea, then I could have agreed with it, which would have given you the illusion of control. [After a beat.] The waiting room had "Cosmo." Niles: Ohh. All right. Ah! - I have just the quotation for the beginning of the announcement. It's from Robert Burns: "Beneath the shelter of an aged tree, Th' expectant wee-things, toddlin', stacher through [gradually taking on a gaelic accent and goofy facial expression] To meet their dad, wi' filchterin' noise and glee." [Off Daphne's bemused reaction.] Moving, eh? Daphne: [rising] Yes, but not just because of the poem, I'm late for a hair appointment. Niles: All right. [They kiss. As Daphne leaves, Frasier approaches.] Frasier: Hi, you two! Daphne: Hello. Frasier: Hi, Daph, good to see you. [Daphne exits.] Hello, Niles. Uh, my
SUMMARY:
Daphne is pregnant, and she and Niles are keen to make an official announcement to the family over dinner, rather than tell Frasier informally and have the news broadcast for them. Meanwhile, Frasier's relationship with Julia has run into difficulty, and following a conversation with his brother, Frasier decides to "commit to commitment" and resolve the problems rather than run away from them. His reconciliation with Julia ends up coinciding with Niles and Daphne's announcement dinner, which they are compelled to relocate to Frasier's place after their oven breaks down. They agree to let Julia stay for dinner, and even though they find her frankness and general conduct offensive, Frasier is reluctant to find fault because of his renewed commitment. Things get worse when Julia casually announces Daphne's pregnancy to everyone after overhearing her in the kitchen, ruining the announcement. Eventually, Julia mocks Frasier's hand towels and he breaks up with her in disgust. In the end, Frasier apologizes for allowing Julia to ruin the evening and the family celebrate Niles and Daphne's happy news.