An endearing but troubled woman believes the fictitious characters in a play are based on real people and events. Worried about what has become of the character named Blanche after she was committed to a mental institution, the woman, accompanied by her best friend and constant companion, "Mister Vodka," travels by train to New Orleans to find Blanche. Because the streetcar named Desire no longer exists, she's advised to take a cab. She chooses the fifth one in line because it looks like a "Golden Chariot." The cab is actually a classic yellow Checker owned by a grumpy ex-Jerseyite whose wife has left him and who leads a dull life. Until a "ditsy" blue-eyed blonde plops herself down in the front passenger seat of his cab. "...if we're going to be traveling together we ought to introduce ourselves." "We ain't going to China, lady, we're just goin' cross town." "Yes, but I'll be eternally grateful for you rescuing my luggage, so how can you be my hero if you won't tell me your name?" Hero! Ha, that was a good one. He jerked a hand toward the ID tag attached to his visor. "The name's Art. Art Barkoff." "I am very pleased to meet you, Mr. Barkoff. My name is Belle Reve." She stifled a gasp. The name of the old plantation where Blanche and her sister Stella grew up just popped out of her mouth as if she'd been using it all her life. But now that she had, it seemed only fitting. It made her feel more connected to Blanche. "Well," she said brightly, "shall we go?" And so it begings, a ride that will lead this pair of opposites far beyond the boundaries of New Orleans, a ride that will change their lives forever.