Baby Steps follows Baby Degginhart, who lives in a rural Central Illinoisan town and takes care of her younger brother, Shawn, because their mother, Julie, an abusive alcoholic, deserted them seven years ago. Carl, a popular, artistic boy from high school, returns from Chicago after failing the bar exam and proclaims his love for her; however, Baby is uncertain of his sincerity because she is overweight and has always struggled with this problem. Carl’s intentions are pure, though, and they fall for each other. About the time everything is swimmingly happy with new love, Baby’s estranged mother returns seeking redemption. David Travis directs this play, written by James Carter.