New York City, 1897: A new fashion for thin threatens to end the career of proudly fat vaudeville performer Evelyn Cross. When Thomas Gallier, the man behind the promising new palace of entertainment hears Evelyn sing, he knows he's found the star of his new spectacular. ​But neither is prepared for the feelings they develop over rehearsals, dinners, a trip to Coney Island, and dancing at Tin Pan Alley--much to the displeasure of Nehemiah Alban, a media mogul determined to arrange a union between Thomas and his own daughter. ​As opening night approaches, Evelyn and Thomas find themselves at the center of a culture war, prudish society types, conniving newspapermen, and corrupt cops on one side and Evelyn's effervescent community of fat, queer, BIPOC, immigrant, and working-class artists on the other. ​Framing this story, present-day narrator and historian Phoebe steps in to reveal secrets and show readers what it really means to claim self-love. Inspired by the true story of a Progressive Era troupe of plus-size dancers, this is a story about the spirit of community and the power of romance.