The central conflict arises when the inhabitants of the Walden Commune face the impending threat of their land being sold to a developer. Mike Doonesbury and his eclectic group of friends must navigate the absurdity of 1970s political and social shifts while attempting to preserve their communal lifestyle. The narrative framework utilizes a musical theater structure, translating the episodic nature of the comic strip into a cohesive stage production. The characters are constrained by their own ideological rigidity and the encroaching pressures of a changing American landscape. Their objective is to maintain their identity in a world that increasingly demands conformity and commercial success.

Discussion often centers on how effectively the stage production captures the specific tone and wit of the original comic strip. Readers and critics frequently highlight the challenge of translating a static, daily medium into a linear musical format. The balance between character development and satirical commentary is often noted as a primary focus of the work. Many observers appreciate the way the play maintains the cynical yet affectionate perspective toward its characters that defined the source material. The effectiveness of the atmosphere is frequently debated, particularly regarding how well the humor resonates with audiences outside of the original publication era.