The Iceman Cometh Lesson Plan

What is the structural significance in beginning this act with a scene between Rocky and Larry?

The opening of Act 3 echoes the opening of Act 1, which also begins with a scene between Rocky and Larry. Not only does that decision create structural glue, it primes the audience to consider what's changed since the beginning of the play. Since the set has barely changed and the characters haven't moved much, and most of the action is relatively internal, this is a good way to keep the proverbial shark swimming forward. And now that Hickey's arrived, the conversation directly subverts the expectations of Act 1.

Also, if the play is staged with only one intermission, Act 3 begins the...