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Previously on Smash.
How Marilyn, it's beautiful and
tragic.
I think she make a great musical.
I've got a callback from Marilyn.
I got a callback.
Ivy Lynn,
this is Karen Cartwright.
Classic you put in ten years
in the chorus,
and Karen-something
shows up.
I have a pretty clear sense
of what I bring to the party.
She's trying
to get me fired.
He is taking advantage
of her.
Maybe Ivy's taking
advantage of him.
She did get the part.
I could have done that.
I could have slept with him.
But I didn't.
You came into this marriage
with nothing.
Except love.
Jerry has no involvement.
You poisoned my investors,
you ***!
Got $7 million under there?
No, but I do have friends.
It was idealistic
to think
that we could do this
without a star.
The incomparable
Rebecca Duvall.
Her agent, her manager
Everyone said she could sing.
- You had dinner
- Okay.
And then you slept
with my wife.
No one applauded.
I can't even see you
talking to him.
- It was nothing
- Stop, Julia, stop.
My God.
Rebecca?
I'm not going back
into the show.
Will you marry me?
The real question is,
who's going to play Marilyn?
Where's Karen Cartwright?
You're going on as Marilyn,
tonight.
Why wasn't it me?
She just had something
that you don't.
I'm not gonna
tell anybody.
You are fired
is what you are, Ellis.
I think I left something
in your room.
What are you doing
with my engagement ring, Ivy?
I'm sorry.
We just need one minute.
No, we don't.
Actually, the more
you hurt, the better.
Knock it off, Derek.
Don't ever doubt
you're a star.
After you.
You can get
the next one.
Okay, everyone,
now that we're finally here,
first things first, please
For a job well done
In Boston.
That was then.
This is now.
Eileen.
I trust you all
enjoyed yourselves up there.
We had a successful run.
I would say, overall,
the experience was instructive.
But before we apply
its lessons,
there's a small question
of where.
It is my goal to book us
a Broadway theater
by the end of this week.
In the meantime, if any
of you get any other offers,
go on vacation, or frankly even
think about getting a haircut,
let us know.
While I'd like
to publicly state
that it is my intention to
pick up everyone's contract
Depending on the changes
made by the creative team,
we may not be able
to do that.
But we're not there yet.
We thank you.
And we hope to see you
on Broadway soon.
And no raises,
so don't ask.
Karen, can I have
a word, please?
Sure.
Yes.
"Some of you
will cease to exist
after the creative team's
changes"?
- I'm not worried.
- You should be.
She's part
of the creative team now.
If I were you,
I'd keep an eye on my back,
make sure
there's no target on it.
I'm planning a little soiree
for the press this weekend,
a sort of coming-out party
for the show.
I'd love it
if you'd sing something,
perhaps the opening number.
Of course.
Yeah, that'd be great.
Anything for you.
Great.
Well, maybe you'd like
to choose
a couple backup singers.
It can be whoever you want.
Well, Jessica and Beth,
of course.
And one more.
- Joy.
- Joy.
Great.
Linda?
Yes.
Would you grab Jessica,
Beth, and Joy for me?
Hey, girls
I hope you're ready.
It all starts now.
SMASH
S02 Ep 01x02 - On Broadway
Moving on
Michael Swift wants to be
let out of his contract.
He feels that he did us a favor
when we were in a bind
and we have ample time
to recast.
I, trust
there are no objections?
Nope.
Okay, good.
Let's talk about the reviews.
Remember,
I haven't read them.
- You're not serious.
- She never does.
I just read Tom's face.
It tells me
everything I need to know.
Did Tom's face tell you
what they singled out, then?
Me, the cast
Derek.
She's the one
who hasn't read them.
I don't need some critic
getting in my head.
I sat in the audience
for three weeks.
I know there are things
that need to be done.
I want this to be
the best it can be.
And that's what
we're going to do.
After my meeting tonight
with Jordan roth,
we're going to book
the best theater
Broadway has to offer
The St.
James.
The St.
James
would be so amazing.
Oklahoma! Opened there.
The king and I.
The producers.
- Big hits.
- Long runs.
- Good juju.
- Yeah, okay, great
What if we don't get
a theater today?
I've got a lot of projects
waiting to hear
how busy I'm gonna be
I want to know what to plan for.
Don't worry about it, Derek.
I'll get it.
Meanwhile,
keep our leading lady happy.
Everyone's talking
about her.
They want to know if she's
as good as they've heard.
She's better.
Yes, we all know
where you stand on the matter.
And it's not just me.
Or didn't you read
the reviews either?
God,
not listening.
Going outside.
"When Karen Cartwright
implores you
"to let her be your star,
you'd have no problem answering
with a resounding 'yes, '
if it weren't"
I'm aware.
It's not you
I'm worried about.
I'm handling it.
Yeah, well, can we not do it
on Tom time, please?
Sometime this century
would be nice.
Call me when you have
a reason to.
Bye, Derek.
Thank you, Ana,
for letting me move in
and everything.
Well, thank my roommate
for doing that Disney cruise.
Where are you going tonight,
by the way?
Derek is taking me
to see Veronica Moore
and then meet her after.
You get to meet her?
I'm so jealous.
She's incredible.
You're gonna love the show too.
It's about this, like, sweet,
but she has
this really overbearing mother.
- Well, don't spoil it.
- Here.
- How do I look?
- Like you care.
Maybe I do.
See ya later, sweet cheeks.
Bye.
So what'd your agent say?
When I told him that
he should expect a phone call
about my contract,
he said that the agency
had already received phone calls
for their other clients.
Maybe they're calling
alphabetically.
They just haven't gotten
to "l" yet.
Did you get a call,
Sam Strickland?
Yeah.
What can I do about it?
Besides be
on your best behavior
Which I know
you already are
You got to find a way
to stay with the show.
Any suggestions?
Well,
you're an amazing singer,
an even better actress.
Remind everybody
why they fell in love
with you
in the first place.
Once you do that,
you can get back on the road
to becoming the star
you were intended to be.
What is a star, anyway?
Do they even still exist?
Now, ladies,
listen up.
- Hey.
- How you doing?
I'm good.
Karen Cartwright.
Veronica, you were incredible.
Ronnie.
Great to meet you.
Derek's told me
all about you.
Y'all give me a second.
Let me get dressed.
And I'll be back.
Come in.
You ready
for your last performances?
Not really.
It's sad to leave.
It's time to move on.
We're doing a revival of The Wiz
after I finish with you.
I know.
I can't wait.
Another good-girl role
for Broadway's sweetheart.
As long as you keep
winning them Tonys, darling.
If you don't
mind me saying,
the speech you gave
when you won your first one,
about the things you gave up
when you started out
and how those sacrifices
weren't for nothing,
it was a huge inspiration
to me.
I have a question,
Ronnie.
What is the best piece
of advice
you would give to someone
who's about to get
exactly where you are?
That's easy.
Protect the work.
The moment you lose focus,
the moment the work suffers.
Someone's always waiting
to take you down, honey.
But if the work's good,
they won't be able to.
That's good advice.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Get ready.
This is gonna be you
in six months.
Look at 'em.
Two years later,
they're still smiling.
So it's a piece of fluff.
Bombshell will take us
to the next level.
You know we have some stuff
to fix first, right?
I mean,
it isn't perfect.
Of course.
Everyone has their work to do,
even you.
Okay.
Time to go.
I promised Frank
that I would be there
when he got home
from his dinner
with the new superintendent.
I am so glad it's working out
between you two.
We're trying.
I know you are.
So how long do you think
till we hear from
Eileen.
Jerry.
I thought I felt a chill.
That seat's taken.
By, Jordan roth.
I don't see him.
Maybe he knows,
like everyone else knows,
you don't have
the capital yet
to take Bombshell
to Broadway.
I could help.
I have a lot of friends.
Yes, mine
The ones you stole.
If only you would stop,
stop thinking
the worst of me.
I know you,
and I know what you're up to.
You saw my show,
and you saw
it was better
than anything you have.
So you called
all the theater owners
to block my way,
hoping that I would come to you
in my time of need.
If you want in,
you should just say so.
I want in.
Get out of here
before I throw another drink
in your face.
Eileen,
I'm so sorry I'm late.
Jordan.
Nonsense.
You already called.
Does he know?
No.
Should we tell him?
I have offered
Bombshell to the St.
James.
Isn't that wonderful?
It's Nick, my boyfriend.
Excuse me.
Hi.
Guess what.
I hope you're sitting down.
We're going to Broadway.
Excuse me.
And then people will clap,
Eileen will speak,
and the other number will start.
Another?
Eileen only asked me
to do one.
It's not you.
It's Ivy and the ensemble.
They're going
to sing Smash.
Linda, can we do something
about the angle of this piano?
I feel like
I can't see anyone.
Well, sure.
What if we
I know
you won't believe me,
but this isn't
about you.
No, it's about you,
as usual.
Excuse me.
Seems like old times.
Can I ask you
a question?
Go ahead.
What is my future
with this show exactly?
I want to do
everything I can
to ensure that
when it opens on Broadway
that I'm a part of it.
And my agent still hasn't gotten
a phone call
That's why
you asked to sing.
Okay, here's my answer.
It's not gonna be easy.
You need to apologize
to Karen
for whatever it is that went on
between you two.
I already did,
in Boston.
Well, maybe you were apologizing
for the wrong thing.
After the whole Michael
Well, you know
I spent a lot of time
telling my husband
I was sorry
for what I did.
But it meant nothing
until I apologized
for why I did it.
If you could stop making this
about what happened
and tell her why it did,
you might just get
a second chance.
Ivy, you're up.
Good luck.
I'm rooting for you.
So, Derek,
another big moment for you
Bombshell and The Wiz
treading the boards
the same season.
Did you see the show
in Boston?
Not only did I see it,
I saw it with Rebecca Duvall.
I don't suppose you have
anything to say
about her abrupt exit
from the show?
No comment.
Really?
Okay.
Okay, Rebecca Duvall
is a superstar.
And like most superstars,
she knows what she's good at
And what she isn't.
If I didn't know any better,
I'd think
you were suggesting
she poisoned herself
to get out of her contract.
I did not say that,
Michael,
but it would've made
a better story.
You gonna sit down
and order something?
No.
I'm I'm waiting
for my friend.
Get you something
while you wait, then?
No.
Thanks.
I'm Jimmy, by the way.
Do you talk
to all your customers this much?
Are you a customer?
I thought
you were just another actress
taking a meeting
at my station
who won't order anything
but a glass of water.
I'm not like that.
Karen?
Michael Riedel.
I can't wait to see you
in the show.
I hear amazing things.
Thanks.
Thank you.
Still or sparkling?
Tap.
Hey.
I got your text.
Is everything okay?
Did you know about Ivy
singing at the party?
No.
I keep thinking
about what Ronnie said
about protecting the work,
and I'm worried
I won't be able to with Ivy
in my face all the time.
I mean, I thought
Just say the word
And I will let her go.
Okay.
Consider it done.
How was your meeting
with Casey?
He offered me the general
in thebook of mormontour.
That's
I mean, congratulations!
It's a great part,
but I think
I'm gonna stay in the city,
you know?
Forbombsh
You have ten lines in our show.
In mormon, you'd be
front and center.
Without you.
Sometimes you have
to put what's right for you
above what's right
for someone else.
Have you ever done that?
You didn't allow yourself
to feel a second of happiness
over the reviews
you got.
I mean, what did Variety
say again?
I
"Levitt's score is a marvel,
"full of charm and pizzazz
in its pastiche numbers
and unparalleled emotion
in its introspective moments.
"
Look, I allowed myself
some happiness in private.
I just didn't want it to seem
like I was gloating
around Julia.
I mean, she got
Slammed in reviews
she doesn't even know about.
They loved her lyrics.
I'll tell her, in time,
just not yet.
Her focus needs to be
on her marriage.
We're partners, Sam.
It's my job to protect her.
As her partner,
it's your job
to be the one person
who doesn't.
I mean, if you can't tell her,
who can?
Maybe I'll never have to.
Maybe she'll figure out
her problems
Is that
Frank?
- My God, is this for real?
- Yeah.
"Rebecca Duvall
has just released a statement
"claiming the reason she left
Broadway-bound musical Bombshell
"was not due to illness
as previously reported,
"but because the director,
Derek Wills,
sexually harassed her
in her dressing room.
"
Is this some sort of joke?
Everyone knows Rebecca Duvall
would sleep
with a follow spot operator
if it meant more light
on her downstage.
This must be
what Derek called me about.
Find you guys later?
There's something
I have to take care of first.
- Good luck.
- Your life depends on it.
Thanks
for understanding.
What, some actress
throwing you under the bus
to save face?
You may be a womanizer,
but I know there's no merit
to her story.
Yeah, well, you might
want to tell that
to the producers
of The Wiz for me.
- I'll call 'em now.
- Thank you.
I'll say hello to Eileen.
And here I was,
throwing a party and thinking
I could talk about the show
and not its director's
personal life.
Michael Riedel
said he's coming tonight.
I want you to turn him away
at the door.
I don't think so.
He is the reason
she retaliated
the way she did.
He just ran a quote
out of context.
I don't blame Michael Riedel
for your mess,
and neither should you.
Now, let's just hope
it doesn't blow up
into something bigger.
I'm going to see
if Jordan's arrived
for the announcement.
Frank!
It's so good to see you!
Hey, Linda,
how are you?
Better,
now that I've had a break.
How are you?
- I'm good.
Thanks.
- That's wonderful.
You know how much
I've always admired
you and Julia's
relationship.
Our relationship?
Yes.
I'm glad
you've worked it out.
Yeah, we
We did.
Thanks.
Hi.
Okay, here we go.
Eileen had the cocktails
named after Marilyn movies.
Isn't that cute?
I got you
a "clash by night.
"
- Does everyone know?
- Know what?
Linda just told me
how happy she is
that we're working
on our marriage.
Does everyone know
about Michael?
Shows are like families.
Everyone knows everything.
Of course.
How could I ever think
that our private life
is private?
I'll take
another "clash by night.
"
Maybe
Maybe I shouldn't say anything.
It could've just been a good-bye
between good friends
Very good friends.
She's your best friend.
You should tell her.
Wha
you can't make it?
Why not?
What do you mean
"let's talk tomorrow"?
Well, do I still have
the theater, or don't I?
No, you don't have to go.
Jordan roth
isn't coming.
Something
must've happened.
Maybe he heard
about Rebecca.
Maybe he read
Julia's reviews.
Well, the press are here
waiting for an announcement.
If he doesn't show,
they're gonna notice.
I need something
to distract them
while I get
to the bottom of this.
Why not use her?
Hi.
Good thinking.
Everybody, please,
put your hands together
for Bombshell very own
Marilyn, Karen Cartwright,
plus, a very special guest
Two-time Tony award winner
Veronica Moore.
Thanks.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
Thank you.
- Bravo.
- Thank you.
I wasn't doing so well,
but I feel better.
How did you do that?
I'm your muse.
It's what we do.
Just
Is that
why you called me
To tell me you're with Karen?
Because you didn't have to.
It's very clear to everyone
Look, I am not with Karen.
And that is not
why I called you.
Well, then why did you
call me?
My God.
You're letting me go.
Because of her?
Ivy.
What happened
to the drinks?
Who were you with tonight
before you met me?
What?
No one.
Tom saw you.
She's just
Someone from school, you know,
the new superintendent.
It was nothing.
Well, then why didn't you just
tell me you were meeting?
Are you kidding me
with this?
It's just a question.
I'm not accusing you
of anything.
Not accusing me?
My God, Julia, really?
Coming from you?
Frank.
Frank.
No, Julia.
I can't believe this
Suspecting me of something
when you're the one
who did everything.
Frank, calm down.
And you didn't do it
just once either.
And that's just the affairs
that I know about.
Frank, let's just
talk about this calmly, okay?
You know what?
Mary, the woman from school
I didn't sleep with her.
I wanted to.
Maybe
Maybe I should
to even the score?
Would that make it okay?
Or should I just sleep
with someone in the cast
Keep it in the family?
After all, you did, and Tom did.
And and Derek did
with every actress
who put on a Marilyn wig.
Why the hell can't I?
Can I quote you on that?
Come on.
Karen.
- Look, I
- I
After you.
- Having me fired
- Ivy, I
Was absolutely right.
You hate me.
You should.
But even you can't hate me
as much as I hate myself
for what I did.
And the crazy part
is that you don't even know
how bad it got.
That night
of your first preview in Boston,
I was a mess.
I almost
I almost did something
really stupid.
And for what?
Because I was jealous?
Because of a part
in some show?
I'm truly sorry
That I ever got
in your way.
Good luck.
You deserve it.
What happened?
And where's Frank?
Gone.
My marriage is over.
I'm so sorry.
And to think that,
I thought,
when I saw your face,
that you were gonna tell me
about the reviews.
I promised I wouldn't.
I read them opening night.
I pretended that I didn't
'cause I was so mortified.
Everything
that I've done
Has turned out so wrong.
What if I can't fix it?
I'll help you.
I'm your partner.
Eileen, hi.
I know Derek
was gonna let Ivy go.
But I've been thinking
Eileen, before we even print
a word
Sorry, excuse me, darling.
Okay, I got a plan.
You need to make a statement
in support of me, please.
I can't do that, Derek.
Yeah, you can.
Just do it.
This place is
all full of journalists.
Just pick one.
I'm serious, Eileen.
If you want me to continue
with the show, you
I don't give a damn
what you do, Derek.
There is no show.
What do you mean,
there's no show?
Someone tipped off
the government
about the money
I've been using
to finance the show
and who it came from.
Bombshell
is under investigation
and, as such, is frozen,
along
with the remaining funds.
Now,
if you'll forgive me,
I have to go talk
to my lawyers.
I saw what happen.
All this hard work
It can't really be over,
can it?
It's not unheard of,
you know.
That's crazy.
A whole year gone by
It's like waking up
from some dream.
Yeah, well,
at least you woke up.
It looks like my nightmare
is just beginning.
If I lose The Wiz
and Bombshell
Maybe I can help?
I'm still your muse,
aren't I?
Yeah,
something like that.
Look, I hope
you find something else
for yourself, Karen
Something that hits you
the way Bombshell hit me.
If you do
Give me a call.
I might need a job.
How you feeling?
As bad
as I should.
You really
don't mind me crashing here?
Not as long
as you can make room
on this sofa for me.
I'm gonna tell Sam
he should take the tour.
I'm sorry.
Single again,
at this age
Who'd want me?
Anyone
in their right mind.
Then I probably
wouldn't want them.
You know what?
Why don't you
just stay here?
- What?
- Why not?
It'll be
like old times
Or a sitcom.
Maybe even get
some work done.
Plus,
I'd get to see Leo more.
I mean,
if you really mean it,
just, you know
Just until I figure out
what's happening.
Don't make me beg.
Okay, wait.
One condition, though.
Don't hide anything
from me anymore
Not the truth,
not the newspaper.
Hand it over.
- Are you sure?
- Look
I can't feel any worse
than I do now, right?
Okay.
You're gonna need
something stronger than tea.
Hi.
You're, here
for the ensemble, right?
That's right.
You were inBombshell.
What a mess?
Actually
It was pretty great.
Hey, you done?
Bar's closing.
- Sign says
you're open till 1:00.
It's only quarter to.
Yeah, and you've been
watching your ice melt
for the past 20 minutes.
While I appreciate
you actually ordered something,
people got to get back
to their real lives.
Yeah.
This is my real life.
- Alone at a bar
at 12:45 sorry.
You really don't have
the "talking to customers"
thing down, do you?
You want to teach me?
Keep the change.
I'm good.
Thanks.
Is he always like that?
Yeah, kind of.
Hey,
don't I know you?
- I doubt it.
- Karen Cartwright?
I saw you in Bombshell.
You were incredible.
I was so sorry to read
about what happened.
Me too.
Thanks.
Hey,
will you do me a favor?
Can you sign this for me?
I know, it's really corny.
But, I have
this collection of programs
from failed musicals
Damn, I'm sorry.
I have this thing
I just start talking
before I realize
that I'm talking,
and then
It's okay.
Ky, we got to get going.
Are you two
Are you guys, like
Us?
No.
God, no.
I mean, he's not
But does it look
like we are?
You have a good night.
Forgot my phone.
Sorry.
You didn't see this.
He's not playing the piano.
He's not supposed to.
What is that he's playing?
It's
Just a song he
We wrote
for for this musical
we're working on.
Cool.
Look, you really got to go.
I'm sorry.
Derek.
Karen, it's late.
What's going on?
You need
to hear something.
What are you
talking about?
Listen.
Where are you?
What is that?
Something else.
Hello?
Excuse me.
Hey.
You're here.
I work here.
Right.
I'm sorry to ambush you.
I'm Karen, by the way.
I left you a few messages,
but you never called back.
Girls just usually call
to yell at me, so
Well, that's not
what I was calling to do.
I was hoping we could talk
about your music.
My what?
You guys are writing
a musical.
I mean, I'd love to hear more.
There's nothing to hear.
I don't
I don't write anything.
So the song you played
last week after closing,
that wasn't yours?
Your friend just lied
when he said it was
from your musical?
- Are you always like this?
- Like what?
Uptight.
I mean, if you stopped
clenching your jaw like that,
you know, you could
actually be cute.
- I don't clench my jaw.
- Relax.
- That's really rude.
- Okay, you're doing it again.
You know, my
My shift's over at 5:00,
if you want to hang out.
No, I don't
I don't want to hang out.
I just want
You know what?
Forget it.
See ya.
Dude, was that
Karen Cartwright?
No idea.
She's the girl
I told you about,
the one that was
here the other night.
She's a big deal.
She could help us.
We do it on our own,
all right?
We don't need anyone's help.
Move it.
I'm late.
Derek, it's me.
I just
wanted to let you know
I finally got in touch
with that composer.
- Hey! Hey, Karen, wait up!
- It turn
And I got
to call you back.
Hey.
Hey.
Look, I'm sorry about whatever
he said to you back there.
That guy's your friend,
right?
Why, exactly?
I know.
He's complicated.
But he's a really good guy
when you get to know him
and an amazing composer.
He's just really protective
of our stuff.
Well, I wanted to hear more,
play it for my friend Derek,
see what he thought.
Derek, as in Derek Wills?
Like like
the Derek Wills? He's
Irrelevant to this
conversation,
since your friend
clearly isn't interested.
Yes, he is.
He just doesn't know it yet,
and so am I.
Look, can you meet me
in a couple hours,
when I'm done with my shift?
There's something
I want to show you.
I realize your clients
haven't gotten paid, Saul.
No one has.
I'm truly sorry.
But mark my words, I'll have
this all ironed out,
tout de suite!
Now, if you'll excuse me
The fact I was able to stage
a single number
in the middle of that circus
you and Julia created
is nothing short
of a miracle.
"Circus" how choice.
Let's talk about you juggling
every Marilyn in the show.
Boys, there's nothing
to be gained
by turning on each other.
But it feels good.
All right, then
Maybe we should turn on you.
Did it not even seem
a little bit strange to you
that a Brooklyn bartender
and his funny little friends
had millions of dollars
in cash lying around?
I have spent
the last three hours
with the federal government
and my accountant,
going through every bill,
receipt, and pay stub
since the beginning of time.
It's all in order.
Did they say
when we could get back to work?
No, but we're still alive.
Karen is singing tonight at
the American theatre wing gala.
Every Broadway bigwig
will be there.
So, for now, I'd like
to ask both of you
please not to accept
any other project
until all of this is settled.
Yeah, I can't make that
guarantee I need to work.
You have offers
after last week's revelations?
Yeah.
Rebecca Duvall has moved on,
so have the tabloids.
So, beyond directing
one of Broadway's
biggest stars in The Wiz,
- yes, I have several offers.
- Amazing.
What a business.
Tom.
Did you pack something warm
for your trip
to the moral high ground?
Why don't you both
get out of my office?
I'll let you know
what happens tonight.
Julia and I are here for you,
whatever you need.
You are.
This is the third meeting
Julia's missed.
She had a college thing
with Leo.
It's Miriam Abramson's office
on line e on
the American theatre wing.
I'm so jealous.
You're going on tour
with The Book of Mormon,
and I can't even get a callback
for an eHarmony commercial.
You got to
bug your agent more.
Are you kidding me?
That's all I've been doing.
But you are Ivy Lynn.
She don't stay down for long.
At least you're not
Lisa McMann.
Approaching, approaching.
My God, my God,
my God, my God
I cannot face that woman today.
She's been plugging away
longer than I have.
Ivy? And Sam?
- My God!
- Lisa McMann!
Hi!
This is too funny!
I was just
thinking about you guys
and that awful
Shakespeare festival
we did in the adirondacks.
Don't remind me.
So what have you
been up to?
Stationery!
Yeah!
I got out of the biz,
and my whole life changed.
Now I make my own hours.
People actually want
what I'm offering
No more rejection,
rejection, rejection.
Here is my guesthouse.
Yeah.
How about you guys?
Hello, darling.
How's my second favorite
agent in the world?
Very sweet.
Loving the purple.
- Thank you.
- So
Got some news for me?
What's happening
with The Wiz?
Well, Ronnie's a big fan,
as you know,
and she remains that way.
She fought hard for you
with the producers.
Wait.
Am I hearing a past tense
in there?
They're letting you go.
Just because I shagged
a couple of actresses?
That's ludicrous.
Well, it's not
just because of that.
The local news has a story.
We got the heads-up
an hour ago.
Five dancers
have come forward
and are accusing you
of *** harassment.
I have the names
here somewhere.
I don't want to talk
to her assistant again.
I want to talk to her.
Looks nothing like you.
I knew I should have
moved offices.
Jerry
I'm in a particularly
tight spot,
and you owe me.
- I do?
- Yes.
You're giving me
your table tonight
for the American theatre wing
gala.
I thought you were
already going.
I thought I was too.
But Miriam Abramson's
assistant called to say
that I am no longer
on the guest list.
Is that so?
I have only a small window
of opportunity for Bombshell,
and I will not have it closed.
I refuse to be treated
like a criminal.
So
You want to be my date?
No.
You're not going.
It'll be just me
and my creative team.
I hear Julia's a mess.
The Wiz dropped Derek
like a hot potato.
Julia's fine.
And so is Derek.
My team couldn't be
more unified.
They'll sail through.
You're welcome.
Hello?
Hi, boys.
I need Julia too.
Is she there?
She's meeting
with her realtor.
What's going on, Eileen?
I'm on my way home.
Okay, we've got
a slight change of plans.
Karen's no longer
singing tonight.
Instead, it'll be
the four of us,
and I want you on
your best behavior, all of you
No fighting, no surprises,
no scandals.
Is that understood?
Bloody paparazzo.
Of course.
And, Tom, tell Julia
it's cocktail attire.
Yep.
No!
No, I can't, not tonight.
I'm not up for it,
maybe tomorrow.
You have to.
Eileen needs us.
Besides, it's been a week.
You're starting to merge
with the couch.
Some air will be
good for you.
I got some air today.
I met Leo in Riverside Park.
And then you came home
and put your pajamas back on?
I may have met him
in them.
Julia!
Look, it's
It's bad enough
that I destroyed
my family.
Now Frank is telling people,
and everyone is writing me.
I have to relive the whole thing
every time I check my email!
I know it's hard,
but we can't abandon Bombshell
in her hour of need.
None of your relatives are gonna
be at the thing tonight.
No, just industry people
That's worse.
They'll eat me alive.
Look, if there
was anywhere else
that you wanted me to go
with you tonight
The Bronx zoo, whole foods
The shower?
I am asking my friend Tom
to tell my partner Tom
that I need the night off.
Please?
I will tell Eileen
you're sick
and represent the team myself.
Thank you.
You're the best.
Yes, I am.
And I promise,
I'll get back up soon.
Just a
Just a little longer?
This is this is what
you wanted to show me?
He doesn't write
anything down, really,
except, occasionally,
when he's wasted.
This one
is particularly amazing.
He doesn't know I saved it.
Read the lyrics.
I think they start
on the cocktail menu.
I don't understand do you
guys have a musical or not?
We do.
We're still working on it,
but most of the songs
are written.
Does your friend
even know you're here?
Look
I just came
from a clearasil audition
and then found out the one thing
I was looking forward to
got canceled tonight,
so you can understand
I was hoping to get involved
with something that's real.
This obviously isn't it.
Let me know if it ever
comes together, okay?
Find someone to play this
for you.
And if you like it
or you want to hear more,
come to our place tonight
We're having some people over.
Maybe if you stop by and got
to know Jimmy a little better,
he'd let his guard down,
play you some stuff.
Think about it?
You can just
Leave it at the door,
whatever it is!
Thank you!
Julia?
It's Ivy.
Hello, Daisy.
Can I have a word?
- I can't talk to you, Derek.
- Yeah, you can.
We need to have a little chat
about your understanding
of the phrase
"*** harassment.
"
You know
I never touched you.
I didn't say you did.
You only hit on me through
four callbacks of Sweet charity,
and when I finally said
I wouldn't sleep with you,
I mysteriously lost out
on the job.
Well, as I recall,
you didn't get the job
'cause, while you were
a pretty good dancer,
you were only an okay actress,
which is why,
after all these years,
you're still teaching pilates.
You're unbelievable.
Is that really
what you came here to say?
Yeah, pretty much.
Since when is it harassment
to ask someone out on a date?
You don't get it.
You're a big-shot director.
You're in a position of power
from the minute
you wake up in the morning,
and you don't treat
that power with respect.
Or did you really think
women say yes
because they actually
like you?
I'm sorry.
I thought
I was gonna be venting to Tom.
Are you sure this is okay?
Of course, I'm thrilled
to be of use to anyone.
I know you guys
are super successful now.
But did you ever feel like
giving up?
I could barely get up
to answer the door.
I just don't know
what to do.
Now I'm going in for parts
that I would have passed on
two years ago.
Maybe I should just quit.
I've been where you are.
It's a brutal business.
But just when I'd want
to throw in the towel,
something would happen
to remind me
of why I love it
in the first place.
And thus, the dysfunctional
cycle continues.
Yeah.
- It cures everything.
- It really does.
I see
Tom, Tom, Tom, Tom, Tom, Tom!
Listen, I've been meaning
to call you.
Honey,
I've been so worried.
You are why?
If they said half the stuff
about a show of mine
they're saying about yours,
I would be on suicide watch.
Well, you know our business.
So much is exaggerated
or just plain made up.
Hey, you think I believe
half of it?
But I mean, come on,
it's absurd.
I mean,
even Derek couldn't be
as much of a dog
as they're saying.
You know, that's the kind
of thing that
And Eileen rand running
around with a drug lord?
- Well, honestly
- Wait.
I really don't know
the specifics.
Please do not thank me,
but I have ordered everyone
to stop talking about Julia
having a nervous breakdown.
Well, thank you anyway
for that.
But she's doing fine.
The split was amicable.
Well, you mean it's true?
You know what?
You have nothing
to worry about.
You are too good someone's
gonna *** you right up.
In fact,
I have this idea that
What?
No, no, no, no, no.
J-Julia and I haven't
broken up.
I was talking about
No, we're fine.
Harvey, look at me.
Julia's fine.
We are still together.
So I guess I will see
you both tonight
at that
theatre wingding thing?
Yes?
The two of you, together?
Yes, you will.
Julia will not only
be there with me,
but
We're giving a speech
A tribute,
as a team
Both of us, together.
And I will be right there
cheering you on, as always.
All right, later.
Bye.
Bye.
So it's up
to six dancers now?
Well, thank you
for telling me that, Peggy.
Clearly, you're taking
no delight whatsoever
- in my misfortune.
- Derek on two.
Bye, Peggy.
Did you not hear a word
I said to you this morning?
I didn't do anything.
You did a lot.
It's just
catching up with you now.
Yeah, whatever.
What time is this thing
again tonight?
You're not coming.
Bombshell needs ambassadors,
not another liability.
I'm sorry.
Well, Julia the adulteress
is now Ambassador,
but the serial seducer isn't?
Is this a gender thing?
You know what?
I'm hanging up now, Derek.
You're not going to
'cause I'm gonna hang up first!
Another one of these.
I have a question
for you, young mate.
If you have something
somebody wants,
does that mean you
can't sleep with them?
Dude, I don't know.
My shift's over.
Dan, he's all yours.
Come on.
All women like me.
Hello.
You're not a dancer,
by any chance, are you?
Back off, dude.
She's with me.
I think the lady
can speak for herself.
Honey, I'm home.
Listen
I may have done something.
I know.
- I heard.
- You heard?
Mary Testa just called.
She said that she heard
from Jackie Hoffman,
who heard
from Cheyenne Jackson,
who heard
from Harvey fierstein
that we're presenting
tonight?
- Yes.
Well
- You could have told me.
That's important!
I only said no because
I didn't want to sit at a table
and be silently judged
all night.
I can't say no
to the entire
American theatre wing.
How did this happen?
Okay.
First of all,
you can stand.
Good to know.
Tell me!
Well, I got a call
out of the blue
From the head
of the theatre wing
I forget her name.
Miriam Abramson.
I've met her.
Right, of course you have.
Well, apparently Miriam
needed someone
to speak
about the theatre wing
and all the beatific stuff
it does,
and when they heard
we were coming,
they thought,
who better than us?
That is so nice
The community supporting us
after everything
we've just been through.
What do you want to say?
Do you want me to just
take a stab at it?
I've already jotted down
a few thoughts.
- A few?
- My God.
My God!
I've got to do my hair.
Here, you take over
you're actually
excited about this.
Excited? No.
But I can do this.
You're my partner,
and I'm not gonna let you
stand up there alone.
And try
and keep it brief.
I hate it when
presenters run on.
Giving notes already
before I've even started
Julia's back!
Or something like that.
He's crazy good.
- Like Jonathan Larson good
- Yes.
Maybe they're writing
the nextrent.
I know.
It's amazing.
I'm not crazy for stalking
this guy, right?
Honey, I'm ready
to stalk him.
Is he straight?
He can't be straight.
I mean,
it's musical theater.
It doesn't matter
if he is or he isn't.
He's not interested in me
He called me "uptight.
"
Okay, I say this
with love,
but you did sound
a little uptight just now.
You guys,
just give her a break.
She's just out
of a three-year relationship,
and she's a little bit rusty.
She doesn't realize
when a guy is hitting on her.
You guys
are missing the point.
All I want to do is hear
the rest of his songs.
I just have
to figure out how.
I can think of one way.
I knew
you were gonna say that.
Okay, you're definitely not
writing the next Rent.
Please.
No, she isn't.
But she just gave me
a better idea.
Thanks for checking in.
Yeah, well, don't go pulling
a Lisa McMann on me
while I'm on tour, okay?
Well, maybe she's got
the right idea.
She gave it her all,
and when it didn't pan out,
she exited stage left,
and now she's
the happiest person we know.
What would you do
if you couldn't do this?
See, you don't have
an easy answer.
I gotta call you back.
Good evening.
Hi, there.
Sorry to intrude.
Miriam, lovely to see you.
I was really so touched
that you thought of us
for this honor,
especially in light
of recent events.
- I'm sorry.
What?
- God.
I was just wondering
if you knew
when in the program
that we'd be speaking.
I get a little stage fright
sometimes.
But if I know
when it's coming, then
- I don't I-I'm sorry
- Okay, pardon me, hi, hi.
Someone asked you
to speak tonight?
You did.
You asked Tom
Levitt?
No, I'm quite certain
I didn't
and wouldn't either.
Hi.
Hi.
Hi.
Sorry.
Sorry.
Sorry.
No, I'm sorry.
And you're gonna be.
Miriam.
Excuse me.
Julia.
Julia?
Can you please stay,
so we can talk about this?
I had a million reasons
to be embarrassed
before I came here tonight,
and you just created
a new one.
I got caught in a moment,
and it got away from me.
I was gonna tell you
the truth.
But when you heard about this,
you were so happy,
for the first time in weeks.
It got you off the couch.
That doesn't make it okay!
Excuse me.
I have to tell you,
I just saw heaven on Earth
again for the third time.
- Wonderful.
- I'm so glad.
The new Fella's
not so good.
- Great.
- Helpful.
Julia
Look
I'm really worried
about you.
I feel awful about everything
that you're going through
with Frank and Leo,
but it is very hard
to watch you be this down
for so long.
Well, I'm sorry.
Maybe you'd bounce back faster,
but we're different people,
and I need to do this
on my own time.
But it's not just your time.
It's mine too.
As partners, if you're down
for the count, then so am I.
Is that what this is about?
I'm holding you down?
No.
You're doing it again.
You're hiding something.
Talk to me.
I'm not made of glass.
Fine.
Word on the street is that
you couldn't hack it
on Bombshell,
that you had
a nervous breakdown,
and that I should be looking
for another writing partner
before my career goes down
with yours.
You keep promising
you'll come out of it,
but then you find another reason
to crawl back onto the couch.
I am running
out of excuses for you.
I don't want a new
writing partner, okay?
I just want my old one back.
So this is greenpoint.
Half pierogies
and half poseurs
What's not to love?
So where is this guy?
I'm looking.
I'm looking.
I'm gonna
get me some moonshine
Or that.
- That's Kyle.
Don't you dare.
- Too late.
There he is,
in the red flannel.
Okay, I'll admit
that's worth getting
on the "G" train for.
What are you waiting for?
Go say hi.
- Okay.
- Go.
Don't be uptight!
Hey.
Nice place.
Thanks.
Nice shoe.
It's sticky.
Kyle said he invited you.
I said you didn't know
where Brooklyn was.
I hate to rock your world.
I used to live in Brooklyn.
You are rocking my world.
My first apartment
was in Fort Greene, FYI.
Did it ever occur to you
I might be a little cooler
than you think?
Well, you just said "FYI,"
so, no.
So what does a girl got to do
to get a drink around here?
Ky, we need
some more brew!
That.
You can have mine
for now.
Thanks.
Okay, what is going on
with you?
God,
haven't you heard?
Well, picture
a whole line of rockettes
A big pile of girls,
all telling lies about me.
You know what I'm like.
I'm not that bad.
Come on!
Look
I know it was a big mess
at the end, and
I was a complete ***,
all right?
But I'm not a monster, am I?
Why do you care
what I think all of a sudden?
Shouldn't you be asking Karen?
Isn't she your muse?
Maybe.
Whatever.
You're my friend.
All right,
you were my friend.
I was a lot
of things, Derek.
But now I don't know
what I am anymore.
Or if I even want to stay
in this business.
You're far too good to pack
it in don't be so stupid.
I couldn't have been
that good.
I wasn't Marilyn.
You were my Marilyn.
What do I know?
I made a million
stupid mistakes.
Just prove me wrong.
You are a singular talent.
Don't give up.
I don't think
you're a monster.
Nope, not gonna happen.
Right.
Miriam
How great to see you.
What a night.
Everybody's here.
Eileen, I was told
you wouldn't be joining us
this evening.
Well, you were told wrong.
I wouldn't dream
of missing this.
After all, what's more important
to me than our community?
I would think, at this moment,
your legal troubles.
Miriam, you and I have
a long history together.
Surely you know
I'm a woman of integrity.
I have an organization
to protect.
In these economic times,
we can't afford even
a whiff of impropriety.
So I trust you'll understand
why I have to ask you
and your team to leave.
I should have known
they were here with you.
I'm so sorry no one in New York
will get to see
what you lost everything for.
Best wishes to you.
Yes.
Yeah, yeah,
I liked the strokes too,
when I was 15.
You know what you are?
A snob.
Me?
- Yeah.
- I'm a snob?
Uhhuh.
At least I'm not uptight.
No, no, don't change
the subject.
You heard me, snob.
Deal with it.
So is that the piano
you don't play?
Yeah, I play a little
Whatever
When I'm in the mood.
Well, I sing a little
when I'm in the mood.
I'll bet you do.
So how will I know
if you're in the mood.
Well
It'll be very obvious.
I might, like,
look around and
Figure out
what the vibe is.
Okay.
And then I might just
Stand up
And stretch
Warm up a bit.
I think I get the picture.
And then I
I might just finish my drink.
Oops, already did
Kind of.
Oop.
And, probably just
Sing a song.
You son of a ***.
Hold up a second!
- You stole my songs?
- What? No.
- I should kick your ***.
- Would you calm down?
I just showed her one I had
no idea she was gonna do that.
I.
.
I'm so sorry.
I didn't think
you'd get so mad.
Stay out of this, princess.
My God.
I-I just think you're
really talented.
I want to help.
I don't need your help,
all right?
I-I write for myself.
You want to go write
your own musical? Great.
Go ahead.
Leave mine alone.
It's not just yours!
Yeah, says the guy
who sits there
and watches me
write the songs.
Hey your music
is really good.
I know it's scary
to put yourself out there,
but you have to otherwise,
you're never gonna know
how good you are.
Yeah.
Well, unlike you,
I don't need other people
to tell me I'm good.
I know I'm good.
- I know I'm good too.
- Yeah?
Then why aren't you out there
onstage, in the city,
taking your curtain call,
instead of out here,
begging two strangers for a song
to help you get there!
You know, I think you should
just take your friends and go.
Don't worry.
We're going.
Well, we came, we saw,
we got shunned.
I say we go.
We're going
But not until we do something
very important.
What's going on?
I want to help.
Good.
I want the world
to see what it would miss
if Bombshel went away.
And how do we do that?
We put on a performance
they'll never forget.
I like it.
Calling Karen?
On it.
Straight to voice mail.
What do we do now?
Hi.
Sorry.
I came as fast as I could.
No, please, Ivy.
We're just so grateful to you
for doing this.
Hey, I'm just excited someone
still wants to hear me sing.
I realize
you didn't want me here,
but here I am.
Please.
None of us are supposed
to be here.
Hello.
Hi.
I'm Julia Houston.
Just wanted to make
a little impromptu tribute
to Miriam Abramson for pulling
off this incredible night.
Right?
I am happy to introduce
Ivy Lynn
One of Broadway's
future stars,
who will be singing
one of our songs
from Bombshell,
coming to Broadway
This season.
Yeah.
Now I'm ready to go.
How *** made an impresion last
night?
More than you know.
Turns out the U.
S.
attorney's
wife was there.
How about that?
What a happy coincidence.
Yes, and it seems that
we're allowed to resume work
on the show, just so long
as it's not for profit
or public consumption.
But how can you resume work
on the show
if you don't have the money
to pay anyone?
How much do you need?
I'll have my lawyer
draw up a contract.
I don't want to owe you
anything but money.
Wonderful.
Dude
Yo!
All right,
cut the cold shoulder.
Just spit it out.
You know
what I'm upset about.
You cost us our one shot
with a real Broadway actor
with actual connections.
Look, I'm sorry if I
Overreacted.
That girl just bugs me.
She's so full of herself,
you know?
Well, she's gone, so you got
your way, as always.
You know, I've been
cleaning up your messes
since we were kids.
Without me,
you wouldn't have a job
or an apartment
or any friends
because you ***
everyone off.
And that girl
was the one person
who could have
gotten us closer
to everything
I've ever wanted.
Would it have killed you to do
something for me for once?
I made coffee this morning.
And by the way,
I don't just
watch you write.
I'm writing the book
for this thing.
Selfish prick.
What's the occasion?
These are apology muffins.
They do look very guilty.
Tom, I am so sorry
for everything.
Last night I got so excited
about the show again,
just hearing Ivy
sing our song.
I promise I will work
from here to eternity
to make it up to you
And to Bombshell,
if we're lucky enough
to get another chance.
Than
and I'm sorry I lied to you.
It was dumb.
So, in the spirit
of honesty
and as your friend
and partner
Can I say something?
Yes.
It's time to retire
the scarves.
Yo.
Hey.
Sorry.
At least someone
had a good time last night.
Hey.
How did you find me?
My God,
where did you get that?
I may have left that
on their fridge last night.
What?
- What's up, Jimmy?
- Come on.
- Hey.
- You need to get back inside.
This is everything
I've written so far.
I didn't expect this.
Yeah.
The only reason
I'm trusting you with this
is because I owe it to Kyle.
Thank you.
I think this could
be really big.
I figured you might need
a little extra caffeine
this morning
and a little extra grease.
You're too kind.
And I wanted to thank you
for what you said last night.
You really helped pull me
out of my funk.
What did I say?
I'm teasing, darling
Anytime.
This storm's gonna pass
for you too.
Right now you're just
in the worst of it.
And
I'm sorry.
Is this a bad time?
Do you have company
or something?
Actually, I do.
We're just having
a little work session.
- Hey.
- Hi.
I'm sorry.
I-I didn't mean to intrude.
I heard you saved the day
last night.
I was on the subway
when they called me.
Yeah.
It was fun.
So I guess
I'll see you guys around.
Bye.
Right, then
This kid's song
better be good enough
to get me out of bed
with a stinking hangover.
Let's see, shall we?
- What was that about?
- Nothing important.