♪ I know I've kept you waiting ♪
♪ I know I made you mad ♪
♪ but this time that we've spent creating ♪
♪ was the best time I ever had ♪
♪ now I love to sit with memories ♪
♪ but they won't come until we're gone ♪
♪ so give me a kiss, and cut, print ♪
♪ moving on
♪ tell me a brand-new story ♪
♪ together we'll turn the page ♪
♪ the grass is always greener ♪
♪ on some new technicolor stage ♪
♪ and if a duckling never swims ♪
♪ she'll never become a swan ♪
♪ yes, I'm diving in, so cut, print ♪
♪ moving on
♪ yes, there have been nights I'll long to relive ♪
♪ but sometimes you gotta roam ♪
♪ you can't fight when something's gotta give ♪
♪ but you'll always be
♪ my home away from home ♪
♪ now I like to play a love scene ♪
♪ but don't let it last too long ♪
♪ play me the eight-bar intro ♪
♪ of some new, lush, romantic song ♪
♪ I'm not afraid to take that leap ♪
♪ with you to depend upon ♪
♪ now tell me your name ♪
♪ cut, print, moving on ♪
♪ we told the same jokes, we breathed the same air ♪
♪ we couldn't tell night from day ♪
♪ but just like the end of a love affair ♪
♪ we all know the time comes ♪
♪ to break away
- ♪ it's time to break away ♪ - ♪Last year we all were strangers ♪
♪ this year, we're like old friends ♪
♪ I know that this location ♪
♪ is not where our story ends ♪
♪ get up
♪ 'cause the rat race never ends ♪
♪ 'cause life is a marathon ♪
♪ and I plan to run so much more than a sprint ♪
♪ what's next?
♪ Well, I can't even give you a hint ♪
♪ but, boys, that's a wrap ♪ ♪ so cut, print
♪ moving on
♪ and on
♪ on
♪ moving on
♪ on
After you.
You can get the next one.
Okay, everyone, now 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 of 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.
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 could 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 is 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, 1950s aretha-etta James type,
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 gotta 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?
♪ A boy I go to school with calls me up for a date ♪
♪ he said, "I'll come and get you" ♪
♪ "'bout a quarter to 8:00" ♪
♪ we go off to a movie where he steals a little kiss ♪
♪ and then we Park around the corner ♪
♪ to explore a little bliss ♪
♪ I think his heart's a-pounding ♪
♪ but it isn't my man it's my mama out the window ♪
♪ with a frying pan
♪ saying, "hey there, mister, that's my little girl" ♪
♪ "keep your cultivating fingers off my precious little pearl ♪
♪ I never get to keep no company ♪
♪ because one and one is two ♪ ♪ but, baby
♪ mama makes three
now, ladies, listen up.
♪ Moved away and finally meet the man of my dreams ♪
♪ he put the diamond on my finger ♪
♪ how it sparkles and gleams ♪
♪ we have a simple wedding with the shoes and the rice ♪
♪ and then we head off to our honeymoon ♪
♪ to really break the ice ♪
♪ I whispered, "dim the lights" ♪
♪ and go to slip on something red ♪
♪ but when I turn around you know who's lying in bed ♪
♪ saying, "hey, there, mister, that's the light of my life" ♪
♪ "I ain't giving up my daughter just because she's your wife" ♪
♪ we'll never add a branch to our family tree ♪
♪ because one and one is two but, baby ♪
♪ mama makes three, ♪
♪ mama makes three, yeah ♪
♪ yeah, mama makes three
♪ yeah,
♪ hey, mama, I love you still but ♪
♪ hey, mama ♪ I've had my fill
♪ Hey, mama, you're where it began but ♪
♪ - ♪ hey, mama
♪ I love my man, hey, mama, please leave us alone ♪
♪ hey, mama, just use the phone ♪
♪ hey, mama, you had romance
- ♪ yeah, yeah - ♪ So, mama, give a girl a chance ♪
♪ just give me a chance, give me a chance ♪
♪ give a girl a chance ♪
- 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 goodgirl 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.
Bombshellwill 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 offeredBombshell 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.
♪ Let me be your star ♪
♪ let me be your star
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 just-
- 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?
I'd ask Tom, but he's a close friend.
He won't tell me the truth.
Go ahead.
What is my future with this show, exactly?
I wanna 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 rootin' for you.
So, Derek, another big moment for you.
Bombshell and The Wiz treading the boards the same season.
Mmhmm.
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.
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. T-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 on the book of mormon tour.
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 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?
Ivy, have you seen this? 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 ofThe Wizfor 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.
♪ They say the neon lights are bright ♪
♪ on Broadway
♪ they say there's always magic ♪
♪ in the air
♪ but when you're walkin' down the street ♪
♪ and you ain't got enough to eat ♪
♪ the glitter rubs right off ♪
♪ and you're nowhere
♪ They say the women treat you fine ♪
♪ on Broadway
♪ But looking at them
♪ just gives me the blues ♪
♪ 'cause how you gonna make some time ♪
♪ make some time
♪ when all you got is one thin dime ♪
♪ one thin dime
♪ and one thin dime
♪ won't even shine your shoes ♪
♪ They say that I won't last too long ♪
♪ on Broadway
♪ I'll catch a greyhound bus for home ♪
♪ they all say
♪ but they're dead wrong, I know they are ♪
♪ know they are
♪ 'cause I can play this here guitar ♪
♪ here guitar
♪ and I won't quit till I'm a star ♪
♪ on Broadway
♪ and I won't quit till I'm a star ♪
♪ on Broadway
- ♪ on Broadway - ♪ On Broadway
♪ hey, yeah
♪ hey, yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
♪ yeah
♪ on Broadway
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 still don't understand what happened.
All this hard work, it can't really be over, can it?
It's not unheard of, you know.
That's crazy. It's like 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 in Bombshell.
What a mess?
Actually...
It was pretty great.
Don't dream it's over
♪ there is freedom within
♪ there is freedom without ♪
♪ try to catch the deluge in a paper cup ♪
♪ there's a battle ahead
♪ many battles are lost ♪
♪ but you'll never see the end of the road ♪
♪ while you're traveling with me ♪
♪ hey now hey now ♪
♪ don't dream it's over ♪
♪ hey now hey now ♪
♪ when the world comes in ♪
♪ they come they come ♪
♪ to build a wall between us ♪
♪ we know that they won't win ♪
♪ now I'm towing my car ♪
♪ there's a hole in the roof ♪
♪ my possessions are causing me suspicion ♪
♪ but there's no proof
♪ hey now hey now ♪
♪ don't dream it's over ♪
♪ hey now hey now ♪
♪ when the world comes in ♪
♪ they come they come ♪
♪ to build a wall between us ♪
♪ we know that they won't win ♪
♪ don't ever let them win ♪
- Hey, you done? Bar's closing. - Sign says you're open till 1:00.
It's only a quarter-to.
Yeah, and you've been watching your ice melt for the past 20 minutes.
While I appreciate you actually ordered something,
people gotta 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 wanna 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 inBombshell.
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.
Kyle, we gotta 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.
♪ I'm high above the city ♪
♪ and standing on the ledge ♪
♪ the view from here is pretty ♪
♪ and I step off
forgot my phone. Sorry.
♪ And now I'm falling ♪
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. - ♪ that I'm from
♪ Broadway, here I come ♪
♪ the people all are pointing ♪
♪ I bet they'd never guess ♪
Derek. Karen, it's late. What's going on?
You need to hear something.
- What are you talking about? - Listen.
♪ But even though I fear it ♪
♪ I'm playing all my cards ♪
Where are you? What is that?
Something else.
♪ Baby you are gonna hear it ♪
♪ when I give them my regards ♪
♪ I'm falling baby
♪ through the sky through the sky ♪
♪ I'm falling baby through the sky ♪
♪ it's my calling baby
♪ don't you cry don't you cry ♪
♪ I'm falling down through the sky ♪
♪ and I refuse to go numb ♪
♪ Broadway, here I come ♪
♪ Broadway, here I come
♪ Broadway, Broadway, here I come ♪
♪ here I come
♪ and the last thing I hear ♪
♪ as the impact grows near ♪
♪ is it a scream or a cheer ♪
♪ well, never mind, I'll never find out ♪
♪ 'cause, Broadway, I am here ♪