Smash s02e01 Episode Script

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 jackass! 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 sexual 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 "sexual 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 snatch 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 ass, 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 bitch.
Hold up a second! - You stole my songs? - What? No.
- I should kick your ass.
- 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 piss 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.