Smash s02e05 Episode Script
The Read-Through
If you bring'em the right song, you'll be famous.
Previously on Smash I want you to meet the songwriter.
I think Hit list might be quite a good title, don't you? I'll get the beers while Jimmy plays you some songs.
On it.
Aren't you committed to Bombshell? I got the part.
I am Cecile.
Bombshell It's not a Broadway musical.
Excuse me? Was good, but it wasn't right.
- What the hell does that mean? - We should go away.
I'll rent us a car.
We can get this thing done.
Bombshell's free.
You're going to Broadway.
There was just one condition That I step down as producer.
But there is one person who is willing to step in.
I can't believe I'm not allowed to attend.
I mean, it's a reading, for God's sakes.
Eileen.
Well, none of the cast are going to be there.
No one will notice.
I'm not the one who made the ruling.
And I'm not the one who told the feds the truth when she didn't have to.
Some people still place a high value on integrity.
And I respect that.
But what that also means is that while the new draft of Bombshell is being read, you and your integrity will be having tea at the mandarin.
I made the reservation for you myself.
Sometimes I think you enjoy this a little too much Me on the sidelines, powerless.
You could never be powerless.
You're just no longer the producer.
Liz? I'm going to go see Nick.
I'll be back after visiting hours are over.
The Belasco Home of great hopes and crushing failures.
And now Bombshell.
Where's Julia? I thought she was going to meet us for the walk-through.
- Perfect.
- Oy, get off the stage.
Look, I just want to see if it'll fit.
- If what will fit? - Oh.
Possible new number we came up with for the top of act two.
The entr'acte swells, and the curtain rises on Marilyn's plane landing on the stage.
Picture it.
All: here she is Miss Marilyn Monroe will she have the answers that our readers want to know? from India and Paris and from just across the pond All: we have so many questions for America's smart dumb blonde here I am I dropped in from the sky for look and life and all the boys from peek and U.
P.
I.
All: please, let us peek behind closed doors where no one is allowed well, I'm pretty good in private but the truth is I'm better in a crowd All: Marilyn, Marilyn! Over here! Over here! I relate to men of so many nations but public relations are my favorite kind all: you're the story that we're glad we're assigned dealing with one man can lead to frustrations but public relations I have never declined all: 'cause we're the guys who'll never leave you behind a bunch of men with pad and pen is a way to have some fun all: Uh-huh.
But, ladies, listen to me confidentially all: Yes? Nothing ever beats a one-on-one still, you have come to me for sex in quotations so I'll use public relations to give you a piece of my mind All: give me, give me a piece of your mind 'cause the answer to a question is the way you're defined, like What do you sleep in? Well, I adore Chanel no.
5 and not much more.
All: Or Any advice for a girl in the city? If you're two-faced, at least make one of them pretty.
All: Well The studio says lateness is your favorite crime.
True, I've been on a calendar, but never on time.
All: So When you posed nude, your inhibitions were gone? Well, that's not quite true.
I kept the radio on.
All: ahh yes, to chase the blues, boys I chase the newsboys fame has plenty of perks when your life's a mess all: call the foreign press - be they Indian - Parisian - British - German - or Turks all: Yeah! I am glad you crave my best conjugations all: Yeah! Yes, public relations is my favorite sound 'cause when I'm alone, I can All: pick up the phone 'cause the fourth estate all: is always around yes, it's just good public relations Are you done? [Sighs.]
My God, it's going to look incredible in here.
And this brilliant idea Is it in Julia's new draft? As far as I know.
- Ah, she can tell us herself.
- Hi.
Sorry we're late.
Public relations is in the show, right? I guess I would know that if I'd gotten a script yesterday We had the car all packed.
And then we came up with this amazing end to act one, so we just decided To stay one more night and put it in.
Cutting each other off, calling each other "we" It's almost adorable.
Okay, here's an idea.
Let's just jump to the part I care about, all right? Have you got a brilliant book for the read-through this afternoon? - There is.
- Good.
Usually you're a complete wreck before a reading.
What gives? She has absolutely no reason to be nervous.
Oh, you should be.
Jerry's made it perfectly clear that he's got no problem pulling the plug if this doesn't go flawlessly.
We can't afford for you to stumble again, and neither can your career.
Tom, should we go and check the fly space? - Maybe we should postpone - Hmm.
Just give it one last look to make sure that everything's there.
There's the Julia Tom was talking about.
Don't worry.
You did great work.
It's going to exceed their expectations.
What about the Liz Taylor sequence? I know you wanted me to put it in, and I didn't.
And you were right not to.
Trust your instincts, Julia.
I trust mine.
I know your name's on the line.
I stand behind what you did 100%.
Okay.
You know, in the 21st century, you can call a guy.
Not without good reason.
It'll look like I care about what happened.
You do.
It's all you've talked about all week.
It's not like I want to.
I just can't stop myself.
[Cell phone ringing.]
Oh.
Ah.
- Hello, Derek.
- Guess where I am Your future theater.
I can't believe it's finally happening.
Well, let's hope it is.
If the read-through is a bust this afternoon, I'm not sure where we're going to be.
Right, the read-through.
Sure you still don't want me? No, we just need to hear it clean, you know A couple of random readers and the creative team's ears.
If it doesn't work in that room, then all the money in the world isn't going to save it.
How are our boys getting along? - I haven't heard from them.
- Only 'cause she won't call.
You know, a lot of people have been asking about them since Ronnie's concert.
We need to take advantage of that.
How? Well, I have a friend who runs the winter fringe festival.
I persuaded her to give Hit list a slot.
You have time for something like that with Bombshell where it is? Eh, the fringe isn't a big commitment.
It's just a place to throw up a work in progress and see how it plays for a few days.
You're hedging your ts in case Julia doesn't deliver.
Yeah, just tell them the news, all right? - Okay.
- See you later.
Something tells me you just found your good reason to call.
Mama, he was merely being friendly.
Am I not allowed to speak to an old family friend? Okay, everyone, we're going to break here.
Uh, we just got word.
Terry Falls is on his way up.
Well, well, Terry Falls is finally gracing us with his presence.
We've only been rehearsing a week without him.
He's a big movie star.
If it wasn't for him, Liaisons would never have gotten a revival.
I know.
But with him as Valmont That's like hiring Jim Carrey to play king lear.
Ladies and gentlemen, may I please introduce Liaison's Vicomte de Valmont, Terry Falls.
[Applause.]
It is an honor and privilege to be here.
Please, please, please, forgive my delay.
I assure you, I will integrate smoothly.
Already memorized.
That's great.
Uh, everyone, we're going to pick it up from, uh, Terry's first scene.
Okay, Terry, we're going to have you enter stage right.
And so um, sorry, no.
Up this way.
Up the stairs here.
Okay? Well, is it your right or my right? It's the stage right, which is to the right, this way.
Okay.
- These are the stairs.
- That's the left.
- No, this is stage right.
- Okay.
Just pick it up from there.
Okay? W-whenever you're ready.
Okay.
Mm.
Ah [Clicking tongue.]
Hi, everyone.
All: Hi.
[Affected French accent.]
Marquise Isabelle de Mer Marquise Isabelle de Merteuil.
Madame de V Madame de Volanges.
It is a delight to see you both.
[Blows raspberry, chuckles.]
And this must be - Cecile de Volanges.
- Ah, yes.
Young Cecile.
My, how you have grown.
The work just flowed.
It was easy.
You know how we tend to overthink things.
- We do? - Come on, you know we do.
But Peter helped me learn how to just go with my gut.
There's something about that guy.
I can't put my finger on it.
I felt the same.
You know that.
But it turns out he is a true collaborator.
Want to have lunch and tell me about it? Leo and I are having lunch, and then Peter and I need to go over a few things.
Tom, I promise, you have no reason to feel jealous.
It's not that.
It's Robbie Baitz, 12:00.
- Got to go.
- Are you kidding? Oh, my God.
That was years ago.
I know, and he still hasn't gotten over me.
You mean you couldn't handle his talent and success? Either way, got to go.
Julia! Was that Tom? No.
[Chuckles.]
I heard about Bombshell at the Belasco.
Congratulations.
- Thank you.
- Yeah.
Uh, you're working with Peter gilman, right? Yes, yeah.
Uh, I am.
He worked with my friend Leslie.
He's not a writer's friend.
He encouraged her to take her show in completely the wrong direction, and then when it crashed and burned, there he was, standing in the wings with a new draft of his own.
That doesn't sound like the Peter I know.
Well, this Peter told her he would stand behind her work 100%.
He stood behind her, all right.
Then he stabbed her in the back.
Uh, maybe I'm wrong.
I hope so.
Good luck.
The fringe? With Derek Wills directing? In two weeks? That's completely insane.
As you can see, he isn't excited at all.
You guys didn't come all the way out to greenpoint just to tell us that, did you? No, I also thought maybe we should have a reading today.
A reading today? Derek said it's the best way to hear what you have.
I sent out some emails to see if anyone was free.
A bunch of people responded, if you're interested.
Your friends would really come here? People like to be a part of new work.
Plus, they've heard your music.
Yeah, now they can hear your words that go along with them.
Thanks a lot, Karen.
You're really looking out for us.
It means a lot.
Hey.
Is there coffee? Yeah, it's on the stove.
You guys want some coffee? - Um - No, I'm good.
[Indistinct chatter.]
Hit it.
[Upbeat jazz music.]
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight one, two, three, four, five, six one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight one, two, three, four, five, six one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight five, six, seven, eight! Tom, he's playing the whole thing like is a comedy.
He's pausing for laughs.
- No.
- Yes.
He's taken this beautiful, dramatic gem and turned it into Spamalot.
I just don't understand.
Why did he even bother signing up for it if he was just going to do what he always does? He's probably thinking, "you don't hire a comedy star and ask him to play it straight.
" And now everyone's too afraid to tell him the truth.
So you're telling me I finally broke out of the ensemble to get a role in a show that's actually going to Broadway, only to have it ruined by a literal clown and a bunch of cowards? If the clown shoe fits.
What about Bombshell? Isn't the read-through today? Julia and the dramaturg are so busy in their bubble, she didn't get back in time to show it to me.
You're having a read-through with a book you didn't read? You should see her.
She's so calm, like a pod person.
It used to drive me nuts, how crazy she would get before a reading.
[Acoustic guitar ringtone.]
Now I would kill for just one tiny, irrational Hello.
Where are you? I'm freaking out.
- Oh, thank God.
- Huh? What? Uh, I mean, I'm I'm on my way.
Well, I guess now I know why he didn't call.
But then why did he kiss me? Because he was high.
He might've kissed anyone.
I'm sorry.
It's not your fault.
I'm the one who can't stop thinking about him.
Why do I care so much? Because he's hot and talented.
But he's also a player.
And after everything you've been through this year, do you really want to go through that again? Is Hit list really worth it? - I mean, there'll be other shows.
- Not like this one.
You haven't even read it.
Then we'll know in two hours.
Okay, look, if it's really that important to you, you need to set a boundary.
Let him know you need to keep your relationship professional.
He can't just go around kissing you, high or not.
- Okay? - Okay.
I went all the way up there, only to be turned away.
No, I highly doubt that Nick felder refused to see me.
So why don't you just rectify the situation? Or I'll have to call your superiors.
And by the way, you're terrible at your job.
Okay.
[Sighs.]
What's the plan if Julia doesn't come through with this new draft? Why don't you ask Jerry? I'm asking you, my producer.
So what happens if the work still isn't there? Do we postpone till next season? Do we get Julia to step down? What? 'Cause I've got momentum going after Ronnie's concert, and I want to keep it.
I wish I could talk to you about Bombshell, Derek, but I can't.
So please don't make this any harder than it already is.
You all right? How would you feel if you lost everything you cared about suddenly? I wouldn't be sitting on my ass feeling sorry for myself.
Don't talk to me like that.
I'm not one of your actresses.
No, you're not.
You're Eileen Rand.
And the last time I checked, when she wanted something badly enough, she found a way to get it.
It could all just be stupid gossip.
But you said it yourself when we met him, script doctors are not to be trusted.
Yeah, but he was different.
I felt so inspired by him, by his by his commitment to the project.
Has he been playing me this whole time? Well, let's look at the facts.
Peter lied about not seeing the show in Boston.
He lied when he said he only had a few thoughts.
He lied about asking you to speak to his class and never told you about that Leslie woman Okay, we need to talk to Jerry right now, tell him what Peter might be trying to do.
What? You cut me off and said "we.
" Cute.
Hey, look at that Finished.
Just the first act.
Karen said we should only do one in the fringe, leave people wanting more.
- You happy with it? - Are you kidding me? Your songs, my scenes We're going to blow people away.
I better go.
We need ten copies in a half an hour.
You haven't made copies yet? Come on, I'll go with you.
[Door closes.]
- Bye.
- Bye.
Terry, hi.
[Chuckles.]
I didn't properly introduce myself.
- Ivy Lynn.
- Nice to meet you.
So far, pretty fun stuff in there, n'est-ce pas? Yeah, I mean, for a drama.
Yeah.
What? Well, some could even call it a tragedy.
Why? It's funny.
Well, it's witty, but it's not Broad.
Of course it isn't.
I was just playing a practical joke on everyone.
Oh.
Wasn't it hilarious? A drama.
Are you sure? You you die in the end.
Yes, but in a sword fight.
That could be funny.
Yeah, but it's not supposed to be.
The show had people weeping when it was first done.
Weeping.
[Sighs.]
Thank you, Abby.
- Ivy.
- Ivy.
That was very brave of you.
No one else would've had the guts to tell me.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.
A tragedy? What a challenge.
We got it all, right? Oh, you're missing voice in a dream.
I'll get it.
I should probably start getting this place ready, anyway.
I can help you.
No, you stay where you are Where I can see you.
[Death cab for cutie's some boys.]
Ooh, ooh, ooh ooh, ooh, ooh yeah some boys are filling some boys are filling the hole they're making the killing at the top of the billing it's their role and that's all that they know but some boys don't listen some boys don't listen at all they don't ask for permission they lack inhibitions, no walls and they get what they want but some boys don't know how to love some boys are singing some boys are singing the blues yeah joylessly flinging with the girls that they're bringing to their rooms and then leave when they're through some boys are sleeping some boys are sleeping alone mm 'cause there's no one that's keeping them warm through the evening they know that they're on their own 'cause some boys don't know how to love Jimmy [Door buzzer.]
I'll get it.
Hi.
Jerry stepped out.
Can I help you with anything? Just tell him to call us when he gets back.
We'll be in the neighborhood.
And it's important.
Sure thing.
I'm sorry.
I have to confess something.
I read the new draft of Bombshell.
Jerry said I could read it, as long as I promised not to tell anyone, but It was just so good, and here you both are.
I had to say something.
Tell me something.
Did you like the Elizabeth Taylor sequence? Oh, my God, yes.
Did they really hate each other that much? You didn't have a Liz Taylor sequence? No.
Peter wanted me to.
I didn't think it fit in with the theme anymore.
Just one more thing, margot What does Jerry think of the new draft? He said he can't wait to produce it.
Can I ask one question, though? Why'd you change the title? I really liked Bombshell.
So did we.
[Indistinct chatter.]
Hey.
There you are.
We've been waiting for you.
I need to talk to you about something.
- No, no, it's okay.
I'm fine.
- Hey.
No, not about that.
Um, when we were making copies, I read some of it, and it's, um You know, it's a little rough.
Well, that's what readings are for, right? Hey, everyone.
Uh, thank you so much for coming.
Uh, there is beer and water in the kitchen.
Hard copies of the script are being passed out to you now, and when it comes to the music, Karen, Ana, Kyle, and I will take care of that at the piano here.
Thanks for inviting us.
You know I love the music.
Can't wait to hear your side of it.
What part am I playing? Okay, so I have it all set up for you.
- Mm-hmm.
- Yeah, so you can just sit - You would do that for me? - Okay.
Thank you.
Eileen What are you doing here? I'm here for the reading.
You can't be.
I've been involved with this show since its inception, and I'll be damned if I'm going to be taking tea while its course is being set ten blocks away.
I lost one love, and I'm not going to lose another.
And if anyone has a problem with that, they can take me out in handcuffs.
Am I clear? [Chuckles.]
Margot, get the producer a script.
And just like that I'm not worried anymore.
I talked to Terry.
It's going to be fine.
He didn't even know it was a drama.
Really? I think we're going to see a big change now.
Okay, can I get everyone's attention, please? Can I get everyone's attention? Uh, Terry and I have just been talking about the tone.
Oh, thank God.
And we want the performances to all be a little more cohesive.
- Cohesive.
- Yes.
So with that in mind, if we could all try to match Terry, that would be wonderful.
Yeah, let's lighten it up, folks.
Find the funny in every look.
This show can and should Be hilarious.
[Chuckles.]
I know what you did.
What are you talking about? I know there's a second script of Bombshell that you wrote, and you're waiting for me to fail today so that you can take over.
I'm canceling the reading, and I'm having you fired.
Just thought I should tell you myself.
- Hey, listen to me.
- Hmm? I don't know what you're talking about.
We went away.
I helped you write what I think is the best work you've ever done Some of the best work I've ever seen.
And I truly believe, when this reading is over, you and everyone else will think that too.
What about that woman, Leslie, and her script? [Scoffs.]
Leslie Rogers was an alcoholic.
She was so drunk, she couldn't even type a complete sentence.
I had no choice but to write it for her.
Now, if Jerry has another script, it's not mine.
Oh, God.
I'm so confused.
Trust your gut.
What does it say? Are we good? I need to hear it.
Julia [Scoffs.]
If it's bad, it's over.
If I don't hear it, I'll never know.
Let's go.
Let me wash away You can find me after the sun Let me wash away I'm caught in the storm caught in the rain caught in the rush that hides this pain when you love someone, you find a way to stay caught in the storm Jesse turns to see Amanda.
I'm back, and I'm sick.
Help me.
Help me, Jesse.
Help me, please.
Help me.
Amanda collapses into Jesse's arms.
Blackout.
End of act one.
[Exhales deeply.]
Uh Thanks for having us.
I it's getting a little late.
I should probably go.
- Yeah.
- It's not even 5:00.
Wait.
What's going on? You're all leaving? The songs are great.
The songs? That's all you have to say? The concept's cool, but the dialogue and the characters Come on, guys, I can't be the only one who sees this.
Are you saying it was bad? - It just needs some work.
- I wouldn't say "some.
" No, you just didn't get it because it's not what you're used to.
It's not Broadway.
Yeah, it's not good, so It's original.
- Kyle - Don't.
You're the only reason this is happening right now.
- Kyle - They're wrong, Jimmy.
You read it.
You told me it was good.
Tell them.
I'm I'm sorry, man.
Screw all of you.
[Cell phone vibrates.]
[Door opens.]
[Door closes.]
Why isn't anyone saying anything? Was it that bad? No.
It's that good.
It is brilliant.
[Applause.]
It's wonderful Both of you.
I told you it was perfect.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry you doubted yourself.
Ah! Valmont, of course you would arrive at such an inopportune time.
[Affected French accent.]
Why, Cecile I heard you were under the weather.
I trust that now that your illness has passed [Imitates flatulence.]
You're feeling more like your old self? Is nothing spared your cruel Wit? From birth to death, is it just one long pantomime for you to mock? No, my dear.
Most pantomimes are far more amusing.
I was to bear your child No matter what treachery made it so.
My fullness was my joy, and now, for it all to end, and to be left with your sneers and your jokes You are a monster, Valmont.
Please leave me be.
[Indistinct chatter.]
[Sighs.]
When he showed me the pages, I just I guess I wanted it to be good so badly, I convinced myself it was, you know? The ideas are really good.
I can see why you felt that way.
Plus, he's Kyle.
I mean, he's been eating and sleeping this stuff since he was a kid.
[Cell phone ringing.]
I just assumed that he knew something I didn't.
Oh, God.
Derek.
He's probably calling to see why I haven't sent him a copy yet.
What are you going to tell him? - Karen? - I I haven't sent you the script yet because we have to That's not why I'm calling.
We just finished the Bombshell reading.
It was amazing.
- Really? - Yep.
Get ready, darling.
If we get this right, you'll win every award in town.
Hit list can wait.
I want you to focus on Bombshell now, okay? [Knocking on window.]
Look, I've got to go.
[Sighs.]
It's over, isn't it? Hi.
I-I was just wondering if you needed anything.
How did you do it? You were so raw, so connected.
You moved an entire room with just your voice, and there I was [Affected French accent.]
"No, my dear, most pantomimes are far more amusing.
" [Blows raspberry.]
[Normal voice.]
I mean it.
How did you do it? Well You know how scary performing is.
Not really.
Well, you should, 'cause if you're not scared, the work won't be good.
I'm never scared About anything.
Well, that's not true.
You're obviously scared to do this show the way it was originally intended, and you should.
It's terrifying.
But that fear can transform you If you just let yourself feel it.
Feel it, huh? Every moment.
Hmm.
[Sighs.]
If you want to blame me, you should.
I pushed for this.
I never asked if you were ready.
I thought I was.
That's the problem.
How can you be so bad at something that you love so much? - This was your first try.
- [Scoffs.]
No.
I don't have it.
You and Jimmy do.
You had it from birth.
I don't.
I didn't have it.
I had to work for it, hard Singing lessons, dance lessons, acting classes.
You can't just expect to wake up one day and write the next great American musical.
Jimmy could.
Wouldn't it have been awesome if I could too? [Buzzer.]
They turned me away this morning.
Was that a mistake? It wasn't.
I told them to.
Why? They're moving me upstate next week.
- So? - "So?" I know you you're going to drive eight hours in a hailstorm just to make sure that I'm okay.
Yes, that's true.
You're an amazing woman, and I don't want you to waste one ounce of your time waiting for me.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry too.
Listen, I've been in so many readings that went way worse than that.
I don't see how that's possible.
[Chuckles.]
Oh, my God.
The one that took place on the subway, but it was actually purgatory or the one where U.
S.
soldiers switched bodies with Iraqis.
And don't even get me started on Towering inferno The musical.
You really care about Kyle, don't you? He's my family.
You know, you're not as bad a guy as you try to seem.
Thanks.
[Scoffs.]
But even if you're just a little bad, could you maybe leave Karen out of it? Excuse me? She's a really special person, and she's been through a lot this year.
So work together, sure, but Don't toy with her, okay? Julia, what we just heard is a major accomplishment, an artistic triumph.
I'm not going to produce it.
- Excuse me? - You're out of your mind.
Were we at the same reading? That is some of the best writing for a musical I've heard in years.
I agree, but it's not Broadway.
Look, I'm a producer.
I want to make money.
And this version might win some awards, but it's not going to put asses in the seats for years and years to come, and that's what I'm interested in.
You're actually suggesting that this is too good for Broadway.
Follies, Grey gardens, Ragtime, Sunday in the park with George Oh, God.
They didn't recoup their investment.
Look, if you want to take it to the public theater, I won't stand in the way.
[Laughs.]
As for the Belasco, this version will not appear on that stage.
If Eileen could hear you now She'd agree with me.
I seriously doubt that.
So you would rather not produce Bombshell than produce this version? I have every intention of producing Bombshell.
I have a version that I love, and that's the one I intend to use.
My contract clearly states that you cannot use anyone else's work but mine unless I let you.
I'm not using anyone else's work.
I'm using yours.
Oh, my God.
That's the workshop draft from seven months ago.
How did you get this? He sent it to me last week.
I didn't even remember send it to Jerry a week ago, when he came on board, he asked to see all the drafts.
Did you send them all? I sent him one, but it wasn't malicious.
It was just the draft I liked the most.
You know that I haven't been able to stop talking about it since I watched it.
Okay The workshop was the first draft.
This is the final one.
I say we get Jerry in here, and we tell him that this is what we are both committed to.
I can't.
You've written an incredibly rich and layered show about the men who created Marilyn, but I've always been more interested in how Marilyn created herself.
When I stood on that Broadway stage today, that's what I saw.
That's the story I want to tell, and that's just not what you and Peter came back with.
All right, children, we need a decision.
Since I agree with Julia and you agree with Jerry, we need a tie breaker.
Who? Eileen.
Whatever she says goes.
- Absolutely.
- Fine.
Let's go.
- Ivy, I have to talk to you.
- Again? I've had a major breakthrough.
Really? That's wonderful.
Yeah, hearing what you said about being scared, no inhibitions, no barriers, no, you know, spin I knew that's the kind of dramatic actor I want to be.
So I've decided to go off my meds.
What? The Zoloft, the Ambien, the Adderall, definitely the lithium.
My God.
Good riddance, lithium, right? I've been in a 20-year haze of psychopharmaceuticals, and, sure, while they relieve my A.
D.
D.
, anxiety, mood swings, psychotic breaks, what have you, they're cutting me off from my own humanity, from feeling every moment.
Uh Oh, Ivy, I am so excited.
I've already started to have thoughts, impulses, images.
I'm going to be vibrant again, Ivy.
I am going to feel.
What is love like? What is hope like? What is fear like? What is sex like? Going down.
Want to come with? [Elevator Bell dings.]
It's just embarrassing.
Your songs are so good, and my stuff Might not be yet, all right? There's been plenty of shows that got better as they went along.
Yeah, look at Rent or Next to normal.
Or Bombshell.
But if I hadn't messed up, then we would be at the fringe with Derek directing in two weeks.
So we miss out on this opportunity, all right? We'll get the next one.
I just wish the whole show could be your songs.
Then we'd be in good shape.
Why can't it? What are you talking about? You just mentioned Rent.
It started as a book musical, but by the time it got to off-Broadway The dialogue was gone, and it was all songs.
Sung through.
Jimmy could write some new songs to fill the gaps where the dialogue used to be.
It's still your story, Kyle, and if you work fast enough, we could still go for fringe.
All we need is a first act.
I think it could work.
Kyle? I'll get the book.
Then we'll start thinking about what songs we need.
Hey, uh, can I can I talk to you about something? I'm going to get some more booze.
Uh I need to talk to you about what happened at Ronnie's concert.
You don't have to say anything.
I know, but I want to.
I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have done that, especially now that we're working together, you know? Yeah, I think that's a good idea.
Kyle told me about your situation.
I didn't know.
Hmm? My situation? It's just that I usually don't like a lot of people [Chuckles.]
And you're pretty cool, so Just don't let me down, okay? I won't.
Uh, friends? S sure.
Friends.
Are you sure she's dating Derek? Because I still don't get that vibe.
He dates all his leading ladies.
You know that.
[Sighs.]
[Overlapping shouting.]
Enough! After all the bumps in the road, has it really come to this The four of you unable to reach a consensus? We've agreed to let you choose.
You remember the workshop.
You were at this reading.
Look, from an audience standpoint, what would you spend $200 and give two hours of your time for? A sexy, provocative, insightful musical about Marilyn and the men who made her? Or a lush, dazzling, still insightful spectacle about a girl who became an icon? It's all you, Eileen.
Whatever you say goes As it should be.
Well Since it's up to me
Previously on Smash I want you to meet the songwriter.
I think Hit list might be quite a good title, don't you? I'll get the beers while Jimmy plays you some songs.
On it.
Aren't you committed to Bombshell? I got the part.
I am Cecile.
Bombshell It's not a Broadway musical.
Excuse me? Was good, but it wasn't right.
- What the hell does that mean? - We should go away.
I'll rent us a car.
We can get this thing done.
Bombshell's free.
You're going to Broadway.
There was just one condition That I step down as producer.
But there is one person who is willing to step in.
I can't believe I'm not allowed to attend.
I mean, it's a reading, for God's sakes.
Eileen.
Well, none of the cast are going to be there.
No one will notice.
I'm not the one who made the ruling.
And I'm not the one who told the feds the truth when she didn't have to.
Some people still place a high value on integrity.
And I respect that.
But what that also means is that while the new draft of Bombshell is being read, you and your integrity will be having tea at the mandarin.
I made the reservation for you myself.
Sometimes I think you enjoy this a little too much Me on the sidelines, powerless.
You could never be powerless.
You're just no longer the producer.
Liz? I'm going to go see Nick.
I'll be back after visiting hours are over.
The Belasco Home of great hopes and crushing failures.
And now Bombshell.
Where's Julia? I thought she was going to meet us for the walk-through.
- Perfect.
- Oy, get off the stage.
Look, I just want to see if it'll fit.
- If what will fit? - Oh.
Possible new number we came up with for the top of act two.
The entr'acte swells, and the curtain rises on Marilyn's plane landing on the stage.
Picture it.
All: here she is Miss Marilyn Monroe will she have the answers that our readers want to know? from India and Paris and from just across the pond All: we have so many questions for America's smart dumb blonde here I am I dropped in from the sky for look and life and all the boys from peek and U.
P.
I.
All: please, let us peek behind closed doors where no one is allowed well, I'm pretty good in private but the truth is I'm better in a crowd All: Marilyn, Marilyn! Over here! Over here! I relate to men of so many nations but public relations are my favorite kind all: you're the story that we're glad we're assigned dealing with one man can lead to frustrations but public relations I have never declined all: 'cause we're the guys who'll never leave you behind a bunch of men with pad and pen is a way to have some fun all: Uh-huh.
But, ladies, listen to me confidentially all: Yes? Nothing ever beats a one-on-one still, you have come to me for sex in quotations so I'll use public relations to give you a piece of my mind All: give me, give me a piece of your mind 'cause the answer to a question is the way you're defined, like What do you sleep in? Well, I adore Chanel no.
5 and not much more.
All: Or Any advice for a girl in the city? If you're two-faced, at least make one of them pretty.
All: Well The studio says lateness is your favorite crime.
True, I've been on a calendar, but never on time.
All: So When you posed nude, your inhibitions were gone? Well, that's not quite true.
I kept the radio on.
All: ahh yes, to chase the blues, boys I chase the newsboys fame has plenty of perks when your life's a mess all: call the foreign press - be they Indian - Parisian - British - German - or Turks all: Yeah! I am glad you crave my best conjugations all: Yeah! Yes, public relations is my favorite sound 'cause when I'm alone, I can All: pick up the phone 'cause the fourth estate all: is always around yes, it's just good public relations Are you done? [Sighs.]
My God, it's going to look incredible in here.
And this brilliant idea Is it in Julia's new draft? As far as I know.
- Ah, she can tell us herself.
- Hi.
Sorry we're late.
Public relations is in the show, right? I guess I would know that if I'd gotten a script yesterday We had the car all packed.
And then we came up with this amazing end to act one, so we just decided To stay one more night and put it in.
Cutting each other off, calling each other "we" It's almost adorable.
Okay, here's an idea.
Let's just jump to the part I care about, all right? Have you got a brilliant book for the read-through this afternoon? - There is.
- Good.
Usually you're a complete wreck before a reading.
What gives? She has absolutely no reason to be nervous.
Oh, you should be.
Jerry's made it perfectly clear that he's got no problem pulling the plug if this doesn't go flawlessly.
We can't afford for you to stumble again, and neither can your career.
Tom, should we go and check the fly space? - Maybe we should postpone - Hmm.
Just give it one last look to make sure that everything's there.
There's the Julia Tom was talking about.
Don't worry.
You did great work.
It's going to exceed their expectations.
What about the Liz Taylor sequence? I know you wanted me to put it in, and I didn't.
And you were right not to.
Trust your instincts, Julia.
I trust mine.
I know your name's on the line.
I stand behind what you did 100%.
Okay.
You know, in the 21st century, you can call a guy.
Not without good reason.
It'll look like I care about what happened.
You do.
It's all you've talked about all week.
It's not like I want to.
I just can't stop myself.
[Cell phone ringing.]
Oh.
Ah.
- Hello, Derek.
- Guess where I am Your future theater.
I can't believe it's finally happening.
Well, let's hope it is.
If the read-through is a bust this afternoon, I'm not sure where we're going to be.
Right, the read-through.
Sure you still don't want me? No, we just need to hear it clean, you know A couple of random readers and the creative team's ears.
If it doesn't work in that room, then all the money in the world isn't going to save it.
How are our boys getting along? - I haven't heard from them.
- Only 'cause she won't call.
You know, a lot of people have been asking about them since Ronnie's concert.
We need to take advantage of that.
How? Well, I have a friend who runs the winter fringe festival.
I persuaded her to give Hit list a slot.
You have time for something like that with Bombshell where it is? Eh, the fringe isn't a big commitment.
It's just a place to throw up a work in progress and see how it plays for a few days.
You're hedging your ts in case Julia doesn't deliver.
Yeah, just tell them the news, all right? - Okay.
- See you later.
Something tells me you just found your good reason to call.
Mama, he was merely being friendly.
Am I not allowed to speak to an old family friend? Okay, everyone, we're going to break here.
Uh, we just got word.
Terry Falls is on his way up.
Well, well, Terry Falls is finally gracing us with his presence.
We've only been rehearsing a week without him.
He's a big movie star.
If it wasn't for him, Liaisons would never have gotten a revival.
I know.
But with him as Valmont That's like hiring Jim Carrey to play king lear.
Ladies and gentlemen, may I please introduce Liaison's Vicomte de Valmont, Terry Falls.
[Applause.]
It is an honor and privilege to be here.
Please, please, please, forgive my delay.
I assure you, I will integrate smoothly.
Already memorized.
That's great.
Uh, everyone, we're going to pick it up from, uh, Terry's first scene.
Okay, Terry, we're going to have you enter stage right.
And so um, sorry, no.
Up this way.
Up the stairs here.
Okay? Well, is it your right or my right? It's the stage right, which is to the right, this way.
Okay.
- These are the stairs.
- That's the left.
- No, this is stage right.
- Okay.
Just pick it up from there.
Okay? W-whenever you're ready.
Okay.
Mm.
Ah [Clicking tongue.]
Hi, everyone.
All: Hi.
[Affected French accent.]
Marquise Isabelle de Mer Marquise Isabelle de Merteuil.
Madame de V Madame de Volanges.
It is a delight to see you both.
[Blows raspberry, chuckles.]
And this must be - Cecile de Volanges.
- Ah, yes.
Young Cecile.
My, how you have grown.
The work just flowed.
It was easy.
You know how we tend to overthink things.
- We do? - Come on, you know we do.
But Peter helped me learn how to just go with my gut.
There's something about that guy.
I can't put my finger on it.
I felt the same.
You know that.
But it turns out he is a true collaborator.
Want to have lunch and tell me about it? Leo and I are having lunch, and then Peter and I need to go over a few things.
Tom, I promise, you have no reason to feel jealous.
It's not that.
It's Robbie Baitz, 12:00.
- Got to go.
- Are you kidding? Oh, my God.
That was years ago.
I know, and he still hasn't gotten over me.
You mean you couldn't handle his talent and success? Either way, got to go.
Julia! Was that Tom? No.
[Chuckles.]
I heard about Bombshell at the Belasco.
Congratulations.
- Thank you.
- Yeah.
Uh, you're working with Peter gilman, right? Yes, yeah.
Uh, I am.
He worked with my friend Leslie.
He's not a writer's friend.
He encouraged her to take her show in completely the wrong direction, and then when it crashed and burned, there he was, standing in the wings with a new draft of his own.
That doesn't sound like the Peter I know.
Well, this Peter told her he would stand behind her work 100%.
He stood behind her, all right.
Then he stabbed her in the back.
Uh, maybe I'm wrong.
I hope so.
Good luck.
The fringe? With Derek Wills directing? In two weeks? That's completely insane.
As you can see, he isn't excited at all.
You guys didn't come all the way out to greenpoint just to tell us that, did you? No, I also thought maybe we should have a reading today.
A reading today? Derek said it's the best way to hear what you have.
I sent out some emails to see if anyone was free.
A bunch of people responded, if you're interested.
Your friends would really come here? People like to be a part of new work.
Plus, they've heard your music.
Yeah, now they can hear your words that go along with them.
Thanks a lot, Karen.
You're really looking out for us.
It means a lot.
Hey.
Is there coffee? Yeah, it's on the stove.
You guys want some coffee? - Um - No, I'm good.
[Indistinct chatter.]
Hit it.
[Upbeat jazz music.]
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight one, two, three, four, five, six one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight one, two, three, four, five, six one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight five, six, seven, eight! Tom, he's playing the whole thing like is a comedy.
He's pausing for laughs.
- No.
- Yes.
He's taken this beautiful, dramatic gem and turned it into Spamalot.
I just don't understand.
Why did he even bother signing up for it if he was just going to do what he always does? He's probably thinking, "you don't hire a comedy star and ask him to play it straight.
" And now everyone's too afraid to tell him the truth.
So you're telling me I finally broke out of the ensemble to get a role in a show that's actually going to Broadway, only to have it ruined by a literal clown and a bunch of cowards? If the clown shoe fits.
What about Bombshell? Isn't the read-through today? Julia and the dramaturg are so busy in their bubble, she didn't get back in time to show it to me.
You're having a read-through with a book you didn't read? You should see her.
She's so calm, like a pod person.
It used to drive me nuts, how crazy she would get before a reading.
[Acoustic guitar ringtone.]
Now I would kill for just one tiny, irrational Hello.
Where are you? I'm freaking out.
- Oh, thank God.
- Huh? What? Uh, I mean, I'm I'm on my way.
Well, I guess now I know why he didn't call.
But then why did he kiss me? Because he was high.
He might've kissed anyone.
I'm sorry.
It's not your fault.
I'm the one who can't stop thinking about him.
Why do I care so much? Because he's hot and talented.
But he's also a player.
And after everything you've been through this year, do you really want to go through that again? Is Hit list really worth it? - I mean, there'll be other shows.
- Not like this one.
You haven't even read it.
Then we'll know in two hours.
Okay, look, if it's really that important to you, you need to set a boundary.
Let him know you need to keep your relationship professional.
He can't just go around kissing you, high or not.
- Okay? - Okay.
I went all the way up there, only to be turned away.
No, I highly doubt that Nick felder refused to see me.
So why don't you just rectify the situation? Or I'll have to call your superiors.
And by the way, you're terrible at your job.
Okay.
[Sighs.]
What's the plan if Julia doesn't come through with this new draft? Why don't you ask Jerry? I'm asking you, my producer.
So what happens if the work still isn't there? Do we postpone till next season? Do we get Julia to step down? What? 'Cause I've got momentum going after Ronnie's concert, and I want to keep it.
I wish I could talk to you about Bombshell, Derek, but I can't.
So please don't make this any harder than it already is.
You all right? How would you feel if you lost everything you cared about suddenly? I wouldn't be sitting on my ass feeling sorry for myself.
Don't talk to me like that.
I'm not one of your actresses.
No, you're not.
You're Eileen Rand.
And the last time I checked, when she wanted something badly enough, she found a way to get it.
It could all just be stupid gossip.
But you said it yourself when we met him, script doctors are not to be trusted.
Yeah, but he was different.
I felt so inspired by him, by his by his commitment to the project.
Has he been playing me this whole time? Well, let's look at the facts.
Peter lied about not seeing the show in Boston.
He lied when he said he only had a few thoughts.
He lied about asking you to speak to his class and never told you about that Leslie woman Okay, we need to talk to Jerry right now, tell him what Peter might be trying to do.
What? You cut me off and said "we.
" Cute.
Hey, look at that Finished.
Just the first act.
Karen said we should only do one in the fringe, leave people wanting more.
- You happy with it? - Are you kidding me? Your songs, my scenes We're going to blow people away.
I better go.
We need ten copies in a half an hour.
You haven't made copies yet? Come on, I'll go with you.
[Door closes.]
- Bye.
- Bye.
Terry, hi.
[Chuckles.]
I didn't properly introduce myself.
- Ivy Lynn.
- Nice to meet you.
So far, pretty fun stuff in there, n'est-ce pas? Yeah, I mean, for a drama.
Yeah.
What? Well, some could even call it a tragedy.
Why? It's funny.
Well, it's witty, but it's not Broad.
Of course it isn't.
I was just playing a practical joke on everyone.
Oh.
Wasn't it hilarious? A drama.
Are you sure? You you die in the end.
Yes, but in a sword fight.
That could be funny.
Yeah, but it's not supposed to be.
The show had people weeping when it was first done.
Weeping.
[Sighs.]
Thank you, Abby.
- Ivy.
- Ivy.
That was very brave of you.
No one else would've had the guts to tell me.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.
A tragedy? What a challenge.
We got it all, right? Oh, you're missing voice in a dream.
I'll get it.
I should probably start getting this place ready, anyway.
I can help you.
No, you stay where you are Where I can see you.
[Death cab for cutie's some boys.]
Ooh, ooh, ooh ooh, ooh, ooh yeah some boys are filling some boys are filling the hole they're making the killing at the top of the billing it's their role and that's all that they know but some boys don't listen some boys don't listen at all they don't ask for permission they lack inhibitions, no walls and they get what they want but some boys don't know how to love some boys are singing some boys are singing the blues yeah joylessly flinging with the girls that they're bringing to their rooms and then leave when they're through some boys are sleeping some boys are sleeping alone mm 'cause there's no one that's keeping them warm through the evening they know that they're on their own 'cause some boys don't know how to love Jimmy [Door buzzer.]
I'll get it.
Hi.
Jerry stepped out.
Can I help you with anything? Just tell him to call us when he gets back.
We'll be in the neighborhood.
And it's important.
Sure thing.
I'm sorry.
I have to confess something.
I read the new draft of Bombshell.
Jerry said I could read it, as long as I promised not to tell anyone, but It was just so good, and here you both are.
I had to say something.
Tell me something.
Did you like the Elizabeth Taylor sequence? Oh, my God, yes.
Did they really hate each other that much? You didn't have a Liz Taylor sequence? No.
Peter wanted me to.
I didn't think it fit in with the theme anymore.
Just one more thing, margot What does Jerry think of the new draft? He said he can't wait to produce it.
Can I ask one question, though? Why'd you change the title? I really liked Bombshell.
So did we.
[Indistinct chatter.]
Hey.
There you are.
We've been waiting for you.
I need to talk to you about something.
- No, no, it's okay.
I'm fine.
- Hey.
No, not about that.
Um, when we were making copies, I read some of it, and it's, um You know, it's a little rough.
Well, that's what readings are for, right? Hey, everyone.
Uh, thank you so much for coming.
Uh, there is beer and water in the kitchen.
Hard copies of the script are being passed out to you now, and when it comes to the music, Karen, Ana, Kyle, and I will take care of that at the piano here.
Thanks for inviting us.
You know I love the music.
Can't wait to hear your side of it.
What part am I playing? Okay, so I have it all set up for you.
- Mm-hmm.
- Yeah, so you can just sit - You would do that for me? - Okay.
Thank you.
Eileen What are you doing here? I'm here for the reading.
You can't be.
I've been involved with this show since its inception, and I'll be damned if I'm going to be taking tea while its course is being set ten blocks away.
I lost one love, and I'm not going to lose another.
And if anyone has a problem with that, they can take me out in handcuffs.
Am I clear? [Chuckles.]
Margot, get the producer a script.
And just like that I'm not worried anymore.
I talked to Terry.
It's going to be fine.
He didn't even know it was a drama.
Really? I think we're going to see a big change now.
Okay, can I get everyone's attention, please? Can I get everyone's attention? Uh, Terry and I have just been talking about the tone.
Oh, thank God.
And we want the performances to all be a little more cohesive.
- Cohesive.
- Yes.
So with that in mind, if we could all try to match Terry, that would be wonderful.
Yeah, let's lighten it up, folks.
Find the funny in every look.
This show can and should Be hilarious.
[Chuckles.]
I know what you did.
What are you talking about? I know there's a second script of Bombshell that you wrote, and you're waiting for me to fail today so that you can take over.
I'm canceling the reading, and I'm having you fired.
Just thought I should tell you myself.
- Hey, listen to me.
- Hmm? I don't know what you're talking about.
We went away.
I helped you write what I think is the best work you've ever done Some of the best work I've ever seen.
And I truly believe, when this reading is over, you and everyone else will think that too.
What about that woman, Leslie, and her script? [Scoffs.]
Leslie Rogers was an alcoholic.
She was so drunk, she couldn't even type a complete sentence.
I had no choice but to write it for her.
Now, if Jerry has another script, it's not mine.
Oh, God.
I'm so confused.
Trust your gut.
What does it say? Are we good? I need to hear it.
Julia [Scoffs.]
If it's bad, it's over.
If I don't hear it, I'll never know.
Let's go.
Let me wash away You can find me after the sun Let me wash away I'm caught in the storm caught in the rain caught in the rush that hides this pain when you love someone, you find a way to stay caught in the storm Jesse turns to see Amanda.
I'm back, and I'm sick.
Help me.
Help me, Jesse.
Help me, please.
Help me.
Amanda collapses into Jesse's arms.
Blackout.
End of act one.
[Exhales deeply.]
Uh Thanks for having us.
I it's getting a little late.
I should probably go.
- Yeah.
- It's not even 5:00.
Wait.
What's going on? You're all leaving? The songs are great.
The songs? That's all you have to say? The concept's cool, but the dialogue and the characters Come on, guys, I can't be the only one who sees this.
Are you saying it was bad? - It just needs some work.
- I wouldn't say "some.
" No, you just didn't get it because it's not what you're used to.
It's not Broadway.
Yeah, it's not good, so It's original.
- Kyle - Don't.
You're the only reason this is happening right now.
- Kyle - They're wrong, Jimmy.
You read it.
You told me it was good.
Tell them.
I'm I'm sorry, man.
Screw all of you.
[Cell phone vibrates.]
[Door opens.]
[Door closes.]
Why isn't anyone saying anything? Was it that bad? No.
It's that good.
It is brilliant.
[Applause.]
It's wonderful Both of you.
I told you it was perfect.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry you doubted yourself.
Ah! Valmont, of course you would arrive at such an inopportune time.
[Affected French accent.]
Why, Cecile I heard you were under the weather.
I trust that now that your illness has passed [Imitates flatulence.]
You're feeling more like your old self? Is nothing spared your cruel Wit? From birth to death, is it just one long pantomime for you to mock? No, my dear.
Most pantomimes are far more amusing.
I was to bear your child No matter what treachery made it so.
My fullness was my joy, and now, for it all to end, and to be left with your sneers and your jokes You are a monster, Valmont.
Please leave me be.
[Indistinct chatter.]
[Sighs.]
When he showed me the pages, I just I guess I wanted it to be good so badly, I convinced myself it was, you know? The ideas are really good.
I can see why you felt that way.
Plus, he's Kyle.
I mean, he's been eating and sleeping this stuff since he was a kid.
[Cell phone ringing.]
I just assumed that he knew something I didn't.
Oh, God.
Derek.
He's probably calling to see why I haven't sent him a copy yet.
What are you going to tell him? - Karen? - I I haven't sent you the script yet because we have to That's not why I'm calling.
We just finished the Bombshell reading.
It was amazing.
- Really? - Yep.
Get ready, darling.
If we get this right, you'll win every award in town.
Hit list can wait.
I want you to focus on Bombshell now, okay? [Knocking on window.]
Look, I've got to go.
[Sighs.]
It's over, isn't it? Hi.
I-I was just wondering if you needed anything.
How did you do it? You were so raw, so connected.
You moved an entire room with just your voice, and there I was [Affected French accent.]
"No, my dear, most pantomimes are far more amusing.
" [Blows raspberry.]
[Normal voice.]
I mean it.
How did you do it? Well You know how scary performing is.
Not really.
Well, you should, 'cause if you're not scared, the work won't be good.
I'm never scared About anything.
Well, that's not true.
You're obviously scared to do this show the way it was originally intended, and you should.
It's terrifying.
But that fear can transform you If you just let yourself feel it.
Feel it, huh? Every moment.
Hmm.
[Sighs.]
If you want to blame me, you should.
I pushed for this.
I never asked if you were ready.
I thought I was.
That's the problem.
How can you be so bad at something that you love so much? - This was your first try.
- [Scoffs.]
No.
I don't have it.
You and Jimmy do.
You had it from birth.
I don't.
I didn't have it.
I had to work for it, hard Singing lessons, dance lessons, acting classes.
You can't just expect to wake up one day and write the next great American musical.
Jimmy could.
Wouldn't it have been awesome if I could too? [Buzzer.]
They turned me away this morning.
Was that a mistake? It wasn't.
I told them to.
Why? They're moving me upstate next week.
- So? - "So?" I know you you're going to drive eight hours in a hailstorm just to make sure that I'm okay.
Yes, that's true.
You're an amazing woman, and I don't want you to waste one ounce of your time waiting for me.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry too.
Listen, I've been in so many readings that went way worse than that.
I don't see how that's possible.
[Chuckles.]
Oh, my God.
The one that took place on the subway, but it was actually purgatory or the one where U.
S.
soldiers switched bodies with Iraqis.
And don't even get me started on Towering inferno The musical.
You really care about Kyle, don't you? He's my family.
You know, you're not as bad a guy as you try to seem.
Thanks.
[Scoffs.]
But even if you're just a little bad, could you maybe leave Karen out of it? Excuse me? She's a really special person, and she's been through a lot this year.
So work together, sure, but Don't toy with her, okay? Julia, what we just heard is a major accomplishment, an artistic triumph.
I'm not going to produce it.
- Excuse me? - You're out of your mind.
Were we at the same reading? That is some of the best writing for a musical I've heard in years.
I agree, but it's not Broadway.
Look, I'm a producer.
I want to make money.
And this version might win some awards, but it's not going to put asses in the seats for years and years to come, and that's what I'm interested in.
You're actually suggesting that this is too good for Broadway.
Follies, Grey gardens, Ragtime, Sunday in the park with George Oh, God.
They didn't recoup their investment.
Look, if you want to take it to the public theater, I won't stand in the way.
[Laughs.]
As for the Belasco, this version will not appear on that stage.
If Eileen could hear you now She'd agree with me.
I seriously doubt that.
So you would rather not produce Bombshell than produce this version? I have every intention of producing Bombshell.
I have a version that I love, and that's the one I intend to use.
My contract clearly states that you cannot use anyone else's work but mine unless I let you.
I'm not using anyone else's work.
I'm using yours.
Oh, my God.
That's the workshop draft from seven months ago.
How did you get this? He sent it to me last week.
I didn't even remember send it to Jerry a week ago, when he came on board, he asked to see all the drafts.
Did you send them all? I sent him one, but it wasn't malicious.
It was just the draft I liked the most.
You know that I haven't been able to stop talking about it since I watched it.
Okay The workshop was the first draft.
This is the final one.
I say we get Jerry in here, and we tell him that this is what we are both committed to.
I can't.
You've written an incredibly rich and layered show about the men who created Marilyn, but I've always been more interested in how Marilyn created herself.
When I stood on that Broadway stage today, that's what I saw.
That's the story I want to tell, and that's just not what you and Peter came back with.
All right, children, we need a decision.
Since I agree with Julia and you agree with Jerry, we need a tie breaker.
Who? Eileen.
Whatever she says goes.
- Absolutely.
- Fine.
Let's go.
- Ivy, I have to talk to you.
- Again? I've had a major breakthrough.
Really? That's wonderful.
Yeah, hearing what you said about being scared, no inhibitions, no barriers, no, you know, spin I knew that's the kind of dramatic actor I want to be.
So I've decided to go off my meds.
What? The Zoloft, the Ambien, the Adderall, definitely the lithium.
My God.
Good riddance, lithium, right? I've been in a 20-year haze of psychopharmaceuticals, and, sure, while they relieve my A.
D.
D.
, anxiety, mood swings, psychotic breaks, what have you, they're cutting me off from my own humanity, from feeling every moment.
Uh Oh, Ivy, I am so excited.
I've already started to have thoughts, impulses, images.
I'm going to be vibrant again, Ivy.
I am going to feel.
What is love like? What is hope like? What is fear like? What is sex like? Going down.
Want to come with? [Elevator Bell dings.]
It's just embarrassing.
Your songs are so good, and my stuff Might not be yet, all right? There's been plenty of shows that got better as they went along.
Yeah, look at Rent or Next to normal.
Or Bombshell.
But if I hadn't messed up, then we would be at the fringe with Derek directing in two weeks.
So we miss out on this opportunity, all right? We'll get the next one.
I just wish the whole show could be your songs.
Then we'd be in good shape.
Why can't it? What are you talking about? You just mentioned Rent.
It started as a book musical, but by the time it got to off-Broadway The dialogue was gone, and it was all songs.
Sung through.
Jimmy could write some new songs to fill the gaps where the dialogue used to be.
It's still your story, Kyle, and if you work fast enough, we could still go for fringe.
All we need is a first act.
I think it could work.
Kyle? I'll get the book.
Then we'll start thinking about what songs we need.
Hey, uh, can I can I talk to you about something? I'm going to get some more booze.
Uh I need to talk to you about what happened at Ronnie's concert.
You don't have to say anything.
I know, but I want to.
I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have done that, especially now that we're working together, you know? Yeah, I think that's a good idea.
Kyle told me about your situation.
I didn't know.
Hmm? My situation? It's just that I usually don't like a lot of people [Chuckles.]
And you're pretty cool, so Just don't let me down, okay? I won't.
Uh, friends? S sure.
Friends.
Are you sure she's dating Derek? Because I still don't get that vibe.
He dates all his leading ladies.
You know that.
[Sighs.]
[Overlapping shouting.]
Enough! After all the bumps in the road, has it really come to this The four of you unable to reach a consensus? We've agreed to let you choose.
You remember the workshop.
You were at this reading.
Look, from an audience standpoint, what would you spend $200 and give two hours of your time for? A sexy, provocative, insightful musical about Marilyn and the men who made her? Or a lush, dazzling, still insightful spectacle about a girl who became an icon? It's all you, Eileen.
Whatever you say goes As it should be.
Well Since it's up to me