I don't mean to sound ungrateful but I'd rather have a spot that is just for Robert Ann!
I'm not asking for a lot.
An understudy never shines until the star is ill- then the crowd is hostile: "The star's not on the bill!"
(Sister! I don't believe this is something we should discuss in front of the audience.)
Oh.
Playing second fiddle positively means this kid'll never get a moment on the stage alone.
Even, God forbid, something happened and ya did get sick...
(Yes?)
An understudy part is not my own.
Now look, I've been readin' up on this understudy stuff- believe me it's not encourageing.
Read this.
Who here know that Dolly Levi's also B.B. Oscar Walde? Carol Channing wasn't sick so B.B. wasn't called.
This girl named Lorain Emmetts has it on her resume that she's understudied everybody- where is she today?!
(Well, there's Shirley Maclaine.)
No- Shirley doesn't count. That was just bizzare.
Carol Haney brakes her leg and Shirley is a star.
That's about as rare as Lana Turner Schwab's.
It's a miracle when understudies get the starring jobs!
(Well, then- I'd start praying if I were you.)
For what?
(A miracle.)
Playing second fiddle positively means this kid'll never get a lead 'cause everybody knows, whoever understudied Merman as the Gypsy Mama permanently ended up at second-hand row.
((Reverend Mother! I'm ready!))
(Oh dear. I've gotta get Amnesia out here for her number. We'll discuss this later.)
I gotta figure out a way to get a solo spot so I can prove to Reverend Mother, what it takes- I got.
Maybe then she'll understand this feeling in my soul- that I deserve a leading role.