As Ivy Lynn (Megan Hilty) and Karen Cartwright (Katharine McPhee) both attempt to please Derek Wills (Jack Davenport) in order to win the role of Marilyn, Julia Houston (Debra Messing) and her husband Frank (Brian d'Arcy James) become frustrated by the process of their international adoption and Eileen's (Anjelica Huston) acrimonious divorce complicates her attempt to finance the musical.
We are shown that Karen in callbacks is very slow to pick up the dance routines, and has problems with acting (Derek tells her she isn't giving him "anything," Marilyn or otherwise).
[5] This episode featured cameos from two prominent Broadway personalities: Jordan Roth, the president of Jujamcyn Theaters, appeared as himself in the restaurant scene and Tom Kitt, a music arranger, conductor and composer of such works as Next to Normal, appeared as a jazz musician who introduces Ivy and accompanies her on "Crazy Dreams".
[6] This is Brian d'Arcy James's first episode as a regular cast member, having previously been listed as a guest star in the pilot.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, executive producer Neil Meron revealed McPhee would be covering "Call Me" by Blondie.