Backstage, the cast was a bundle of excitement and nerves.

Costum rocks clattered, feet shuffled, and nervous whispers floated through the halls.

Out in the theater, over a thousand people waited for the curtain to rise. Would she be ready?

It was opening night for a brand new musical called Thoroughly Modern Millie.

The whole town was buzzing with news so shocking, it would become one of Broadway's most remarkable breakthrough stories.

After months of rehearsals, costume fittings, and practicing every song and dance

move, the star of the musical had dropped out just days before opening night. Luckily, there was

someone else who could play the part. The understudy. Being an understudy met an actor

had to know every line, every song, and every dance step for the lead character.

But they wouldn't usually perform.

They just had to be ready to go on stage in case the star couldn't.

Many understudies never get the chance to step into the spotlight.

But tonight was different.

Tonight, the understudy was Sutton Foster.

Her heart thumped in her chest.

Could she do it?

Sutton tiptoed into the dressing room and admired her costume.

A sparkling flapper dress, fringes swinging at her knees.

The tap shoes felt heavy as she slid them on.

Click-clack against the wooden floor.

She took a deep breath and headed to the stage.

The lights brightened. The curtain opened. The orchestra began to play.

...