Successful writers Julia and Tom team up with producer Eileen to create a Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe; Ivy, a seasoned chorus singer, competes with a newcomer, Karen, for the starring role.

Ivy and Karen work to please the director as they pursue their dream role; Julia and Frank struggle with the adoption process; Eileen works to finance the musical.

The actor everyone likes for the role of Joe DiMaggio harbours a secret; Karen goes to Iowa for a baby shower and must make a decision about her future; Eileen's ex-husband may have turned potential investors against her.

Karen must learn how to get ahead in the world of Broadway; Derek throws a party for a hot, young celebrity; Eileen tests a new fundraising strategy; Tom goes on a date.

Karen puts her talents to use at a government party; Michael and Julia's drama increases; Eileen joins forces with Tom's assistant; Ivy thinks something is amiss in her relationship with Derek.

Ivy starts to have problems with her voice; Julia cannot seem to avoid Michael; Eileen and her new pal, Ellis, hang out at a downtown dive bar; Karen books a side job at a bar mitzvah.