[Lyric] Understudy Buddy (Danny Abosch, John Maclay)

[BROOKE (V.O.)]
Hey, it's Brooke. Leave a message! (beep)

[TINA] (on phone)
Hey Brooke
Just calling to say
I'm so sorry your best friend tried to ruin the play
You looked spooked about that phantom thing
So thought I'd give you a ring to brighten your day

Just because I'm, like, a really good friend
And I care about you, Brooke
So don't take this the wrong way, I don't mean to offend
But if you feel as bad as you look, then:

Take your time. Don't rush back
I can cover Esmerelda's track while you're gone
And I'll send you good vibes while I take the lеad. (Haha…literally!…just kidding…)

Don't worry, Brooke, I can handle it
And еvery night, I'll say a prayer and keep a candle lit for you
Your cover's got it covered
So take all the time you need
Like a week
Or a month
Or a year
Or the rest of your life
Just kidding!
(Enter MS. WALKER. She is carrying the contents of the package she received earlier in the play. Remember that moment? What was that all about? It seemed odd at the time. It is a stuffed or plastic fish. I guess she is a collector or something. Also the fish is red. And probably a herring.)

[TINA]
Hi, Ms. Walker. Tough rehearsal, huh?

[MS. WALKER]
Oh, Tina. I just don't know what to do

[TINA]
I know. Brooke's just not cutting it. Don't worry. I'm ready to take over

[MS. WALKER]
No, Tina. It's Brooke's part. Brooke is Esmerelda and you are the understudy. And it's not her fault that…someone is disturbing rehearsals

[TINA]
But Ms. Walker—

[MS. WALKER]
No, Tina. Now, where's Zeke?

(MS. WALKER exits.)

[TINA] (on phone)
Hey Brooke
Hope you're doing fine
Figured I'd drop a line. (Not literally, 'cause I... totally know all your lines.)
How're you feeling, Brooke?
The rumor backstage is
You're super contagious
…or injured your spine? I don't know…

Well, hope you're getting some rest
It breaks my heart that you're not well, you
Know, 'cause I’m nice. And pretty much the best
Which is why I should probably be the one to tell you:

Take your time. You looked awful
You need sleep. Stay home and have a waffle (Or two)
Let me know if I should tell Ms. Walker you quit. No one would blame you a bit!

No need to say "thank you". The advice is free
Besides, I know you'd do the same for me, and more
'Cause hey, what's an understudy buddy for?

(Enter MS. WALKER.)

[TINA]
Hi, Ms. Walker!

[MS. WALKER]
No, Tina
[TINA]
I am so ready!

[MS. WALKER]
No, Tina

[TINA]
But—

[MS. WALKER]
No, Tina

(MS. WALKER exits.)

[TINA] (on phone)
But seriously
Take your time. Watch your back
I mean… don't rush back
I mean… you know what?

Don't come back! Like, at all
I'm sure they'll do another play next fall
But if you care about this show, don't come back! You're not ready!
Stay in bed with your teddy!

Brooke, I'll miss you. I really will
'Cause yours are literally really big shoes to fill
No offense
(Not to mention so last year, and kinda sweaty...)

So since you're feeling unsteady
And I know you have the play's best interests at heart
Let me do you a favor and take your part
And if I stink as your stand-in for the phantom's lover
At least no one's gonna judge ya, Brooke, by your cover!

But I'll be great, of course, to make you proud
And I vow to think of you each night, when I bow to the crowd
And I’m wowed by just how darn loud they roar!

'Cause hey, what's an understudy buddy for?

Oh, by the way
This is Tina
Goodbye