A Star -- Or Maybe a Historic Footnote -- Is Born

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Two weeks ago, MICHAEL HAYDEN, star of Broadway's current CAROUSEL revival, fell ill with a strained voice. Alas, his understudy had a bronchial infection. Rather than cancel the show indefinitely, producers turned to MARCUS LOVETT, who was winding up a stint as the lead in the long-running The Phantom of the Opera. Lovett had to learn Carousel in a mere two days -- and went on to critical huzzahs. Amazingly, this wasn't the first time Broadway life has imitated corny backstage melodrama:

GUYS AND DOLLS (1992)

JOSIE DE GUZMAN, who was the understudy in previews for the role of Sarah Brown, the Salvation Army missionary, was asked to take over the part for the Broadway run. She was nominated for a Tony.

42ND STREET (1980)

WANDA RICHERT, the lead in this backstage musical, caught a respiratory infection. Her understudy unexpectedly dropped out for personal reasons. The producers turned to Karen Prunczik, Richert's roommate, who had helped her rehearse the part. Prunczik didn't become a star, but she did go on to marry 42nd Street producer David Merrick.

FUNNY GIRL (1965)

LAINIE KAZAN, Barbra Streisand's understudy, subbed for two shows. The Brooklyn-born Kazan was a hit with audiences. Streisand telegraphed: WE WERE TOLD TREES GROW IN BROOKLYN, BUT WE KNOW BETTER. STARS DO.

PAJAMA GAME (1954)

SHIRLEY MACLAINE subbed when Carol Haney was out with a sprained ankle. That night Paramount producer Hal Wallis was in the audience. Wallis signed her to a contract after she screen-tested the next day.

THE JEST (1920)

JOHN BARRYMORE, the legendarily dipsomaniacal star of this Italian farce, fell ill. A woman, Gilda Varesi, took his place. The New York Times raved about "Miss Varesi's brilliant achievement."