The show must not go on - but you definitely must

On 29 March 1981, the musical Woman of the Year opened at the Palace Theatre on Broadway. Based on the 1942 George Stevens' film of the same name, the musical starred Lauren Bacall in the role of famous tv personality Tess Harding. (When Katharine Hepburn played Tess in the film, she was a newspaper columnist.) While Bacall earned rave reviews and a Tony Award for her role, she didn't stay with the show for its entire two-year run. In June 1982, Bacall left the production and was replaced by Raquel Welch (who had previously filled in for Bacall during her vacation in December 1981) and for the final month of the show Debbie Reynolds took over the role from a pregnant Welch. Woman of the Year eventually closed on 13 March 1983 after a total of 770 performances.

Above: After performing in Woman of the Year at the Broadway Palace Theatre, Debbie Reynolds returns for a curtain call.

On 5 March 1983, after Debbie Reynolds had given 24 performances since taking over the lead in Woman of the Year, she forgot her lines during a matinee show and suddenly fainted on stage. Fifty years old at the time, Reynolds was briefly hospitalised and doctors later said she suffered from a rare form of amnesia. Following the unfortunate incident, the actress/singer received this sweet, supportive note from Lauren (Betty) Bacall. Reynolds went back to work after a few days of rest, but not long thereafter the show was forced to close due to declining ticket sales. 

Source: Worthpoint

Transcript:

Dear Debbie —

Am so very sorry + sad for your bad luck. No matter what the producers might tell you - and as one pro to another- the show must not go on- But you definitely must.

I have been out of town + have heard only terrific things about you in "Woman of the Year". And I know it is not an easy show.

Anyway take care of yourself - get your strength back - Health comes first.

Affectionately —

Betty Bacall