Insight from Megan Mullally about her role in ep 2.17 'The World: Part 2

I thought it was interesting that the producers first intended for Mullally's character to be a series regular. I wonder what they had in mind - would McMurphy have stayed in San Francisco? Would The Bad Sisters have joined the USO to entertain and support the troops (following their night out with the disabled veterans)? It's fascinating to think how the series could have been different (but I'm glad with how it ended up).

"CHINA BEACH

For Mullally's stint as a spotlight-loving hippie on ABC's Vietnam War drama, she had to tap dance and sing while wearing a frilly nightie — but shooting the scene was a breeze compared to what it took to get there. She remembers that all of the women trying out for the role were made to audition in front of each other in the same room. "It was super nerve-racking and crazy," Mullally recalls. Even worse, the part was designed as a series regular role… but then it wasn't. "When they decided not to make it a regular part, I drove to [an executive producer]'s office and went in and cried," she says, laughing. "That's not what you should do."

Source: http://tvline.com/gallery/megan-mullally-photos-will-grace-parks-recreation/#!1/memset_mullally_chinabeach/