Diva/Mensch pair for March 4, 2026

Mary Martin won the Tony for Best Actress in a Musical for originating the role of Maria in The Sound of Music. One of the other nominees was Ethel Merman for Gypsy, without a doubt the most challenging role of her career. Maybe some people thought The Merm would win, maybe she did, too. She was asked how she felt about losing the Tony to Mary Martin and she said, "You can't buck a nun!"

Diva: Merman's quote

Mensch: the nun

Here's Martin's speech. So sweet she gives me diabetes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhto2ygPIco