There are several differences between this movie and stage versions that presented challenges in bringing this project to the screen. A significant difference is the portrayal of reporter Mary Sunshine (played in this movie by Christine Baranski). In the stage version, Mary Sunshine is played by a very convincing female impersonator who appears to be a large, matronly woman. He sings falsetto, and the audience is not aware that he is a man until the second act, after a line to the effect of "Things are not always what they appear to be!" and someone pulls off the wig and dress, revealing the truth about Mary Sunshine.