In 1992, Benson received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Polly Baker in Crazy For You.

"The Speech of Polly Baker" (1747) is the fictional story of a woman put on trial in 1747 for having an illegitimate child.

On the surface "The Speech of Polly Baker" appears to be a light-hearted and "amusing story".

Franklin creates a sympathetic fictional character in Polly Baker.

"The Speech of Polly Baker" was first published in April 1747 in The Gentleman's Magazine.

The only woman left in this forlorn town is Everett's daughter, the spunky Polly Baker, who vows to get even with Bobby Child if she ever meets him.

Also nominated were Jodi Benson, who plays Polly Baker in "Crazy for You," and Sophie Hayden, Rosabella in "The Most Happy Fella."

Twelve years later Leavel made her original cast debut in Crazy for You as Tess and an understudy for Polly Baker.

The property was a 2004 gift of the family of Polly Baker.