Show Synopsis:
The egotistical performer Fred Graham is reunited with his ex-wife Lilli Vanessi in the leading roles of Petruchio and Kate in Taming of the Shrew. Throughout the show they fight and obviously still love each other. Meanwhile, due to mistaken identity, two gangsters harass Fred. Also, two former cabaret performers cast in Taming of the Shrew, Lois Lane and Bill Calhoun struggle to keep their romance alive.
Song Context:
The character Lois Lane sings it to her boyfriend Bill, who had just missed rehearsal because he was gambling and told her he signed a 10,000-dollar IOU in the director of the show's name.
LOIS LANE:
Why can't you behave?
Oh, why can't you behave?
After all the things you told me
And the promises that you gave,
Oh, why can't you behave?
Why can't you be good?
And do just as you should?
Won't you turn that new leaf over
So your baby can be your slave?
Oh, why can't you behave?
There's a farm I know near my old home town,
Where we two can go and try settlin' down.
There I'll care for you forever,
Well, at least 'til you dig my grave.
Oh, why can't you behave?
BILL:
Gee, I need you, kid!
LOIS LANE:
I always knew you did,
But why can't you behave?