Marge tries out for a part in a musical version of "A Streetcar Named Desire" at the Springfield Community Center. At the audition, Ned Flanders is cast in the role of Stanley Kowalski, the slovenly and uncouth husband of Stella. The show's director, Llewellyn Sinclair, cannot find anyone fragile yet fiery enough for the role of Blanche DuBois, until she hears Marge talking to Homer over the phone. Sinclair gives her the role. When Maggie becomes a distraction during rehearsals, Marge places her in a daycare center, the Ayn Rand School for Tots, run by Sinclair's sister.

Marge rehearses her lines but cannot find the right fire for the role. She seeks support from Homer, but he is indifferent to her. Seething over Homer's insensitivity, Marge reads her lines with new determination at rehearsals. Her sudden anger gives her the rage she needs to play Blanche.

Meanwhile, at the daycare center, Maggie maggie leads a revolt to recover the tots' pacifiers, which have been taken away from them. Homer, Bart, and Lisa pick up Maggie and go to see Marge's performance. Homer is very affected by the play. Afterwords he goes backstage to tell Marge she was terrific and admits that he sees himself in Stanley. He hugs his wife, showing his support.