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♪
(record scratching)
Man: I now declare to my fellow bucks and does...
♪ Nothing can stop me ♪
♪ Because I love, love, love ♪
♪ My nose
♪ So send me off into the night ♪
♪ I'll get the job done ♪
♪ Do it right
♪ I can lead all through the night ♪
♪ Front and centre shining bright ♪
♪ What you would call an eyesore ♪
♪ Is taking Christmas Eve rides by storm ♪
♪ So get up off your high ♪
♪ Reindeer
♪ And say what you want ♪
♪ You can take your best shot ♪
♪ Because nothing's getting ♪
♪ In my way
♪ I'm done playing
♪ Your reindeer
♪ Games
(panting)
W-Where are the dancing reindeer?
(panting)
Thank you.
(chattering)
Elliot, Nolan, good to see you.
- Isaiah, hi. - Jess: Hey!
Are you guys not a sight for sore eyes?
Hi! Aurora, look at you.
You are all grown up. What happened?
- It happens. - (Aurora, Isaiah laughing)
You were so awesome, Uncle Isaiah, seriously.
- Oh, thank you. - Honestly, you've still got it,
- little brother. - Ah, thanks. Thanks, Jess.
I just... I... It was a bonafide disaster.
- What? No, no, no, no. - No. Come on.
Jess: Don't say that. You know what?
You just performed in a one-man Christmas musical
all written, directed, and produced by you.
Be proud of that.
Nobody showed up.
It was you two and one other person, okay?
I don't know. I thought a political reindeer message
would resonate. Right?
Like Hamilton, but Christmas.
Am I crazy? That sounds commercial, right?
- For sure. - Aurora: Mm-hmm.
Yeah. Whatever.
It wasn't that much work.
I just wrote the script for, uh... for a year,
and I designed all the costumes.
And I designed the choreography,
and I rented out the theatre.
And I sent letters to every agent, casting director,
and director in the state of New York,
hoping that they would come.
Well, after three years of not really seeing each other,
we thought it was important for us to come.
Three years? It hasn't been three years.
Yeah. Three years and six months, actually.
Jess: But we know how tough it is to find time at Christmas
- because of your caroling gigs. - Right. Yeah.
And well, maybe this is the Christmas
that you come upstate and stay with us?
What do you say? Oh, come on.
It'll give you time to relax, breathe.
Just take a break from the concrete jungle.
Here. It's a little something to celebrate your show tonight.
You did this, Aurora?
- (Aurora laughing) - This... this is incredible!
It's... it's nothing, really.
What? This is not nothing! Look at that!
- Jess: I know. - It's me with antlers.
Oh, my... You're amazing. Thank you.
She's amazing.
And you know what? Offer's still on the table
for you to come spend Christmas in Hancock.
It all depends on how this audition goes tomorrow.
Audition? For... for what?
- Huge new Broadway musical. - Okay.
They're casting it now. It's called Glitter and Grace.
One the biggest Broadway producers is behind it.
I'm telling you, it's going to be a massive hit.
Okay. Here is to my talented brother.
May all your Christmas wishes come true.
- You got this. - Thank you, guys.
(clinking)
(chattering)
♪
Asher, how you doing? Good to see you.
Oh, those were the days, huh?
Noah! Hey! What are you doing here?
Well...
You're the scenic designer on the show.
- Yep. - Wow.
I didn't think you did cattle calls.
Uh, yeah, yeah. Normally, I don't.
Um, I don't have much of a choice right now.
My agent dropped me.
- Oh, I'm sorry, man. - No, no. It's okay.
- I... - It's alright.
Well, it's, uh... it's a big turnout today.
Yeah. Man. It seems like the entire city
is auditioning for this one.
It's a Cindy Santos show.
- What did you expect? - (both chuckling)
How did your show go last night?
- Yeah. Fulfilling. - Ah.
With a side of disappointment.
Oh. I'm sorry we couldn't come.
- No. - I mean, Catherine and I wanted
to support, and you know, we were busy with the thing,
so we couldn't come, you know?
Wait. With what?
- We invited you to the... - Oh, my goodness.
It was your engagement party, wasn't it?
- Yeah. - Right.
I am so sorry I couldn't make it, man.
- It's fine. - I did say that.
We were just so busy with... Hey, Cindy. Goodnight.
Yeah.
Well, that can't be good.
Woman: Attention, everyone!
Auditions are done for the day.
- (people groaning) - You've got to be kidding.
Check back after the holidays.
Brutal. I'm so sorry, man. I mean...
You know what?
At least I still have my day job.
Fired? What do you mean, I'm fired?
This is a caroling group.
I can't have my tenor coming in an hour late.
I had an audition across town. Please, please, Burt.
I need this. This is the only gig I have had in months.
I've already found your replacement.
- No. - Were you trying to ruin
the soundtrack of the season?
Put your costume in a locker.
Look. I'm sorry.
You're talented.
You're bound to find something else.
Thanks, Burt.
Merry Christmas.
- Isaiah? - Yeah?
Want to send in Tiny Tim?
♪ And ever o'er
♪ Its Babel sounds
♪ The blessed
(laughing)
♪ Angels sing
♪ The blessed
♪ Angels sing
Okay, Hancock.
Here I come.
♪ Ooh bop bop ooh bop bop ♪
♪ Ooh bop bop ah
♪ Ooh bop bop ooh bop bop ♪
Hey, thanks for picking me up from the train station.
Yeah. Of course.
- What is it? - It's so quiet.
Kind of miss the sounds of the city, you know?
Who knew car horns could be so Zen?
- (horn honking loudly) - (Isaiah yelping)
Still Zen?
It's funny. It's funny, Jess.
It's cute.
(Jess sighing)
- Oh, hey, Jess. Hiya. - Oh! Hi.
- Hey, Jess. - Hey, Hal.
Uh, hey. So, meaning to ask.
Um, when are you planning on putting up
your Christmas lights?
You know, if you need a hand, I got two.
Well, actually, I have my brother here now, so...
- Brother? Cool. - Jess: Yeah.
Hey. I'm Isaiah.
Hey. Hal.
Whoa. Whoa. That's a...
That is a firm grip you have there, Hal.
That's a cute, uh... thing.
Yeah. It's, uh... It's my Christmas sweat set.
Alright. Well, I'll just, uh... I've leave you...
- Okay. Whoa! - Whoa. Whoa.
Careful.
- I'm good. - Okay.
You're good. Okay. Bye. See you later.
Bye, Hal.
See you, Hal.
Shall we?
Oh, your house always smells so good around the holidays.
- What is all this stuff? - Thank you.
Well, they're candles in teacups.
- Yeah. I can see that. - Mm-hmm.
You think you're... You think you're taking your hobby
- a little too far? - It's not a hobby.
It's actually a business,
and are you really here for Christmas?
Uh, barring any last-minute auditions,
I am planning to stay.
Really? Well, that's great. Uh, what time is it?
I have to pick Aurora up from school right away.
How is she doing, anyway?
She's been going through a lot since the divorce.
- Like what? - You know,
she just spends a lot of time by herself.
She used to be so fun and so outgoing.
If you had been around more, you would have noticed the change.
Uh, it's just,
we've missed you, is all.
I miss you, too.
How about this? How about I go pick her up from school?
Okay. I mean, it would really, really help.
Yeah. Sure. Can I... I just need your car.
- Okay. - And the keys.
- Yeah. - And the name of the school
and the address, and I'm going to take one more of these.
- And I'll get her. Okay. - I can... Well...
(whistle blowing)
♪ Christmastime is here again ♪
♪ Santa's on his way ♪
(whistle blowing)
♪ Lights along his sleigh ♪
(angrily) What are you doing?
I'm just parking. I'll be a minute.
Got a name?
Isaiah Heyward.
Why are you here, Isaiah Heyward,
if that is your real name?
I am picking up my niece, Aurora Peralta.
How do I know she's your niece?
Do you do this to everybody?
I'm the one asking the questions here.
- Woman: Oh. - Okay.
Sandra, is... is something wrong?
Sandra: Friend-o says he's here to pick up his niece
with no proof he even knows her.
Okay. Aurora is a Virgo.
She is wicked smart. She sketches like a pro.
Her mother's my sister. She called ahead.
I'm convinced.
I'm Isaiah Heyward, by the way.
Miss Brigente. Where are you visiting from?
Uh, the city.
Oh. What do you do in the city?
Well, I'm on Broadway.
What show?
I'm not currently in a show.
In between things.
Code for unemployed. Got it.
Well...
Mrs. Bedford?
- That doesn't look good. - Oh, dear.
(students all cross talking)
Lilly-Anne: Hey, hey, hey, hey!
Everybody, settle down!
Settle down. We're going to figure this out.
- Uncle Isaiah? - Hey.
What are you doing? Is everything okay?
Yeah, yeah. Your mom sent me to pick you up. So, surprise!
Where did Mrs. Bedford go?
She just passed me in the hallway.
Apparently, the show's over.
The... the Christmas show? What do you mean?
She's in love with some lumberjack.
Met him online.
(Isaiah snorting)
I can assure you there's nothing funny in this situation.
I'm sorry. It's, uh, lumberjacks.
- They're... they're funny. - Aurora: It's serious, okay?
No director means we have no show.
I... What are we supposed to do now?
Oh. This is a disaster.
Good luck with that, guys. Okay. Let's go.
You can direct our show.
You could save our Christmas musical.
I'm sorry. What?
- Miss Brigente? - No, no. What are you doing?
- Yes, Aurora? - What are you doing? No, no.
Every year, this show makes a lot of people happy,
including me, because it reminds me of you.
Look. All we need is someone to step up as director.
Uncle Isaiah, you're that someone.
I don't know anything about directing high school musicals,
- Aurora! - I'm sure you probably do.
Maybe my uncle can step in as director?
- He's very unemployed, so... - Okay.
He has a lot of time on his hands and...
I'm... Well, that's... No.
I'm... I'm more in between projects at the moment, okay?
Grab your things. We need to go.
Are you a director?
I wear a lot of hats.
Uh, actor, writer, producer.
Uh, just directed a show off Broadway, actually.
Off-off-off Broadway.
(students whispering)
What do you say, Mr. Heyward?
It wouldn't be Christmas at Archer Academy
without our annual Christmas show.
Exactly. This can work, right?
- Students: Yes. - Isaiah: Uh, okay. Well, uh...
Maybe it'll make up for some lost time.
(Isaiah chuckling uncomfortably, stammering)
Wow. Look at all your faces. Um...
Please, Uncle Isaiah.
I suppose I am currently available.
- (chuckling) Uh... - (students cheering)
- Yes! - Lilly-Anne: Alright.
Well, there's just one last hurdle to jump over,
and that is getting Principal Ott on board.
I should warn you now.
He's a really tough nut to crack.
♪
I loved you in I See You.
You were wonderful in that musical.
You saw me in that?
Oh, my goodness. Thank you so much.
You know, it's funny. When we were recording the OBCR, I...
Um, do you mind if we move this? It's kind of...
Sure.
The, uh... the original Broadway cast recording.
- Yes. - There were budget issues,
and so what we decided to do...
Uh, sorry. Sorry to interrupt.
- These stories are fascinating. - Yeah.
Uh, but do you mind if we get back to business?
I have a college fair to get ready for.
Sure. Yes. (Laughing)
You are interested in directing our Christmas show.
And he will need to complete a background check,
pending your approval, of course.
Ah, a background check is just a formality,
and how could I not give my approval?
We... we have a bona fide Broadway star in our presence.
- Oh, stop. Stop it. - Oh.
- Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop. - Please, stop.
Uh, but Mr. Heyward will need a staff supervisor.
I trust you're willing to help.
Uh, yeah. Yes. Of course.
- Great. - Anything for the kids. Yep.
- (Ott laughing) - That's my motto.
Oh. (Laughing)
- I guess I got the gig. - (laughing) Yes, you do.
Yeah. I guess you can call me the nutcracker.
(Isaiah and Ott laughing)
Well, you know, what can I say?
I am good in a room.
Pajamas and all.
It's a sweat set.
You know, if you were able to win over Principal Ott,
then maybe you do have what it takes
to create another miracle
and mount a Christmas show in three weeks.
I will take that as a vote of confidence, Miss Brigente.
Please, call me Lilly-Anne,
now that we're in this mess together.
(Isaiah chuckling)
Lilly-Anne it is.
Oh, I almost forgot.
Mrs. Bedford didn't finish writing the second act.
Ah. Well, that makes sense.
Lumberjacks, they're so distracting.
Yes, what with all the... the plaid
and the lumberjack-ing.
- Right. Lumberjack-ing. - Yeah.
- Uh, do you think
you'll be able to finish writing the script
on top of directing?
Oh, yeah. Yeah. For s...
- Yeah? - Easy.
- Great. - Totally.
- Okay. - No problem.
(Lilly-Anne chuckling)
Wait. The show is called Randolph the Christmas Elk?
- Randolph the Christmas Elk. - Isaiah: Mm-hmm.
Yeah. It's catchy.
Um, when does the show open?
Oh, on Christmas Eve, of course,
which is three weeks away.
Okay. So, how did all this candle stuff begin?
I started making candles as a hobby after the divorce,
and they did so well at the farmers' markets
that Aurora helped me build a website.
Yeah. So, these are Christmas wish candles.
You make a wish when you light the candle,
and when they're all gone,
you share a cup of tea with a friend.
And here, this one's for you.
Make your wish count.
Thank you.
I'm really proud of you.
Thanks.
Isaiah: Mmm.
Oh, my goodness. What do we have here?
White chocolate Christmas eggnog is what we got going on.
- Yep. - It's very good.
It is a family-friendly holiday eggnog recipe
that Hal introduced.
Hal, like, across the street neighbour Hal?
- He's the one! - He has the best hot cocoa cart
- at Christmastime. - I am so thankful
he lives across the street. I'm going to need a lot of sugar
to put this show on its feet.
Yeah. Seems like you have a lot to tackle
in the next 21 days.
No. It's just writing the end of a musical and casting it
and directing it and putting some reindeer choreo in there.
It sounds like you, uh, might need an assistant.
Ah-ha-ha. Ah-ha-ha-ha. That's a very good idea, Jess.
Yes. Someone to, uh, run rehearsal when I'm not there.
- That's right. - Someone who's reliable.
- Jess: Mm-hmm. - And smart.
- To keep you grounded. - Yeah. Calm under pressure.
Who? Me?
Isaiah: Mm-hmm.
- Oh, come on, honey. - No.
Come on. You will be great. If this is my first time
directing a high school show,
why can't this be your first time
being an assistant director?
- Okay. - Alright!
- Yay! - I'll try.
- What could go wrong? - Jess: Yeah.
♪
(chuckling)
♪
♪ Time and time again ♪
♪ When I need
♪ Someone to care
♪ I find
♪ You're always there
♪ Much more
♪ Than only friends
♪ Much more than lovers ♪
♪ There will be a lucky star ♪
♪ Shining above us
♪ Time and time again ♪
♪ When I need you
♪ Close to me
♪ So close we will be ♪
♪ Like one for always ♪
♪ And always
♪ And time
♪ And time again
(audience cheering, applauding)
(cheers, applause continuing)
(school bell ringing)
Your background check said that you graduated from NYU.
- How was it? - Oh, it was amazing,
amazing, exciting, scary.
Best city in the world.
You know, Hancock is pretty charming, too,
especially around Christmastime.
I've really enjoyed making it my home.
Yeah? How long have you been here?
Two years. I left Boston to come to Archer Academy.
Boston? That's a leap. Why?
Well, I was dean of students
at a very expensive private school,
and I spent more time wrangling the rich parents
than working with the kids. And I missed the kids.
Do you have kids? Husband? Family?
No. No. I was serious with someone once.
He loved the spotlight. He was a law student,
life of the party type. It was fun for a while, but...
But?
But his number one priority was landing at a big law firm,
and, uh, I became less of a priority, I guess.
Ah. Well, he sounds like a fool, if you ask me.
Well, if he wasn't, I wouldn't be here,
showing you 40-year-old flats.
Forty? Yeah. More like, uh
more like 50, 60. (Laughing)
Wow. Wow. What is that?
Lilly-Anne: This is our homemade snow machine!
Homemade?
Yeah. It's never really worked.
I don't know. Using this thing
is like using a broken pencil.
- Huh. - Pointless.
That is very pun-y, Miss Brigente.
Very pun-y.
Well, I appreciate you showing me around.
- Yeah. - Mm.
So, um, since this is your first rehearsal,
I've got to ask.
What's your plan?
- Plan? - Mm.
(chuckling)
Um, I haven't gotten that far yet.
Concept of a plan?
Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Just haven't... haven't fully fleshed it out yet,
but it's getting there.
Well, I know this isn't Broadway.
- Mm-hmm. - But these kids do deserve
your very best.
They deserve our very best, right?
We are doing this together.
Yes, and the one thing
we don't have is time.
Or a set or a money or a cast or a second act,
but I know theatre. We have me.
You know kids. We have you.
What could go wrong?
This script is brutal.
It doesn't even have a second act.
- I'm working on it. - Travis: Well, I mean,
Coach says preparation is the key to success, so...
Yeah? Okay. Well, maybe Coach can direct
the next musical.
Gregory: How are we going to rehearse the show
- with no final act? - Yeah.
And who's going to be playing piano?
Travis: And is Randolph the lead?
And also, who is this ensemble character?
- I keep seeing them. - Let's count the lines and see.
My name is Emma Fitzpatrick,
and I would make the perfect Randolph.
Alright, uh, Emma Fitzpatrick.
Thank you for your, uh... for your confidence.
We're going to have auditions.
W-What if we just want ensemble?
- And what's your name? - Miranda Santos.
- (camera snapping) - Well, Miranda Santos,
I will take that into consideration.
- Are we going to wear hooves? - Uh, probably. Yeah.
I don't know what the costume budget is yet, but...
- Um, I want small hooves. - I want big hooves.
- Sparkly hooves! - Isaiah: Okay.
What are you?
There's no such thing as sparkly hooves.
- Emma: Yes, there is. - Um, hey! Hey, guys!
(students all cross talking)
(calling out) Can we quiet down and listen, please?
(students all cross talking)
- (air horn blowing) - Oh!
- Whoa! - Lilly-Anne: Are we done?
The pages for the second act
will be finished in time for the auditions, tomorrow,
so I suggest that you prepare
something from the first act, tonight.
Focus your energy on that.
Mr. Heyward and I look forward to seeing what you come up with.
Yeah.
Lilly-Anne: Good luck.
Isaiah: Break a leg.
(students murmuring)
- (school bell ringing) - Tomorrow.
♪
Isaiah: Pages by tomorrow. Are you crazy?
They could sense your fear.
I had to do something to reassure them.
I can't write an entire second act in one night!
Well, it doesn't have to be the whole act,
but you need to do something.
You know, you really should be more prepared.
You know what? Maybe this was a mistake.
This was way more work than I...
They're having auditions for the show soon.
Oh. Well, you're a good dancer.
Maybe they're looking for dancers.
- That is Cindy Santos. - (unclear).
We got to get going. Let's go.
Yeah, that's Miranda's mom. You know her?
Yep. I'll see you tomorrow. Uh, Miss Santos!
Miss Santos! Hi. Hi.
- Cindy: Hi. - I'm Isaiah Heyward.
I'm the director of the Christmas show.
Oh. Nice to meet you.
- First of all, I'm a big fan. - Great.
Yeah. I went to audition for your show the other day.
I... I didn't get to. I got cut short.
Ah, yes. The open call.
Yeah.
Well, uh, I look forward to seeing the Christmas production.
Yeah. Hey, hey, hey.
Um, this might be coming out of left field.
Maybe I could find a time to audition for it. Callbacks?
Tell you what. Why don't you contact my office?
And if you're in another production,
I will make sure to see it.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Sure. Wonderful.
Okay. I got to get going. Let's go.
Oh. Nice to meet you!
Merry Christmas!
Hey. You ready to head home?
Yeah.
You know Miranda's mom?
Um, no, not personally.
She's just one of the top producers on Broadway right now.
Are you done?
Uh-oh. I know that look.
- What... what look? - That one right there.
It makes me as nervous as a snowflake
in a room full of space heaters.
What is going on inside that head of yours?
I think I might have figured out
how to audition for Cindy Santos after all.
♪
Noah, my man. Hey, you said
they're still casting Glitter and Grace, right?
Right.
Let's say I were to cast Miranda Santos
in the show that I'm directing.
Right.
Isaiah: And then let's also say her mother, Cindy Santos,
were to come and watch her daughter in the show
- on Christmas Eve. - Right.
She would then see me crush it as Randolph in the show.
Noah: Wait. You're casting yourself
in the lead role of a high school musical
to impress Cindy Santos?
Yeah. When you put it that way, it sounds a little weird,
but come on, man.
Come on. This could be it.
It's my chance to audition for Cindy,
get her to cast me, get my career back on track.
I thought you were taking a break
and just enjoying the holidays.
I am. I am. I am. But come on, man.
Sometimes you got to get creative
to get in front of the creatives.
How long you been rehearsing that line?
- A very long time now. - Right.
Isaiah: What do you think?
- (beeping) - It's a good idea.
This guy.
Noah? Noah, you there?
(Isaiah singing gibberish)
- Done! - Done what?
The script, Randolph the Christmas Elk.
You finished so fast.
What, were you possessed by the ghost of Stephen Sondheim?
(laughing) I don't know what it was
you kids, the candles,
the Christmas spirit.
Uh, Uncle Isaiah, this is stuff from your play.
I know. I know. It... It's a completely different context.
I took out all the political allegories.
Works seamlessly.
You forgot to change the character's name to Randolph.
Oh. That's okay. We'll figure it out.
Also, you know the walls here are paper thin, right?
Um...
Oh, no. Did... did you hear my conversation with Noah?
Yeah, the whole thing.
Okay. Listen. I...
As an assistant director,
it is my duty to help see the director's vision through
and protect that vision,
no matter what.
Huh?
I've been researching a little.
Smart. Very smart.
I want you to be happy,
and if that means getting you back on Broadway,
- then I'm in. - (sighing in relief)
And also, with you as our lead,
it'll only make our show way better.
Right? Yes! Exactly!
Thank you, Aurora. Thank you. Hey, remember.
If you want something bad enough...
- Mm-hmm. - If you want it
real, real bad,
you have to grab the reins and do it yourself, okay?
Which means...
Means?
It means I have to make sure
this is the best Christmas show
that Cindy Santos has ever seen.
- Alright! - It's going to be great.
Nothing's getting in my way, Aurora!
Keep studying, baby!
I'm headed back to the school! Whoo-hoo!
Lilly-Anne, so happy I got you.
What's this?
It's an early Christmas present
the rehearsal schedule, set build, show budget,
and a finished script.
Wow. Impressive.
Thank you. Yeah. It was hard.
It was... It was very hard. You were right,
but I am determined to make this a phenomenal musical.
Oh, that's cute.
What's that? Reindeer or elk?
- Elk from now on! - Uh-huh.
It's not Michelangelo,
but, well, he makes me happy.
Well, he will be our lucky charm.
Hey, enjoy that.
It's really good, like, really good.
(Lilly-Anne chuckling)
(Isaiah loudly singing gibberish)
Isaiah: Merry Merry Maple Mocha for the win.
See? I told you Hal's the best.
Isaiah: Mm-hmm.
- Hey, can I ask you something? - Mm-hmm.
What made you think I'd be good at directing the show?
Remember when you used to visit us every Christmas?
- Mm-hmm. - And after dinner,
you'd act out those stories.
I can't believe you remember that.
How could I not? I mean,
they're only the best Christmas memories ever.
I thought if you could make me feel that way,
you could probably make the others feel the same
by directing them.
I appreciate that.
I really do.
I'm really glad you're here, Uncle Isaiah.
Me too.
(car horn honking)
- Ready for these auditions? - Oh, yeah.
Casting the right talent can make or break a show.
- (school bell ringing) - It's just as important
as the script itself.
Uh, speaking of which,
I just read through the script.
- And? - And I think it could use a...
- Little punch-up? - No.
- Some tweaks? - Not exactly.
A little massage?
- A total rewrite. - That's harsh.
It's just that the second act doesn't resolve
anything that was set up in the first.
It... It's almost like two different scripts
were just jammed together.
- Really? - Yeah.
- That's weird. - Mm. Do you want some help?
I... I have some ideas that I think might make it better.
I'm good. I'm good.
The script is great.
I... I think you might be overthinking things.
As long as the kids crush it,
people will go crazy.
- Yeah. - Know your audience.
Lilly-Anne: Oh.
♪ Twelve drummers drumming ♪
♪ Eleven pipers piping ♪
♪ Ten lords a-leaping ♪
♪ Nine ladies dancing ♪
♪ Eight maids a-milking ♪
♪ Seven swans a-swimming
So many days.
♪ Six geese a-laying
Okay. Thank you, Emma. Thank you so much. Thank you.
♪ Jingle bell rock
♪ Jingle bell ring
♪ Sit by the tree and see what Santa brings ♪
♪ Honey whether you're nice or naughty ♪
♪ We could still chill like Frosty ♪
♪ So come over
Are those all the guys we have?
Yeah.
We're going to need more male vocals,
but we'll deal with that problem later.
Okay. Um, who's next?
Uh, Miranda Santos,
and remember, she only wants to be considered for ensemble.
Got it. Wait. Why is that?
Hi. What are you, uh... what are you singing?
I'll be singing "O Holy Night."
Alright.
♪ O holy
♪ N-night
♪ The stars are brightly shi... ♪
(students whispering)
Hey, Miranda.
Hold on a sec.
(students whispering)
Hey. You okay?
Sorry, Mr. H. I'm really nervous.
I get nervous all the time,
but you know what I do to help me?
I just take a really deep breath.
So, take a deep breath with me. (inhaling, exhaling)
And just think about it like a wave, alright?
And you're just riding that wave,
and the music is flowing through you, okay?
Can I show you? Okay.
♪ Fall on
♪ Your knees
♪ O hear
♪ The angel
♪ Voices
♪ O night
♪ Divine
♪ O night
Yes!
♪ When Christ was born ♪
Keep going.
♪ O night
(clattering)
Hold on one sec. Hold on. Hold on. Hold on.
Hey, what's all that noise?
What's going on?
(clattering)
Hey! Hey, buddy! Hey!
What do you think you're doing?
Principal Ott busted me skateboarding
on school property. So, this is my detention.
You got a problem with that, take it up with him.
Nope. Nope. I'm going to take it up with you.
We're having auditions, okay?
Please keep it down.
- Hey, who are you, anyway? - Stephen. Stephen.
No. I got it. I got it.
I mean, you're not a teacher here.
All this theatre stuff sounds like a waste of time
- if you ask me. - What's your name?
- Stephen. - Stephen what?
Fiorello.
Okay, Mr. Fiorello.
If you think it's so easy to get up and sing your heart out,
why don't you do it yourself?
(students murmuring)
- Right now? - Right now.
- Okay. - Girl: (chanting) Do it! Do it!
Sing your favourite Christmas song.
Let's hear it.
Whenever you're ready, Stephen.
Nah, man.
Have fun with your stupid play.
(clattering)
♪
You know, Stephen has a lot going on at home.
He doesn't have many friends.
He's constantly in trouble.
It's probably his way of getting attention.
Was I too hard on him? I might have been too hard on him.
I feel awful.
Why did you react that way?
As a director, it is my job to protect the performers,
even in an audition.
And everybody has a right to be heard.
Well, maybe we should invite Stephen
to audition for us.
(chuckling)
- You mean put him in the show? - Yeah.
I do not think that's a good idea.
Well, you just said that everyone deserves to be heard.
Maybe being on a stage is exactly what Stephen needs.
We don't even know if he can sing.
Let's see if he can. We need more male vocalists.
Come on. Christmas is all about second chances.
Okay. You may have a point.
He's probably crying out for purpose in his life.
Well, theatre can give him that purpose
and a sense of community.
I'm sure that theatre did that for you. Right?
(school bell ringing)
- (humming to "We Three Kings") - ♪ Orient are
♪ Bearing gifts
♪ We traverse afar
♪ Field and fountain ♪
♪ Moor and mountain ♪
♪ Following yonder star ♪
Hey. Hey, buddy. Stephen.
Hey. Uh, just
just wanted to say sorry about the other day.
Can I have five minutes?
- You got three. - Oh, sweet, bro. I'll sit here.
Um...
You, uh... You like Christmas music?
- Best part of the holidays. - Yeah. I agree. Yeah.
- Is that "We Three Kings"? - Yep.
Yeah. Love that song. Great song.
Could you, uh...
Could you sing a little bit for us?
(chuckling)
You're joking, right?
- No. - No way.
Isaiah: You know, dude, I love Christmas music.
You like to sing, too, don't you?
Yeah, but, uh, when I'm by myself.
We still need some guys for the Christmas musical.
Come on, man. Just... just sing a few bars for us.
What? Make a fool of myself?
♪
You know what they say.
A fool is someone who never takes a risk.
When's the last time you took a chance, man?
Really expressed yourself?
♪
Fine. One song.
Up top, baby.
♪ O star of wonder
♪ Star of night
♪ Star with royal beauty bright ♪
♪ Westward leading
♪ Still proceeding
♪ Guide us to
♪ Thy perfect light
♪
Was that... Was that bad?
No. No!
That was perfect.
(chuckling)
What are you doing Christmas Eve?
(school bell ringing)
♪ I saw the cast come sailing in on Christmas Day ♪
♪ On Christmas Day
- Cast list! - Boy: Alright!
(students chattering)
Why is Stephen's name on the cast list?
He didn't even audition.
Isaiah: Stephen is going to be in the show.
He is playing Elder Reindeer.
- Boy: Oh, no. - What? He didn't even audition.
Guys? Guys, guys, guys.
Everybody, let's quiet down.
(all speaking at once)
Everybody, quiet!
This show is about accepting everybody
for who they are, no matter what.
Stephen has every right to be here,
just like the rest of us.
He's a part of our team now,
and we are a team, right?
- Yeah. - Right?
- Yeah. - Okay. So let's start acting
like one. We can't do this show alone.
We need each other,
more than we know.
- (whispering) Bravo. - Emma: Hey, Mr. Heyward.
Why's your name on the list as Randolph?
Yes. Very good question. So...
Yes, Mr. Heyward.
Why has our director cast himself as Randolph,
in the lead role?
Well, Miss Brigente, a very good explanation for that.
- I thought that... - He thought that it would be
beneficial for young performers like ourselves
to watch and learn how a professional prepares.
I mean, Coach is always telling us that at practice,
you know, like, to train like the pros.
- Right. - I mean, you did sing the best
at the auditions.
Ah. Thank you, my good sir.
Uh, also, I have an understudy,
someone that I will work very closely with
so they'll get more comfortable on the stage.
Miranda Santos.
(students applauding)
I am so excited about the script.
I know it's not fully polished,
but I am open to any feedback you guys might have.
It stinks.
Okay. Uh, let's stick with constructive criticism.
It doesn't make any sense.
It's like two different stories smashed together.
Yeah. Why does Randolph start a filibuster
on the floor of Congress in the second act?
Well, nothing says Christmas like a good filibuster, right?
- Oh. - Students: No.
Okay. Maybe... maybe there's no Congress,
and definitely no filibuster.
Maybe Randolph just wants the reindeer
to see his point of view on flying school.
It can be very difficult to fit in
when you're three times everyone's size, right?
- Students: Yeah. - Isaiah: Yeah.
That's a different angle, but it's kind of the
it's kind of the same thing. You know what?
Let alone fly, right?
So, thank you.
The script does need a little love.
I admit that. So Miss Brigente's going to help
iron out the kinks.
Oh. Would Mr. One-Man Show
like my help with writing the script?
Well, you have good ideas.
I clearly need the help.
I'd love to.
Thank you. Okay.
But first, we're going to get to work.
We're going to start with an exercise, okay?
So, I want you to think of one word
that comes to mind when you think of Christmas,
and I want you to sing it, okay?
We are going to connect emotion to our voice.
So, without thinking,
when I point at you, go. Stephen.
♪ Caroling
Beautiful. Gregory.
♪ Baking
Yeah. Emma.
♪ Smartphone
Because I want a new one for Christmas.
Okay. Travis.
♪ Football
Aurora.
♪ Family
Miranda.
♪ Love
Now, all together, yeah?
(all singing indistinctly)
(holding the note)
You see how good it feels when we all sing together?
I want you to capture that feeling. Remember that,
because through this process,
that is where the magic happens, yeah?
We have less than three weeks to get the show on its feet.
Let's get to work.
Come on! Let's go!
(students chattering)
Right.
We're going to keep the filibuster.
No, we're not.
Oh, and then... and then the reindeer,
they... they head off offstage
like they're soaring into the sky.
Uh-huh. We can do that with a lighting effect. No problem.
And then Randolph,
he's left alone in the middle of the stage.
(Isaiah gasping)
Single spotlight. Single spotlight,
and that's when he sings...
♪ No one wants to be alone ♪
♪ At Christmas
(laughing) So good!
Where were you when I was writing my show?
Oh. Oh, I love that line you wrote,
"You may not fly like a reindeer,
but you, Randolph, have soared..."
Both: "in your very own way."
That is so good!
- Thanks. - So good.
Hey, you know what this means?
We have a complete script.
- We have a complete script. - We have a complete script.
- Yes! - Yes!
♪
I could use some fresh air after all that. (Clearing throat)
- Alright. - I'll get my jacket.
♪
Hancock is so charming at Christmas.
- Told you. - What's with the blanket?
It's a surprise.
Come on.
Bit chilly for a picnic, huh?
Yeah. It's just one of my favourite spots.
You can enjoy all the lights without the crowds.
Hmm. Thank you for sharing it with me.
You know, I thought
you were going to take the easy route and wing it,
but you've really stepped up
to make this a great show for the kids.
♪
What is it?
I don't know. Maybe this is too personal, but
it's really hard for me to believe someone like you
doesn't have a significant other.
Oh. Well, Mr. Broadway,
I could say the same about you.
Well, no. It's like you said.
What I did was what I was.
Auditions, workshop, gigs, lessons.
I didn't have time for anything but work.
Mm. And now that I actually have time for a life,
I don't consider what I do to be work.
Okay. What you do,
it's nothing short of heroic.
I don't know if it's that dramatic.
You are a guidance counsellor.
You guide these kids.
You make a lifelong impression on them.
How is that not heroic?
Well, back at you.
You've opened these kids up to a whole new world
of expression, confidence.
Like my dad always said,
heroes come in different shapes and sizes.
Isaiah: Mm.
I always thought that maybe one day I should open
an adults creative writing club in town.
You should do it.
Yeah?
Someday is the one day that'll never come
until you make the time for it.
Are you ready for the best part?
How could it get any better than this?
♪
Some people love the spotlight,
but I love these lights.
Yeah. This is pretty hard to beat.
♪
(whistle blowing)
Stephen, that looks fantastic!
Where did you learn to paint?
Well done, man.
- Mr. H? - Yeah?
I need to know why you cast me as your Randolph understudy.
Because you're very talented.
But what if something happens to you and I have to go on
and then I mess up or freeze up, or worse,
I embarrass myself in front of my mom and everybody?
Hey, hey, hey. Your mom will love to see you up there.
She doesn't know I love to sing.
She works with the best professionals in the world,
and it makes me a little self-conscious.
Getting cast in the ensemble is awesome.
It's amazing. It's a feat in itself.
But until you take that first step
out of your comfort zone,
you are going to miss out
on all the amazing things you could discover.
You have so much potential, Miranda.
- You think so? - Yes. Yes.
I know so,
but the question is, do you believe that?
At the end of the day, it doesn't matter what I think.
Doesn't matter what your mom thinks, okay?
It matters what you think and you alone.
Okay. I'll do it.
- Yeah? - I'll be your understudy.
That's right. Put 'er there. Alright!
Cindy: Miranda!
There you are. Come on. We got to get going.
I was just talking to Mr. H about my understudy role.
Right. You know,
there's a lot of pressure if you have to go on as a lead.
We both know you don't like a lot of attention on you.
I... I don't love this idea.
Isaiah, uh, how is the show coming along?
"Five stars," says the New York Times.
Great. Uh, well, I really hope to make it,
but I have a conflict that week, so...
- Okay. Come on. Let's go. - (school bell ringing)
Isaiah: I'm sorry your mom couldn't make it.
Yeah. Me too.
The divorce is pretty hard on her, huh?
Especially during this time of the year.
- Yeah. - She stresses so much,
making sure that I'm happy,
making sure that her business is doing well.
The only problem is, she forgets about herself.
Oh, she always puts others first.
Yeah. I can't remember the last time
that she went all out for Christmas.
I mean, the house has some decorations,
but it's not the same.
Oh, she used to be the biggest Christmas fan.
I know.
Well, hey. I owe you guys an apology.
I'm really sorry I haven't been there for you
when you needed me the most.
You have a life back in Manhattan.
It's not an excuse.
Well, you're here now. That's what matters.
Yes, I am.
Miss Brigente!
- Oh, hi! - Oh, hi.
We're about to watch the movie. You should come sit with us.
Sure. Yeah. I'd love to.
Great. Uh, well, we need popcorn.
Lilly-Anne and Isaiah: I'll get it.
We'll both get it.
(both chuckling)
Don't forget the extra butter.
- I'll get us some seats. - Alright.
Shall we?
Man on screen: You were quite the talk of the town.
You, you won't let me down, will you, Rupert?
You'll do everything just like I taught you, huh?
Do you love this movie?
Yeah. It's an underrated classic.
Ah.
I actually come here every year.
It's a Hancock holiday tradition.
Oh, okay.
Do you have any Christmas traditions?
(laughing) Oh, yeah.
I used to act out, like, a Christmas story
in front of the tree every year.
It was... It was my first starring role.
Oh. Well, that's the great thing about traditions.
You can revisit them whenever you need to.
Mm-hmm. What about you?
You have any Brigente family traditions I should know about?
Mm, yes.
Every year, we go to the Christmas tree lot,
and we pick out the saddest, most awkward-looking tree
and take it home.
Why?
Because they're always skipped over.
Yes, they're different than the others,
but they have character and, when decorated right,
shine just as bright as the best.
You always root for the underdog.
Always root for the underdog. Yeah.
Mr. Amendola, we're so glad you folks dropped in on us.
Katie, get Mr. Amendola a chair
and some coffee and some cake, Katie.
Where's the Christmas spirit?
That's right. Where is the Christmas spirit?
♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells
♪ Jingle all the way ♪
♪ O what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh ♪
♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells
♪ Jingle all the way
♪ O what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh ♪
(man on screen playing piano)
Okay. So... so, the idea is,
they were brought together because of the dancing squirrel.
Man on screen: One Christmas Eve when I was a kid.
It's no weirder than a dancing elk.
(laughing)
(some audience members laughing)
♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells
♪ Jingle all the way
♪ O what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh ♪
(some audience members laughing)
(playing chord)
This is wonderful.
♪
- Aurora: Morning. - Hey.
Just working on the show again?
Oh, something better.
Okay. Lilly-Anne was right.
It is never too late to revisit Christmas traditions,
so I was thinking, let's help your mom find
that inner Christmas fan girl again.
How are we going to do that, exactly?
Watch and learn.
This is a huge mistake! We'll never get this done.
I know who can help.
Hey. Uh, we're putting up decorations.
- Can you come help us? - Yeah. Let me grab my coat.
Isaiah: Great.
♪ Help me hang up the mistletoe ♪
♪ So I can steal a kiss ♪
♪ I don't care if you're good or bad ♪
♪ You're at the top of my list ♪
♪ Help me hang up the mistletoe ♪
- Keep working on that one. - (glass breaking)
Oh.
♪ Wrap me up
Ah. Thank you.
It's for Noah and Catherine.
♪ Help me hang up the mistletoe ♪
♪ So I can steal a kiss ♪
♪
We giveth thee Project Illumination.
Ha-ha!
(Aurora and Isaiah chuckling)
Good surprise?
Nod if it's a good surprise.
This is unbelievable.
Thank you.
Uh, I'll get the red popcorn.
Please do not eat the decorations, Aurora.
Aurora: Yeah, yeah.
(sighing contentedly)
You know, thank you. I... I needed this.
Of course.
And I'm going to say this one last time because I love you.
You need to start dating again.
You mean Hal.
Of course I mean Hal, my new favorite cocoa aficionado.
He has the biggest crush on you.
(sighing) He just doesn't need my mess.
What mess?
I'm a single mother, trying to keep her business
afloat, and every time Christmas comes along, I just...
I reminisce about all the great Christmases we used to have,
and it just... it feels so far away.
Well, then let's make something e new Christmas memories,
with new people, like we're doing right now.
Yeah?
Second acts happen with the most unlikely of people,
in the most unlikely of places.
Second acts, huh?
Sorry, I couldn't help myself. The point is, you are beautiful,
you're brave,
you're kind, you're a wonderful mother, an entrepreneur,
and you deserve a chance at happiness.
I'm just, um...
I'm afraid to put my heart out there again.
Well, take it slow.
Take the pressure off.
Take it at your own pace, you know?
But most importantly, have fun.
What's the harm in that?
I mean, Hal's a good guy, right?
You have official brother approval.
Really?
- Go get him. - What?
Go.
Like, now?
Now. Go.
I got this. Go.
I can't believe I'm doing this. I'm... I'll be right back.
I mean, I don't know.
Go! Go!
Aurora: All right, got it.
Where'd mom go?
To take a chance.
One, two...
♪ Oh, Christmas Elk, oh, Christmas Elk ♪
Smile.
♪ How grateful are we for you
Come on, guys.
Okay, stop. Just stop. Stop.
Just... Guys, come on.
We have less than two weeks till the show.
Maybe if we had a piano player, we'd be able to hear the notes.
You said we'd have someone by now.
Kids: Yeah.
- I know. I'm a singer, okay? - (bell ringing)
I'm doing the best I can.
(clearing throat)
- Group selfie. - Isaiah: All right, guys.
- We'll see you tomorrow. - (camera shutter clicking)
Well, which one of you
would like to make your stage debut?
You know what? I'm thinking something, uh, small,
awkward, maybe a little overlooked.
Hmm.
Maybe something like a typical Brigente family tradition.
You remembered.
Well, how could I forget?
The way I see it, our show is like this tree
an underdog with tons of potential.
I like that.
Wow. Things are getting real.
(Lilly-Anne chuckling) No pressure.
See? It just needed a little love.
Uh-huh.
Thank you for keeping this tradition alive.
I know it's silly, but it makes me happy.
Oh, it's not silly at all.
To be honest, I can't remember the last time.
I... just let myself truly enjoy Christmas.
It's nice.
I've been caught up in my own bubble and
haven't made any time for the people that matter, you know?
Well, the people that matter understand.
Hmm. Maybe.
I wouldn't blame them if they didn't, though.
(scoffing)
My best friend from college, Noah,
I missed his engagement party the other night.
I've just been, like, so focused on my own career,
I forgot about one of the most important nights of his life.
Well, it's never too late to show someone you love them.
Be honest about what's in your heart.
That's right.
Yeah. It's never too late.
I have to show you something. Check out this app, all right?
- Oh. - Huh?
Thought we could use that for the effect in the second act.
- I like it. - And then, this for the solo.
(both chuckling)
It's perfect.
Not quite.
(soft music playing)
♪ We're in our own little snow globe ♪
♪ Everything in its right place ♪
Will you dance with me, Miss Brigente?
Come here. Come here.
Can you handle it, Mr. Broadway?
Yeah, of course I can.
- Oh! - Oh!
♪ And this love is upon us
Beautiful.
♪ Can you hear the angels sing? ♪
- A little spin? - Sure.
Oh.
Ooh, another spin.
Wonderful, Miss Brigente.
♪ I just wanna slow dance
♪ Underneath the snowfall
♪ Can't you see that love is all around? ♪
There's, um
there's something that I've been meaning to tell you.
I know exactly what you're gonna say.
You do?
♪ That's what Christmas is all about ♪
I feel the same way.
♪ Hold me
♪ While I'm gonna hold you
♪ It's all about us right here, right now ♪
♪ That's what Christmas is all about ♪
You okay?
Yeah.
Yeah, I'm great.
♪ That's what Christmas is all about ♪
(straining) Come on.
(coughing) Gah...
Aurora: Uncle Isaiah?
Oh. This looks... promising.
Yeah,
I just have to fix this archaic snow machine for our finale,
and I have five days left to figure it out.
Okay, well, while you're arm-wrestling with this thing,
um, I just read the RSVP list for Christmas Eve,
and Cindy Santos is confirmed.
- No way. - Yeah.
- This is good. - Okay, this is good.
This is really good. This is good.
I just have to give the best performance of my life
and win her over. No pressure, right?
Very convincing.
Yeah, I know. Well, the way things have been going,
this show could be a total disaster.
I could make a fool of myself in front of Cindy.
You know, I only have one shot to get it right.
It'll be great. Come on.
Miss Brigente believes in the show, and so do I.
Well, as for Miss Brigente,
I'm starting to feel like I should
you know, come clean about why I cast myself as Randolph.
I know you'll find the right time to tell her.
You're right. You are so right.
You know what? I'm going to give her the old Heyward touch.
- I'll leave you to it. - (bell ringing)
♪ I'm a jolly Christmas elk
- ♪ With my antlers high. - Aurora: What about this one?
♪ I can't soar through the sky
♪ No matter how I try
(speaking indistinctly) ♪ My hooves are stuck here
♪ On the ground
♪ A fact that is so true
I think this is what they call a 'tech rehearsal'.
Our director and star is an actually Broadway performer.
Parents: Oh...
♪ So true...
What are they doing here?
♪ True...
♪ Uh...
I don't know, but it's throwing her off.
Uh-oh.
Hey. Why'd you stop? You're killing it.
Maybe you should do this run-through.
No, I have a million other things I gotta work on, okay?
I need you to play Randolph right now.
Can we take a break?
(whispering:) Just giving some Broadway advice.
Sure. Yeah. That's five, everybody.
(whispering:) That means they're taking a break.
Well done.
Break lots of legs.
(sighing)
That's it.
Principal Ott didn't tell me he was coming with the parents.
No, me neither.
I don't think Miranda has ever sang a solo
in front of anybody in her entire life.
Well, come to think of it,
half of the cast hasn't performed in over a year.
They're probably all a little rusty.
Mm-hmm. Okay, so, how do we give them confidence before opening?
Christmas caroling.
Oh, my goodness.
Have the kids carol
at the Hancock Annual Christmas Festival tonight,
shake the nerves out of their system.
It's not a bad idea.
Come on, Mr. H.
You can say no to a little Christmas caroling.
♪ Round yon Virgin
♪ Mother and Child
♪ Holy Infant
♪ So tender and mild
♪ Sleep in heavenly peace
♪ Sleep in Heavenly peace ♪
♪ Ooh, ooh
Uh-oh.
- (crowd muttering) - You okay?
(crowd muttering)
(crowd continues muttering)
♪ Silent night
♪ Holy night
♪ The shepherds quake
♪ At the sight
♪ Glories stream
♪ From heaven afar
♪ Heavenly hosts sing alleluia ♪
♪ Christ the Savior
♪ Is born
♪ Christ the Savior
♪ Is born
(crowd cheering)
Great job. I'm so proud of you.
Well, everybody, please remember to come see this cast
in the premiere of Randolph the Christmas Elk
on Christmas Eve at Archer Academy.
We'd love to see you there.
- (audience cheering) - Whoo!
That was so good.
Yeah.
- Thank you. - See you, guys.
(students chattering)
(Isaiah shivering)
- Thank you. - Of course.
Well, I would say that Mission Christmas Confidence Boost
was a success.
Mission accomplished, Agent Brigente.
Well done, Agent Heyward.
(chuckling) Thank you.
You know, I found videos online of you on Broadway.
- Oh, no. - I may have binged them all.
I was very impressed.
You binged them?
Oh, I didn't know I was binge able.
Honestly, it feels like a lifetime ago.
Before coming here, I thought my
my time in the theater might be over, you know?
And now, I'm in a theater with you
and these kids, and it's just I'm there
in a way I never could have imagined.
Life is funny that way.
Yeah.
I took your advice.
I'm going to be teaching
an adults creative writing course this spring.
Are you serious? You did it.
Your someday showed up. I am so proud of you.
Thank you.
So, I asked Principal Ott
if we are still in need of a music and drama teacher,
and he said that we were, so I threw your name in.
I don't know if that's such a good idea.
Sure, it's not Broadway,
but these kids think of you as a star.
And more importantly, they consider you their mentor,
which is one of the best roles in the world.
I'm not a mentor. I'm not...
I'm someone they should look up to.
Of course you are. Of course you are.
You have a way with them, more than you know.
I don't even know if I want to be in Hancock, or on Broadway,
or what I'm doing with my life, you know?
Well, right now, maybe you're supposed to just help these kids
put on the best play of their lives.
But what about the play of my life?
Yeah. Sorry that I brought it up.
No, no, no. I...
I appreciate you talking to Principal Ott.
(phone vibrating)
- One second. - (phone vibrating)
Hello?
What? What? No, no, no.
What do you mean the orders are delayed?
I'm sorry. I have to take this. Can we talk later?
Yeah. Go.
(door closing)
(chuckling) I know.
I can't believe we got the last one.
Aurora: Right?
Isaiah, what is it?
The supply orders for the show
are delayed due to a snowstorm.
So, what does that mean?
It means I don't know if we're going to finish building
the show in time for opening night.
Maybe taking this job was a huge mistake.
I don't even know what I'm doing with my life anymore.
My show is going to be a disaster.
You mean our show.
Our show, right. That's what I meant.
♪
What's all this?
Well, our group chat was nonstop last night, and Hal knew a guy
who knew a guy, who got us all the supplies we needed.
- Really? - Aurora: Yeah.
We're here to help you finish the set,
with mandatory Christmas sweaters, of course.
This one's for you.
How apropos.
Thank you, guys.
It is so great to see us all come together like this, yeah?
How could we not? I mean, it is our show, right?
That's right, it is our show.
Let's get to work!
(clattering)
(motor rumbling)
- Yes! - (motor sputtering)
Aah! You know what? Fine. You win.
- Hey. - Hey. Nothing.
Are you in a fight with a snow machine?
Do you want me to try to take a crack at fixing it?
I mean, it shouldn't be too complicated, right?
Yeah, sure. Okay. Yeah. Have at it.
Well, I'll just look it up.
I mean, we aware the internet exists, right?
I can't believe I didn't think of that.
Problem solved.
Except we have an even bigger one.
We don't have an accompanist.
- The show goes up in two days. - I can help out with that.
I'm a classically trained pianist.
Wait, hold up. You play?
There's more to this gal than looks and charm.
Okay, Sandra, you never cease to amaze me,
jump scares and all. I appreciate you very much.
Okay, all right, now all we gotta do is finish the set.
Oh, I may have called in
some surprise reinforcements of my own.
Noah, what are you doing here?
Well, Jess texted and said you could use some help,
and I know a thing or two about building sets.
Thanks for the Christmas candle, by the way.
Catherine and I already made our wish.
- I can't believe you're here. - Of course, buddy.
It's what friends do, we show up.
That's right. That is right, we do. And hey, from now on,
I promise I'm going to be there for you and Catherine.
- All right? No matter what. - Thanks, buddy.
Who's ready to put on a show?
Let's go.
Maybe this side here?
- (whistle blaring) - We're all gonna need this.
- (whistle blaring) - Hey, bring that over here.
Actually, you know what? Let's take it off.
No, it doesn't fit here.
Oh, we can bring in and see if we need these.
Oh, there's the lights.
Okay, yeah, perfect. Over here.
Okay, everybody, these trees gotta go.
These trees don't come in until the second act.
All right, who's stressed? I am. Let's sing a carol.
♪ Ho ho ho
♪ Oh, who wouldn't go?
♪ Ho ho ho, who wouldn't go? ♪
♪ Up on the housetop, click, click, click ♪
♪ Down through the chimney - And go.
- ♪ With good Saint Nick! - Perfect.
♪ Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick ♪
This is really fun.
I love that smile.
Great job, everybody!
This is looking fantastic.
- Hey. - Hey.
It's all coming together, isn't it?
Some things just aren't meant to be done alone.
Hmm. I'm beginning to see that.
Listen, I'm, um...
I'm really sorry about the other night.
I know you had the best intentions for me,
wanting to stay at Archer.
I just believe in you.
You've inspired these kids to achieve so much more
than they ever dreamed they could.
And more than I expected, too.
Look,
Lilly-Anne, the truth is... I cast myself as Randolph
because I wanted to impress Cindy Santos.
That's the truth.
And, uh, now, I realized how much of a mistake that is
because of how much I care about these kids
and how much I care about you.
- Hi. - Hi. Hi. Hi.
Sorry. Are you going over your lines?
My lines? No. No, no, no. Not my lines.
I... no, I know my lines. Yeah, what's up? Never mind. Hi.
I know it's our final dress rehearsal
before the actual show tomorrow, but my mom's here to watch.
Cindy's... in the building? Tonight?
Wow. (Laughing)
Okay. That's, uh...
That's... that's great. That's exciting.
Yeah, she has a last-minute work thing tomorrow,
so tonight's the only time she can make it.
Oh.
It's good that you're going on as Randolph
because there's no way I could do it.
Yeah... yeah... yeah, it's good I'm going...
I'm going... um... I don't know if I can do it.
But you have to. We've all worked so hard.
Everyone's counting on you.
Right. Of course they are because I'm the guy.
- Yeah. - Yeah.
Okay.
It's showtime, Randolph.
(piano playing)
♪ I'm a jolly Christmas elk
♪ With my antlers high
♪ I can't soar through the sky
♪ No matter how I try
♪ My hooves are stuck here
♪ On the ground
♪ A fact that is so true
♪ I'll never be loved like they are ♪
♪ No matter what I do
♪ No matter
♪ What... I... do...
(hitting high note)
(holding note)
(continues holding note)
- (audience cheering) - (heart beating)
(breathing heavily)
(cheering)
(breathing heavily)
(sighing)
(heart beating)
(exhaling sharply)
(cheering)
Thanks. Oh, thanks, guys. Thanks, guys.
Thank you, thank you. Give me five, okay? Thanks.
(sighing)
(exhaling sharply)
You were amazing.
Oh, thank you. Thank you.
Go get dressed. We're going out to celebrate.
All right.
You were outstanding.
Completely exceeded my expectations.
Oh, my... Thank you. Thank you.
Could you be in the city tomorrow?
We're doing the Glitter and Grace callbacks,
then I could squeeze you in at the end.
I know it's Christmas Eve, but, uh,
is that gonna be a problem?
No, no, no. No. No. No, no.
This is what I've been wishing for.
Cindy: Okay. 2 p.m., Madison Studios.
- I'll be there. - Yep.
- Thank you! Thank you! - Cindy: Uh-huh.
(exhaling sharply)
- I should have known. - Lilly-Anne...
You did all of this to impress Cindy Santos.
You don't care about anybody but yourself.
That's not true. That's not true.
You're a great actor, I'll give you that.
Had me convinced.
There's a lot more to the story.
- Just save it. - Lilly-Anne...
And tell the kids or I will.
They deserve that much.
Lilly-Anne, please, please.
(sighing)
I know you're disappointed.
But the good news is
Miranda gets to go on as Randolph tomorrow.
Come on, guys, come on.
She is going to be incredible.
We know that.
We just thought you'd be here for us,
at least to cheer us on.
But instead, you used our show to audition for a bigger show.
(sighing)
I know that's what it feels like.
Yeah, but what about doing everything together, huh?
Seeing it through all the way until the end?
What happened there?
He's all talk.
Come on, guys. Let's go.
Lilly-Anne: Well, wait. Guys, we're going to be fine.
We're going to be fine,
but we do have some things to figure out. Hold up.
Did you cast me just so you could impress my mom?
No. No. I didn't.
Miranda. Miranda...
♪
I'm sorry.
♪
Isaiah?
They're ready.
Now, this is the guy I was talking to you about.
(whispering:) He's gonna be great.
Well, I hope you're singing a song from Randolph.
Uh, yeah. Yeah, I am.
Excellent.
Whenever you're ready.
All right. Okay.
All right, go ahead.
(piano playing)
♪
Uh...
Sorry. Sorry, guys.
Uh, yeah, can we take that back again?
Okay.
(piano playing)
♪
I'm sorry. Uh, sorry. Can we stop?
(piano stopping)
I can't do this.
Cindy, can we talk alone?
Please?
Give us the room.
Unbelievable. What are you doing?
You have to see Miranda as Randolph.
She is brilliant. She's absolutely brilliant.
If we leave now and you drive, I think we can make the curtain.
What about the audition that you practically begged me for?
I don't care. I don't care. Miranda's more important.
She is so good in this show, Cindy.
She has so much potential.
She'll never tell you this, but she needs you to believe in her.
And if she sees you rooting for her,
believing in her, celebrating her wins,
who knows what she could accomplish?
Look at this.
Please come with me to Hancock right now.
Please.
For Miranda.
We are sold out tonight. Everyone is here to see you.
All of you.
How are we supposed to do this without Mr. H?
The same way we did it with him.
You go out there and you do your best.
Come on, you know your lines, your cues, your character.
All that's left is to trust yourself and each other.
We can do this.
Lilly-Anne: We can do this.
All: We can do this. We can do this.
We can do this!
I can't do this.
Cindy: Oh, I know you can
because I believe in you.
I cannot wait to see you shine on that stage.
You're going to be wonderful.
And if this is what you really want to do, I'm behind you 100%.
Okay?
I promise to never miss one of your performances ever again.
Isaiah: That goes for me, too.
You're back.
I'm back.
This is your moment.
My role is to support you, all of you.
I'm so sorry, guys.
I'm so sorry I wasn't up front with you.
It won't happen again, I promise.
These last few weeks, they have been better
than anything I've experienced in my whole career.
And it has reminded me of what is important.
Broadway?
It's got nothing on you guys.
Well...
Now, get your hands in here.
All right, you go out there
and make my Christmas wish come true, okay?
Yeah.
All right. "Randolph" on three.
One, two, three!
All: Randolph!
Let's go get 'em, guys.
Miranda: All right.
Hey.
Do you remember when I told you,
if you want to get something done,
you just grab the reins and do it yourself?
I was wrong. I was so wrong.
You have to share
the reins with those around you, your friends, your family.
They help steer your dreams in the right direction.
I love you, Aurora.
I love you, too, Uncle Isaiah.
Okay.
Aurora: All right, that's places, everyone!
(piano playing)
♪
♪ We three deer have a story to tell ♪
♪ A Christmas elk, saved Santa's sleigh bells ♪
♪ Randolph's his name, an elk not a deer. ♪
♪ Spreading Christmas cheer
(audience cheering)
My whole life, all I've ever wanted was to fly.
Is that too much to ask?
(upbeat piano playing)
♪ We're reindeer standing side by side ♪
♪ Hopeful eyes all open wide
♪ Running and leaping, we're aiming high ♪
♪ Soon, we'll be racing through the sky ♪
(audience cheering)
Yes!
Now, something went wrong, and the sleigh went down,
crashing to earth with a deafening sound.
The reindeer, they pulled, they were trying to steer,
but they couldn't stop the sleigh from crashing near.
You got this, all right?
You're right, Mr. H, I got this.
Thanks for giving me the chance and for showing up.
Of course. Go get 'em.
Now, you may not fly like a reindeer,
but you, Randolph, have soared in your very own way.
- (banging) - (motor sputtering)
♪ Though I can't fly, I still bring joy ♪
♪ To every girl and every boy ♪
♪ My role is special, here on land ♪
♪ Supporting friends is so grand ♪
♪ From Christmas Elk, this Christmas Elk ♪
♪ A merry Christmas to you!
♪ Oh, Christmas Elk, oh, Christmas Elk ♪
♪ A merry Christmas to you
♪ Oh, Christmas Elk, oh, Christmas Elk ♪
♪ A merry Christmas
♪ To you
(audience cheering) Whoo! Whoo!
(audience cheering)
(cheering) Yeah, Miranda!
(audience cheering)
That's my daughter! There! That's my daughter!
(audience cheering)
We did it!
(audience cheering)
Come on, let's go.
- (audience cheering) - Yeah! Yeah!
All right!
(audience cheering)
Should we bow? Ready? Ready?
(audience cheering)
(shouting indistinctly)
This might be the best getting an ovation I've ever had.
I knew you could do it.
(audience cheering)
(cheering)
Yes!
All right, great! Get outta here! Go!
- Go have fun! - You guys were awesome.
- Wonderful. Wonderful. - You were amazing.
- Good work. - Wonderful.
Um, Mr. Heyward, I want to say thank you for everything.
Go have fun.
That went well.
Yeah. Snow machine missed its cue, but...
Oh, I don't think a Tony Award voter even noticed.
By the way, how did your audition go?
I made a wish on one of Jess's candles to get my life back.
My wish came true.
Oh, your... Your life on Broadway?
My life here
with you.
Is the drama and music director position still open?
Because if it isn't, this is about to get really awkward.
Principal Ott said it's all yours, if you want it.
Of course I want it.
Guess our someday finally showed up.
♪
Better late than never, huh?
You know what they say...
What's that.
"The snow must go on."
Now, one more question: is there anything I can do
to make this a more perfect Christmas for you?
I can think of one more thing.
(gasping) "He sprang to his sleigh",
"to his team gave a whistle!"
"And away they all flew,"
"like the down of a thistle."
"But I heard him exclaim,"
"ere he drove out of sight..."
This is my favorite part.
"'Merry Christmas to all!
All: "'And to all, a good night!'"
(all chuckling, applauding)
Come here.
Merry Christmas...
Merry Christmas.
♪
♪ And wonders, wonders
♪ Of his...
♪ Love