All language subtitles for A.Show-Stopping.Christmas.2022.720p.WEB.h264-BAE.[eng]

[♪♪]

-Cratchit!
-Oh!

Yes, mr. Scrooge?

Where do you think you're going
with that lump of coal?

Elvin:
I was just going to add it
to the fire.

It has-- it's gotten
a little cold in here.

I take it from--
I take it from your tone

That you'd rather I didn't?

-Hey, elvin?
-Yeah?

Riley:
If we could just make some
eye contact with scrooge.

Yeah. If you miss
some of the lines,

-It's-- it's okay.
-Yeah.

Okay.

And maybe, cheat out
a little bit.

Cheat out.

Oh.

I had no idea
you were a comedian!

Tell me, why do you feel it
necessary to spend my money

By piling expensive coal
onto the fire?

Do we need a bonfire in here?

No sir, it's--
it's just that my fingers...

Make sure to project.

Uh.

No sir,
it's just that my fingers...

I didn't think so.

Great! Great, great.

Well done, both of you.

Okay, that's it for today.

Thank you all for coming in
to audition.

I will be posting the
casting decisions in the lobby

In the next few days.

And I sincerely appreciate
your time and support

Of the onota theatre
and our annual performance

Of a christmas carol.

-Okay, thank you.
-That's good, yeah, so good.

And you, you're so good.

Thank you. Yes.

(clears throat)

Come on, let's shoot a plug
for the auditions.

We clearly still need
a bob cratchit.

Yeah.

Come,
by the scrooge & marley sign.

I wasn't too full
from my thanksgiving dinner

To audition for
a christmas carol,

An annual berkshire's tradition
at the onota theatre.

And this year's production

Is gonna be more wonderful
than ever.

But hey, don't take it from me,

Here is the show's
amazing director,

Miss riley burdett!

Riley:
Hi everyone!

This year's show is a fun,
contemporary spin

On this timeless classic.

Auditions are happening
all this week!

And there's still lots of roles
still available,

But you're gonna
have to be pretty good

To beat out archie here
for scrooge!

And after your audition,
head on over to my place,

Archie's tavern,
for a burger, a beer,

And some holiday cheer!

Where you can purchase tickets
for a christmas carol, too.

Riley & archie:
Mhmm.

"god bless us everyone!"

But especially those
who audition.

Can I clear this for you?

Sure, thanks.

Couldn't help but notice

You were watching
riley's audition video.

Yeah, I was.

What do you know about it?

The other fellow in the video
is archie wadsworth.

He owns this place.

Yeah. Great guy.

Great boss,
and a really great actor, too.

-You've seen the show?
-I hope to be in it.

I auditioned today.

You know being part
of the show is something

I've been looking forward to
every christmas.

That's cool, man.

Yeah.

There they go right now.

You thinking about auditioning?

[indistinct conversation]

Thinking about it.

Yeah.

Well, maybe I'll see you there.

Maybe you will.

[♪♪]

Hey! I come bearing
the gift of dinner.

Ooh. Burgers and fries
from archie's.

How did you know?

I don't know. Maybe 'cause
we do it twice a week.

Remember when we went through
our salad phase?

How did the auditions go?

Did uh, anybody beat out
archie for scrooge?

Nope.

You know there were
some strong contenders,

But he's just so good.

Right?

The bob cratchits though,
notably less good.

Oh, no.

You'd think there'd be
more leading men type

In berkshire county.

Bridget:
Uh, or at least one.

What do you think about

The ghost
of christmas present's robe?

Mmm.

You don't like it?

Riley:
Oh my gosh, I am kidding!

Look at your face.

That scared me!

It's obviously beautiful.

-Really?
-Mhmm.

It's good enough
for broadway, babe.

Okay, well, don't be too nice
or I'm gonna start to think

That you want something from me.

Guilty as charged.

Mm-mm, get your own!

I can't. I finished mine
on the drive here.

No self-control.

Yeah. It's regina.

Why is she calling you
right now?

It's so late.

Archie called her
"scroogina" today.

Okay.

That is funny.

Um, put it on speaker.

Okay. Shh.

Hello?

Regina:
Good evening, riley.

Good evening, regina.

Regina:
I need to speak with you
tomorrow morning.

Okay. Um, I have auditions
in the morning,

But we can discuss--

Regina:
I'll come by the theatre.

You'll have to pause auditions.

What's going on?

Regina:
I'm selling the onota.

What do you mean?

Regina:
I said precisely what I mean.

An offer came in
from a condominium developer.

-Wait--
- we'll talk about it tomorrow .

-But--
-regina: Tomorrow, riley.

She's selling the theatre?

She really is scroogina.

What-- what is she trying to do,
ruin christmas?

I'm sorry, bridget.

Um, I've gotta get
some fresh air.

I'm going for a walk.

What about your burger?

You go ahead.
I'm not even hungry anymore.

[♪♪]

Jake.

What are we gonna do?

What is your wife doing?

We can't lose this theatre.

It was everything to you.

It's everything to me.

I'm gonna figure this out.

I promise.

And if there's any way
you can help out,

Feel free to chime in.

I miss you.

[♪♪]

Wait a sec.

Okay, spirits.

It's riley burdett.

Here's the thing.

This theatre is in trouble.

In the name of charles dickens
I call upon the ghosts of

Christmases past, present
and future.

May you shine your christmas joy
upon regina scroogina.

(chuckles)

So that she may see the light,
and feel the christmas spirit,

And keep our theatre open
as the magical performance space

That jake caldwell intended it
to be so many years ago.

[♪♪]

Jake?

Who's there?

Sorry, didn't mean to scare you.

Riley:
Who are you?

Sam:
I'm sam.

Sorry, you were having a moment,

Kind of an intense moment,
I might add.

You saw that, eh?

Um, how much did you see?

Enough to have
a lot of questions.

Okay, well, me first, uh sam.

Why um-- who?

I mean,
what are you doing here?

That is a lot of questions.

How did you get in?

The lights out front were on,
door was open.

Heard some noises in here,
wanted to check it out,

But hey, I can come back
later some other time

When you're not uh,
summoning spirits.

[riley chuckles]

Hmm, hmm, funny.

Did we go to high school
or something together?

'cause you look oddly familiar.

I don't think so.

But you're riley, right?

Yeah, how did you know that?

I saw your youtube post
about the auditions.

Oh well, I hate to break this
to you, sam,

But you're like
seven hours late.

No body's here.

You're still here.

Right, right.

'cause I was trying to talk
to spirits.

Totally different thing.

[chuckles]

Well, it turns out,
I'm not actually here

To audition anyway.

My aunt is regina caldwell.

I'm helping her sell this place.

She asked me to swing
by the office

And pick up this contract.

I guess she wants to
look it over tonight.

Wait, wait.
Okay, I know who you are.

You're her nephew, right?

Um, the movie star,
sam campbell.

You're in that show right now,
right?

What's it called like um,

"hot people who don't
know each other"

Or something like that?

Yeah, close.

It's called "lovable strangers".

"lovable strangers",
that's right. That's right.

Okay, so you're the reason
why regina called me

Out of the blue today.

I wouldn't say,
I'm the reason exactly.

She's been thinking
about selling this place

For a long time.

It's not like the theatre
makes any money, right?

We break-even which is way more

Than a lot of other theaters
can say.

Right, well, breaking-even
isn't really breaking-even

When you own
a 100-year old theatre

That's in constant need
of repairs.

Onota is the center
of the community, okay.

It's a historical treasure!

Look, I'm just here
for christmas

And to help my aunt go over
some paperwork before she sells.

Otherwise, it's really not
any of my business.

But you're an actor, right?
You're an actor!

How can you do what you do
and be okay with this?

The theatre's dead.

Film and television,
that's where the money is now.

And tiktok.

Tiktok!

What?

Okay, I don't know how you
can be related to jake caldwell

And say something like that.

[sighs]

Do you mind?

I know how much this place
meant to jake.

But it doesn't
change the fact that he's gone.

And regina's alone now.

She's getting older
and this place,

The upkeep is just,
it's too much.

You know, I recognize you too,
right?

Your picture is in their house.

And jake used to mention you
on the phone a lot.

He used to say you were
a great assistant director.

That's sweet.

I'm actually kind of shocked
we never met before.

You weren't at the funeral.

-Shooting a movie.
-Hmm.

I always wanted
to do a show here.

But I got reps pretty early
when I was young

And I just moved out to la.

I've been doing the film
and tv thing ever since.

Not the same, I know.

Eh, no, no, it's not.

Um, how long are you here for?

Until new year's.

I think you should audition.

What?

Hear me out.
We'll be done by new year's.

We really need a bob cratchit.

And in this way you'll be able
to see what this place

Really means to everybody.

-Riley, it's not gonna change.
-Fine.

If it doesn't change anything,
it doesn't change anything.

But I wouldn't be so sure.

Here's my adaptation.

You adapted this yourself?

Are you shocked?

Impressed.

But what if I'm not right
for the role?

I've seen your show.

You'll be fine.

Plus, when I say we need
a bob cratchit,

I mean we really need
a bob cratchit.

You should check your wiring.

Hmm.

[♪♪]

What are you doing up?

It's the middle of the night.

[sighs]

Figuring out a way
to save the theatre.

Gofundme, grants, loans,
marrying rich, robbing a bank.

I thought the onota was your
one true love.

Gross.

Can you think of a better way?

Um, yeah, a human being
for starters.

Hilarious.

[sighs]

I just--just don't know that
fundraising is gonna work here.

The property is just
worth so much,

I feel like we'll be better off
just reasoning with regina.

What's her problem anyways?

It's not like
she needs the money, right?

I don't think so.

I mean, not sure why
she would need

A bigger, emptier house.

Right.

Oh my gosh.

What?

You wouldn't guess who wandered
into the theatre tonight?

Who?

Sam campbell.

Wait, like, regina's nephew?

From lovable strangers?

The very same.

Why is he even here?

Well, he said he's here for
christmas

And to help regina
sell the onota,

But he said he might audition
for bob cratchit.

Seriously?

Wait.

-Ry, that's the answer.
-I mean, we'll see.

Bridget:
No, no. Think about it.

I mean, like do you know
how many people will come

To the show if sam campbell
was cast as bob cratchit!?

Like regina would be crazy
to sell the theatre after

Those ticket sales come in.

I know. I know.

But even if he decides
to do the show,

And draws in a crowd,
his main priority

Is to help regina sell.

No, I don't know,
I just kinda had this

Naive moment where I thought
I might be able

To change his mind.

Well, if anyone can do it,
it's you.

Well, thank you for
your vote of confidence.

Well, I'd say anytime,
but uh, I wouldn't mean it.

Because it's 2:00 a.M.
And I'm going to sleep.

Goodnight, bridget.

[chuckles]
goodnight.

[sighs]

Thank you all
for coming in to audition today.

Um, we're just gonna wait
a few more minutes to see

If anybody else shows up
and we'll get started, okay.

[sighing]

[♪♪]

Riley?

I need to speak with you
for a minute.

Regina, we're in the middle
of auditions.

Auditions are over for
the moment.

Uh no, no, no, no, no.

Just one minute.
I will be right back.

This will just be a minute.

Oh, hi.

Hey.

Have you two met?

-We--
-yeah, we met last night.

Um, sit.

What?

Sit.

I want you to know that I have
been considering this decision

For quite some time
and I'm thrilled with

Mr. Davenport's
condominium development plan.

That's interesting.

What?

I've just never heard the words
"thrilled" and "condominium"

In the same sentence before.

Well, I am thrilled

And thankfully you have nothing
to say about that decision

Unless of course you can come up

With a seven figure number
that can top his offer.

Regina, I genuinely
don't understand.

You have to reconsider.

We're really not
doing that badly.

I mean we're in the black,
which includes paying you

Your executive producer salary.

And if I could just
expand on our summer programs

-This year, I could--
-regina: Riley, please.

We're barely in the black
and the profits that

I can make from selling
this property

Will more than compensate

For that pittance of a salary
that I get.

How soon are you selling it?

A christmas carol will be the
last show at the onota.

I wanted to let you know now,
so that you can start looking

For another job.

Are you--

Regina that's-- that's crazy!

We already planned the shows
for next season!

We've hired staff!

Well, maybe there is--

The offer is final.

I'm sorry, riley,
but all good things

Must come to an end.

Hey.

Unless you have a check
for seven figures,

Right now is really not the
best time.

You sound like
all of my ex-girlfriends.

Merry stinking christmas to me.

A candy cane help?

Can't hurt.

Correct me if I'm wrong,
but that was hardly

A conversation.

That was an injunction.

I'm sorry, I feel like
it's partially my fault.

Well, you didn't exactly
come to the rescue,

But it also really isn't
your problem.

Well, in the meantime maybe
my bob cratchit audition

Will brighten your day?

You want to audition?

Yeah. I do.

I read your script.

I loved the adaptation.

I feel like the
modern vernacular adds a lot.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Thanks.

That was um,
that was the intention.

Plus, it's been a long time
since I was on stage.

Could be fun.

And I'm a really good actor.

Oh, okay then.

Modest, too, I see-

I really am.

-Are you?
-I've won awards.

-How many?
-Just one.

[laughs]

Okay, well then,
let's see what you got.

Let us do,
the scene on page 29

Between bob cratchit
and his wife.

[sam clears throat]

Right.

-Are you ready?
-Whenever you are.

[sam clears throat]

"and did little tim
behave himself in church?"

"oh, yes he did.

As good as gold,
he was, and better."

"somehow I think he gets
more thoughtful just sitting

By himself so much.

He thinks of things
well beyond his years.

He told me on the way home,
that he hoped

The people in church saw him
and noticed he was disabled,

And that it might remind them
and comfort them

On christmas day,

To think about who it was
that made lame beggars walk

And blind men see...

What child his age thinks
that way?

I do believe
he's growing stronger every day,

I truly believe it."

Wow, um, I-- that was um...

I've heard that monologue
so many times in my life,

But, wow that was--
that was really good.

Oh, you said, "wow" twice.

Okay, okay, chill los angeles.

Does that mean I got the part?

You'll have to wait
until we post.

The cast list
comes out tomorrow.

Okay, cool.

So you can just forward
the cast list to my agent then?

Shut up.

So, you're just out here for
three weeks for christmas?

You don't have to shoot
lovable strangers season 6?

Where the plot of the
whole series is you trying to

Find your shirt?

This might surprise you,
but I kind of miss wearing

A shirt.

Really, well then season 3
must have been really hard

For you.

The narrative arc of
season 3 was unfortunate.

Well, one man's misfortune
is another woman's

Favorite midday cable show.

I'm sorry regina's
been so abrasive,

She didn't used to be like this.

I know.

I knew her then too
which is almost worse.

But um, you two are still close,
right?

It's been harder to stay close
since jake passed away,

But I was hoping maybe
this year we could bring back

Some old family
christmas traditions.

Oh, good luck with that.

Yeah.

It's also just been good
to get out of la

For a while. Needed a break.

All the attention is cool for
a little while,

But sometimes it just
gets crazy.

I know that sounds a little
woe is me but...

No.

I get it.

I get it.

Well, um, I uh, look forward to
maybe having you on the cast,

Mr. Campbell.

You really can't just
tell me now?

Unfortunately not,
as lovable a stranger

As you are.

[chuckles]

Hey paul.

You're doing great.

Uh, I've also just never worked
with a real

Bonafide star before.

Which, let me remind you,
is cool.

Just treat him like
a regular person, right?

Well, what does your gut
say about him?

That he's a really good actor.

-And he seems like he's--
-right?

[laughing]

-Wow, speak of the devil.
-Hmm.

I was gonna say a decent guy,
but--

[chuckles]

Just a regular person.

Well, if it isn't
sophia coppola.

I see what you mean.

Oh, that's nothing.

-Hi, I'm sam.
-I know. I'm bridget.

I design costumes for the show.

She's also the best
stage manager we've ever had.

-Uh.
-Cool. Double duty.

-Mhmm.
-It's nice to meet you.

Yeah.

Maybe we'll be
working together.

Maybe we will.

I guess we'll have to
just wait

Till the cast list comes out.

Like everybody else.

Y'all tree shopping?

-Bridget: Yeah.
-Yeah. Actually we are.

We have to decorate the lobby
of the theatre.

Me too.

Regina said she didn't want
a tree, but I told her

She absolutely has
to get a tree.

-It's christmas.
-Of course.

Exactly.

-Sam: Can I help at all?
-Uh, no, I think we're--

Actually, yeah,
I think help would be great.

Thanks.

Mhmm.

Okay.

♪ it's christmas time ♪

♪ I can feel it in the air ♪

♪ hard to believe it ♪

[laughing]

-♪ but it's there ♪
-you all good, riley?

I've got some work
to do in the costume shop.

-Nice to meet you, sam.
-Likewise.

-Riley: Catch you later.
♪ it's finally christmas time ♪

All right, how's that?

Uh, a little more to the left.

Left.

All right. How about now?

Well, if you're going for
a leaning tower of pisa thing,

Then yes.

Perfect.

You wanna know something cool?

Yeah.

These ornaments go back
a 100 years.

-No way.
-Way.

These haven't missed a year
since our first production

Of a christmas carol.

How long have you been
involved here?

I played tiny tim
when I was 4, 5.

I did that for four years
and then I got too tall

And too heavy to sit
on bob cratchit's shoulder.

Yeah, the whole, tiny tim thing
gets a little dicey

Once you get to be about 5-feet
tall.

[chuckles]

Oh, here's the ornament
from that year.

-1996.
-Oof.

I'm old now.

Haven't you heard,
30 is the new 20.

Oh gosh, I hope not.

So jake directed the shows
back then, right?

Mhmm, yeah, he always directed
a christmas carol.

He was the best.

I mean you know that already,
but he really took me in.

I was a foster kid.

-Really?
-Yeah.

We actually still cast
the child actors from

Our local foster program.

It's just another way
we give back to the community.

That's wonderful.

Yeah, had a huge impact on me.

Jake directed the shows
right up to the year he died.

And then it kind of got
naturally passed on to me.

Can you believe they let
a 22-year-old girl

Take over as artistic director?

I mean I was right
out of college.

Yeah, I believe it.

Yeah,
this place became my family.

And it's not just me, you know?

This show and this theatre,
it's the source of so much

Christmas joy
for a whole community.

That's why it's so important
we don't lose it.

Hi, hi, hi everyone.

Thank you all for auditioning.

As always
the competition was strong.

And we had some
difficult choices to make.

If you're not on the list,

Please try out again next year,
okay.

And I hope you all come to
see the show!

[♪♪]

For those of you
who are on the list,

Please meet in the theatre

For a run through
in five minutes, okay.

Five minutes!

If we could all just
gather around, have a seat,

Welcome, welcome, welcome.

First of all, congratulations.

Now does everybody
have a script?

Um, if not, there are some
up here on stage.

Okay, so
not everybody is here yet.

So, in the meantime
I will read the cratchit role.

Um, let's see, bill,
why don't you go ahead

And start us off.

Stave one.

"marley was dead.

There can be absolutely
no doubt about that.

The register for his burial was
signed by the clergyman,

The clerk, the undertaker--

Excuse me, I'm so sorry, bill.

The one thing I demand from
everybody in this company

Is punctuality.

Sorry, won't happen again.

[indistinct chatter
in background]

Everybody, this is sam campbell.

He will be playing
the cratchit role.

That's the sam campbell?

Riley:
Yes, it is.

Okay. Yes.

It is him. Very exciting.

Now let's please return
back to our scripts.

Hi, everybody. Merry christmas.

Uh riley, I think regina
wants to talk to you

For a minute in the lobby.

Okay, um archie, can you--
can you take over for me

-For a second?
-Yeah.

I will--
I will be right back guys.

Sure.

Uh welcome, sir, archie.

-Thank you.
-Yes.

[♪♪]

Interesting cast.

Sam as cratchit?

He had a great audition, regina.

Well, that should be a big draw
for your show.

I agree.

Look, riley.

I don't know if this is all
part of some little ploy

That you've been concocting,
but I just want to warn you

Involving sam changes nothing.

Regina, I respect your choices.

But frankly,
you've gone about this

In a very disingenuous way

And I feel like I deserve
a fuller explanation here.

We'll talk about this later.

-Regina, if--
-we'll talk about this later!

♪ christmas bells are ringing ♪

♪ christmas voices singing ♪

♪ may all your days be
warm and bright ♪

♪ hark the herald angels ♪

♪ singing there's no harm ♪

♪ merry christmas on and on ♪

Sam:
"it's only once a year, sir."

"just a poor excuse for picking
a man's pockets every 25th

Of December.

But I suppose you must
take the day.

Be here all the earlier
the next morning!"

"thank you, sir.

Thank you. I will.

I certainly will."

"merry christmas,
mr. Scrooge."

"humbug."

Okay, great!

Great, great, great.

I loved that.

We'll keep working on it,
but great job.

Archie you've done this part
6,000 times,

So I don't have any notes.

But sam, okay sam,

-That was really good.
-Thank you.

The one thing I will say is
that cratchit,

As I'm sure you know,
values his job

And understands
the precariousness of it,

But he also has this ability
to stand up to scrooge in a way

That other people can't.

But his strength lies
entirely in his vulnerability

And genuineness.

That is a word, right?

[chuckles]

I think so.

That's a really,
really good note.

Uh, it's really thoughtful.

I'm-- I normally don't have
directors who give notes

Like that.

Really?

Yeah. Normally,
it's like a line reading.

Seriously?

That's kind of disrespectful,
isn't it?

[music begins]

Sometimes.

Riley is one of the
best directors

I've ever worked with,
hands down.

I believe that.

Okay.

Guys, stop. I'm blushing now.

[chuckles]

Riley:
Okay.

Let's do it again.

From the top.

[♪♪]

[laughing]

-Hello.
-Hey.

-What's so funny?
-Nothing.

-That was just really fun.
-Really?

Well, I'm glad you thought so.

Maybe you should let
regina know

Because she is completely
ghosting me.

But you love ghosts.

True, but not the point.

Yeah, sorry.

Regina should be
professional enough to at least

Entertain a conversation
with you.

Right?

You know, she's at the
hairdresser this afternoon,

Might present us with
a unique opportunity.

Like?

Like what if we cooked dinner
at regina's house, surprise her.

That way she'd kind of have
to talk to you, right?

Interesting.

That gives me an idea.

Wow, I feel like I'm having
some kind of bizarre dream.

We're throwing a
1920's christmas dinner party

With sam campbell
and regina scroogina.

I know.

But she's gonna freak out
when she comes home

And sees this fun tradition
though, right?

-Bridget: Mhmm.
-It takes us back to the '20s

When they did a first production
of a christmas carol

-At the onota.
-Ugh, so fun!

Hmm.

Why is sam taking so long
to change into his costume?

Hmm. Do I detect a hint o
f over-eagerness to see

Our new bob cratchit?

What are you talking about?

I saw the way he was looking
at you in rehearsal today.

-Get out of here.
-Mhmm.

[sam whistles]

-Wow.
-Hey!

Look at you, bing crosby!

You look great.

-So do you.
-Oh.

Can't wait to see
the tap dance routine.

Oh no, no, no, no.

Fortunately, you will not be
seeing that tonight as a result

-Of prohibition.
-Mhmm.

Sam:
That's a shame.

Oh, clearly you've never
seen me tap dance.

The charleston, however,
that's a different story.

-Mm, mhmm.
-[chuckles]

So uh, what's in the box?

Oh wow.

This is-- this is really nice.

Yeah. They're my mom's.

Couldn't let regina just
hide away in here

And not decorate for christmas,
you know.

Absolutely not.

She would have.

I believe it.

[♪♪]

Sam, this village is beautiful.

It's-- it's really charming.

It's yours.

What?

Really?

Yeah,
what am I gonna do with it?

It's just been sitting
in storage for years.

I doubt regina
even knows it exists.

You should put it
in the theatre.

No. Come on.

It's-- it's your family's.

And plus, it's probably
worth a lot of money.

Nah, I'm not worried
about that.

Well, then maybe I'll sell it
for a million dollars

And buy out regina.

Well, if it's worth that much,
I might ask for it back.

[chuckles]

That's probably archie.

Hello, hello, hello.

Oh!

You do know
there's a prohibition going on?

-I have a secret stash.
-[laughs]

You look awesome, archie.

Riley, you look awesome.

-Mm, thank you.
-Sam, nice jacket.

Thank you.

Riley, archie, sam & bridget:
Surprise!

[laughing & cheering]

What are you doing here?

Sam:
Welcome home.

I'd like to propose a toast

To our very generous hostess,
regina.

Thank you for the hospitality
and thank you for

Your stewardship
of the onota theatre.

And I'd also like to thank
my fellow company members.

Thank you for
bringing me into the fold.

Mhmm.

It's an honor really
to work together.

-Now, cheers!
-Cheers!

-Riley: Cheers.
-Cheers.

Riley:
Thank you, sam.

-We're grateful to have you.
-Cheers.

So, aunt regina, the word is
that you and jake used to host

This event every year.

We did.

But it was a long time ago.

By the way, I'm not
particularly pleased

With this little stunt of yours.

But it was always the best
christmas party of the year.

The best party of the year.
Period.

I've heard the stories.

Remember that one time,
jake hired that magician

Who put that lady in handcuffs
and then lost the key?

Oh, wait, wait, wait, wait.

Wasn't that the same night
that the doves got loose

-Inside the house?
-Yeah.

Wow, sounds like
a regular houdini.

Yeah, I hope nobody volunteered
to be sawed in half.

[laughing]

He was a stage manager,
if I recall.

Jake was just trying
to help him out.

-Mhmm.
-Hmm.

Well, he was definitely
better backstage.

-[chuckling]
-riley: Yeah.

You know, and jake and--
and regina always had

A choreographed number, too.

It was amazing.

-Really?
-Mhmm.

It was jake's idea.

Always ended in regina
doing the splits though.

[laughing]

I was a dancer,
but it was a long time ago.

A real team, you two were.

Regina
yeah, we were.

Oh, you remember that one year
we had that horrible ice storm

Right after christmas?

The whole area
was without power for two weeks.

-Oh my gosh, yes, um 2002.
-Archie: Mhmm.

That was right after the show.

-That's right.
-Mhmm.

Archie:
And jake turned the theatre
into a community center

Where people could get
a hot meal and a shower.

-Hmm.
-That is amazing.

He was always doing
things like that.

Yeah. I was still working
for chef brady at the time.

And I opened up the tavern
a year later.

He brought a tenderloin
that he made for everyone.

Yes, oh yes.

It was straight out of
it's a wonderful life.

It was great.

I wish I could have met him.

Jake sounds like he was
an incredible guy.

He was.

He was.

To jake.

-To jake.
-Bridget: To jake.

-Archie: To jake.
-All right.

-Really?
-No, I--

Come on, you liked the salad?

-I loved it.
-She loved the salad.

She loves the salad.

Sam:
I think the second course
was my favorite.

Riley:
Yeah.

[sam & riley clear throat]

What is this?

I feel like I've seen it before.

Oh, sam found that.

Yeah, it was up in the attic.

It was my mother's, remember?

Oh yes. Of course.

I'm gonna give it to riley
for the theatre.

I didn't realize you were
planning to give it away.

Just thought it would
look nice there.

Yeah, it would look
nice anywhere.

Your mother always had
exquisite taste.

Yeah, she did.

Um, sam, you want to come
help me serve dessert?

Sam:
Uh, yeah.

Yeah.

I know what you're doing,
riley.

It's not gonna work.

Nostalgia for christmases past
is not going to change my mind.

Regina, look, I--
I know I might not be able

To change your mind.

But it's one thing
to sell the theatre,

It's a completely
different thing to tear it down

And turn it into condos.

Riley, the building requires
endless maintenance.

I know. I know it's old
and we might need to put

Some money into it
to fix it up again,

Just like jake did,
but we can do that.

-We can fund-raise, we can--
-I don't want to fund-raise.

I don't want anything
to do with the theatre.

I just wanna
wash my hands clean of it.

Then let someone else take over.

But we have to keep it
as a theatre!

I mean, do you really
need the money?

That's really none
of your business, is it?

Well, my job as well as the
jobs of all my friends

Are at stake,
so yes, I guess it is.

How dare you?

[♪♪]

How'd it go?

Could have gone better.

[riley sighs]

I'm pretty sure we took
a major step backwards.

I'll see if I can talk to her.

Really? Like actually?

That would be really helpful.

Sure.

Why are you being so nice to me?

Maybe I'm just a nice guy.

No, that's not it.

Seriously, I thought
you were here to help her

Sell the onota.
Yet here you are helping me

Save this potentially
terrible christmas.

The pieces don't really add up.

I guess I just like
helping passionate people.

Hmm. Well, your aunt
is pretty passionate

About selling the place.

You know what I mean.

You know, I used to be like you.

What does that mean?

Deeply single
with a pinterest addiction?

No. I mean passionate.

You know, excited about life.

-Fiery.
-Oh, fiery.

I'll take it.

But full disclosure, I probably
wouldn't be so passionate

If something wasn't going
horribly wrong in my life.

That's not true.

You're like this all the time.

I see it. You're like--

Never mind.

What?

It's nothing.

No, now you have to say it.

Okay, it's gonna sound
kind of weird,

But I love watching your face.

What? Why?

I love watching your face,
because you care so much

About everyone else.

You're so engaged
and interested.

All I ever wanted to do
in life was be an actor.

And I thought that I would
get to this place in my career

And I would feel like I made it.

You know, like I really made it.

But I don't feel like that.

And I make these shows
that I don't care about.

I take these movie parts
not because I love the scripts,

But because the money is
just so good.

I can't turn it down,
and then I sit alone

-In a big house--
-hmm.

And I wonder why am I not happy.

Then I meet someone like you
and I remember why I loved

All this stuff to begin with.

And I feel kind of like an idiot
but I'm also really inspired,

Because you seem like the
kind of a person who hasn't

Spent a single moment
of your life doing anything

That you don't totally love.

That's really sweet of you
to say.

-Huh.
-Really, yeah.

But it's just not true.

I've had to do a million things
I haven't cared about

Just so I can afford to do
the one thing that I do love.

Yeah, see but that's
what I'm saying.

That's what I mean.

You never lost track of
what that thing is.

You're like...

...A compass.

Well, that's ironic, because

I have absolutely no idea
where I'm going.

Can I ask you one more thing?

Of course.

Your mom, did she--

She passed away,
a few years before jake.

I'm so sorry.

Is that why you and jake
were so close?

Yeah, I think partly.

He and my mom were best friends.

Hmm.

Feel like spending time
with jake really reminded me

Of spending time with her.

She would have loved you.

Well, probably.
I heard she had exquisite taste.

You wanna know something funny?

I grew up in so many different
foster homes.

But jake was really the first
person to stick around

In my life.

He paid for my college,
you know.

I didn't know that.

Yeah, he was always just
so giving.

It's kind of spooky how much
you remind me of him sometimes.

Do you ever get that?

-From time to time.
-Hmm.

He's a good person
to take after.

You okay?

I'm great.

[♪♪]

Bridget:
Hey!

Hey.

How'd it go?

What?

Uh, your walk with sam.

Oh, um, it was really nice.

I call maid of honor.

Oh stop.

No, he just held my hand.

He held your hand?

It was nothing.

Okay, he was probably
just feeling

The christmas magic.

Oh girl, you are blushing
so hard.

That was not nothing.

Mm.

Maybe his hands were just cold.

Oh right, right, right.

Okay, so he held your hand,
because he's what,

Anti-mitten?

Uh!

No, no, no.

He is a literal movie star,
okay.

He's here for two seconds
and then he's gonna run back

To la where he probably
has a million gorgeous girls

-Waiting for him.
-Who cares?

I guarantee that none of them
are as hard-working

Or as talented or as smart
or as beautiful as you.

Wow.

-You do win maid of honor.
-Mhmm.

Just don't make me wear
any shade of peach, okay?

-Washes me out.
-Deal.

Carolers:
♪ bum, bum, bum, bum ♪

♪ bum, bum, bum, bum ♪

♪ fast away the old year passes,
fa la la la, la la la! ♪

♪ hail the new year,
lads and lasses ♪

♪ fa la la la la, la la la la ♪

♪ sing we joyous all together ♪

♪ fa la la, la la la,
la la la ♪

♪ heedless of the wind
and weather ♪

♪ fa la la la, la la la la ♪

♪ fa la la la, la la la la ♪

♪ fa la la la, la la la la ♪

♪ fa la la la, la la la la! ♪

[cheering]

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

Christmas is a time
for traditions.

Traditions that bring
our families

And our community together.

And this year marks the
100th anniversary of the annual

Onota theatre production
of a christmas carol .

-How about that?
-[cheering]

We're going to open on
christmas eve and run

The entire week from christmas
on new year's.

-Are you guys coming out?
-[cheering]

Archie:
All right!

Thanks, everyone.

We couldn't be more excited
to share this tradition

With you for one more year.

And now I'd like to introduce
the artistic director

Of the onota, ms. Riley burdett.

[cheering]

Thank you.

Thank you, thank you,
thank you, archie.

Thank you so much.

All right.

If you will all notice

This magnificent ghost
of christmas present robe.

In the story,
dickens has the ghost

Present to scrooge two sickly
children who emerge

From underneath this robe.

And the children,
as he describes,

Are ignorance and want.

And the ghost warned scrooge
to beware of these two,

Because dickens considered
lack of education and greed

To be the greatest
social ills of the time.

And that was almost
180 years ago.

Some things never change.

Which is why the onota has
dedicated itself

For so many years to not only
entertaining,

But educating our community
through its programs

And productions.

And now we have
a wonderful surprise

For you all.

Someone special has joined
our cast this year.

And we couldn't be more excited.

Playing the role of bob cratchit
in this year's production,

Please welcome,
emmy-award-winning actor

Sam campbell.

[cheering]

Sam:
Thank you.

Thank you. Thanks.

Um, thanks a lot.

And thanks, riley, for that
really lovely introduction.

Um, all I really want to say is
that I'm so happy to be joining

This really wonderful company
to be presenting

This timeless christmas classic
that's always filled my heart

With so much christmas spirit

And I hope it does the same
for you.

Speaking of christmas spirit,
we have one more song.

Do you want to hear it?

[cheering]

♪ hark how the bells ♪

♪ sweet silver bells ♪

♪ all seem to say ♪

♪ throw cares away ♪

-♪ christmas is here ♪
-♪ ding-dong ♪

-♪ bringing good cheer ♪
-♪ ding-dong ♪

♪ to young and old ♪

♪ meek and the bold ♪

-♪ ding-dong ♪
-♪ ding-dong, ding-dong ♪

♪ that is the song ♪

♪ with joyful ring ♪

♪ all caroling ♪

♪ one seems to hear ♪

♪ words of good cheer ♪

♪ from everywhere ♪

♪ filling the air ♪

♪ oh, how they pound ♪

♪ raising their sound ♪

♪ o'er hill and dale ♪

♪ telling their tale ♪

♪ gaily they ring ♪

♪ while people sing songs
of good cheer ♪

♪ christmas is here ♪

♪ merry, merry, merry,
merry christmas ♪

♪ merry, merry, merry,
merry christmas ♪

♪ on, on they send ♪

♪ on without end ♪

♪ their joyful tone ♪

♪ to every home ♪

-♪ hark how the bells ♪
-okay, I'll see you at home.

Yes, yes, okay.

So I'm ignorance and want then?

Am I, riley?

Sorry?

You delivered your little speech
directly to me.

I was just talking about
the story, regina.

And I just want to retire.

I don't appreciate you
telling me how to live my life.

And don't think that cozying up
to sam is going to

Change my mind.

He wants the money
just as much as I do.

Hey, I was looking for you.

I was thinking about watching

A muppet christmas carol
tonight.

And studying up
on how kermit the frog

Handles the role
of bob cratchit.

Would you wanna watch it
at your place?

What's the matter?

Yeah.

That sounds great.

Great.

[♪♪]

You seem kind of quiet.

Is everything okay?

I'm not sure.

Talk to me.

What happened at the gazebo?

Regina said something
really weird to me tonight.

Okay.

She said that you wanted
the money just as much

As she did.

Which implies that you would be
receiving money.

But this whole time
I thought the transaction

Was just between regina
and davenport.

So, I guess what I'm asking is,
is it?

Sam, what's-- what's going on?

I am an owner
of the theatre, too.

What?

Regina and I, we co-own it.

Jake left me his portion
when he died.

Wow.

Because I lived in la

I never really wanted to assume
my responsibility of it and--

So you aren't really here
to help regina

With the paperwork, right?

You aren't even really here
to spend christmas with her.

No.

I mean, yes, I am here
for those things,

But I'm also here to go over
and sign the contract

As it pertains to me.

So why didn't you tell me?

I didn't want you to think
I was plotting against you.

Or that I was just here
for the money.

But that's exactly
what you're here for,

Isn't it?

So that you can get
your 50 percent?

Was it her idea to turn
the theatre into condos

Or was it the both of you?

Both.

Got it.

Look, I was gonna tell you.

I wanted to tell you.

Oh really?

Well, that's weird, because
you had every opportunity

To do so and you didn't.

You made it seem like you were
totally innocent in this.

I know.

But it's just because I met you
and I liked you so much

Immediately, I--

I wanted you to give me
a chance.

So you lied?

I confided in you
with all of this.

The whole time you were just
playing the part.

That's not what happened.

Please leave.

Riley.

Get out.

I'm sorry.

You were right.

You are a really good actor.

[♪♪]

[sniffles]

Ugh, I'm so sorry.

I feel like I encouraged you.

No.

No, it's not your fault.

You can't trust a man
that handsome.

That's just science.

[chuckling]

Do you really think
he was gonna tell you?

I don't know.

But the fact is he didn't.

This whole time, I thought
I was fighting against regina.

But I wasn't.

It's just so messed up.

He hasn't signed it yet, right?

I don't think so.

Okay, so the jury's still out.

What are you saying?

I'm saying that you may
very well have been fighting

Against regina.

But sam might be fighting
against himself.

Hmm.

What are you doing?

I am going over show notes.

Riley.

Ugh.

I think I left my laptop
at the theatre.

Are you going now?

Just go in the morning.

I kind of wanna be there anyway.

Can you not sleep there tonight?

Don't wait up.

[sighs]

[♪♪]

Jake, I'm so sorry.

This just--
this just isn't within

My control.

None of this would be happening
if you were still here.

I'm not good at this
like you were.

People met you
and they just became better.

I don't know how you did that.

If there's-- if there's
any way you can help,

If there's anything you can
do...

I could really
use your help right now.

Merry christmas, jake.

[♪♪]

Jake.

There you are, sam.

Sit down.

I need you to sign this
contract

So I can run it over
to mr. Davenport.

Yeah, I wanted to talk to you
about that.

Well-- this is his final offer,
sam.

-I just, uh--
-what?

I can't sign.

I don't understand.

We've been over this
a hundred times.

I don't think that
we should sell to davenport.

Actually, I think it's important
that we don't.

Oh.

I see.

A pretty girl comes along
and makes you forget

That we had a deal?

A $3.5 million deal!

-Is that it?
-It's not about riley.

It's about the place!

I get it now.

The theatre is the beating heart
of a whole community.

The audience, the cast,
everybody involved

Feels like they're part
of something special.

That doesn't happen often.

Now frankly, sam,
I don't care about

What they feel.

I want this theatre
out of my life.

Okay. Then let's sell it
to someone else,

Who can keep the theatre going.

It's not impossible.

I want this money pit gone.

That's not gonna happen.

Not like this.

Okay, regina.

I am truly sorry about jake.

I loved jake, too,
but just because

You haven't been able
to move on,

Doesn't mean you can punish
an entire community!

If you don't sign that
contract, sam,

Mark my words,
there will be no final show

-At the onota.
-Don't do that.

Watch me.

It's freezing in here.

Yeah, the power's been out
since last night.

-You're kidding.
-Mm-mm.

Hi.

Hi.

Can I come in?

Yeah, sure.

Hey, sam.

Hey.

Wow, it's freezing in here.

Power's been out
since last night.

-Oh no.
-Mhmm. It's fine.

We are going to the theatre.
What's up?

Regina.

I'm not gonna sign.

You're not gonna
sign the contract?

No. I told her this morning.

-Oh my gosh.
-Yeah.

She didn't take it well.

What did you say?

I told her that we needed
to rethink the offer

And that we should consider
selling to someone

Who will keep the theatre alive.

What did she say?

She said she needed it signed
by today

And threatened to close
the theatre if I didn't.

Wait, what! She can't do that.

We have a show
that goes up in two days.

I know, that's what I said.

Uh.

Where's my bag?

[♪♪]

Oh no!

No, no, no, no, no, no.

Ugh!

Wait right here.
Wait right here.

Oh no, no, no, no, no, no!

[sighs]

Regina, it's riley.
What's going on?

You cannot lock up
the theatre.

Please call me back asap!

What's going on?

Regina's locked us out.

-What?
-Riley: Mhmm.

Sam told her he's not gonna
sign the contract

And this was her response.

How could she do that?

She was seriously angry
this morning,

More angry than I've ever
seen her.

Well, what are we gonna do?
We have to rehearse.

The play's supposed to open
this weekend.

Archie:
Look, I'll-- I'll call over
to the high school.

I'm sure we can use the gym
to rehearse, right?

At least until
we straighten this out.

Yeah, and um, I'll get word out
to the rest of the cast that

The rehearsal venue has changed.

Thank you so much.
Thank you, guys.

What would I do without you?

-Thank you.
-All right. Lots to do.

-Love you, girl.
-Okay, yeah.

-Check in later.
-Catch you later.

Look, riley, about last night--

No. Thank you.

You standing up to regina
like that,

I know that must have been hard.

This place is special.

And the community deserves it.

[music begins]

Told you so.

Showed me so.

Maybe we should call
the fire department

And have 'em cut these locks?

I have a better idea.

Let's go.

[indistinct speech]

Thank you so much for coming.

Our pleasure.

This is such
a heartbreaking story.

I grew up coming to see shows
here at the onota as a kid.

Seeing a christmas carol
was our family's

Favorite holiday event.

I can't--
I can't imagine it closing.

Um, mr. Campbell, it's-- it's--
it's an honor to meet you.

And you must be tiny tim
and little fan.

Yup!

Are you going to do
your famous line for us?

Yeah, okay.

This is charlotte fairbanks
reporting from the onota theatre

Where padlocked doors may force
this year's production of

"a christmas carol" to move
to a high school gymnasium.

So riley, how do you feel
about this?

Riley:
The show must go on.

And thank you to
principal higgins for

Letting us use the gym,
but it won't be the same

As the onota.

Especially with an actor
like sam campbell

In the role of bob cratchit.

I mean, what an honor.

Charlotte:
Emmy-award-winning actor

Sam campbell will be starring
in the production

And is impressed with
what the onota had to offer.

Not only is the onota
a world-class venue,

But it also houses
this incredible company.

Um, and I really believe that
this theatre rivals

Some of the great playhouses
across the country.

-What's your name?
-Jason.

I'm tiny tim.

And what do you think
about the theatre closing?

I think it's sad.

But what would tiny tim say?

God bless us, everyone!

[chuckles]

Jason and mollie were cast
through the onota's

Foster youth program,
another way the onota theatre is

Making a difference
in our community this christmas.

Owner regina caldwell
was not available

For comment.

This just in,
rolling power outages

All across western massachusetts

Are afflicting thousands
of home owners.

National grid is now saying
it could last for days.

If you lose power,
come to the onota theatre.

We will have food, and drinks,
and-- and heat,

And a free
dress rehearsal performance of

A christmas carol!

Well, folks,
you heard it here first.

The onota theatre is
expected to open tonight for

Those in need of food, shelter,

And some
christmas entertainment.

For spectrum news 1,
I'm charlotte fairbanks.

This looks so good.

This is crazy, trying to move--

I am moving.

-Trying to, trying to--
-hey.

-Hey.
-Hey.

Okay, couple of things.

We're opening up the theatre
tonight as a space for people

Who lost power.

So, bridget can you post that
on our social media

In case people couldn't tune
into the news.

-On it.
-Yeah, well,

What about the lock though?

Um, if regina doesn't do it,
I will call

The fire department before then.

But I'm hoping she will.

-[chuckles]
-uh, risky plan.

Can you even do that?
It's not your theatre.

It's as much my theatre
as it is hers.

Uh snap, true!

Archie, I messaged a couple
of the cast members.

They are gonna pop over here
and help you prepare food

For tonight.

Do you have enough
or do we need to grab more?

-I should have enough.
-Okay, great.

The theatre will reimburse you.

That won't be necessary,
but thank you.

Uh, anything else, captain?

Yes, um, the generator.

You know how to fire it up

-In case we lose power, right?
-Yes.

Um, also a bunch of people are
already posting stuff about

The theatre shutting down.

So I guess they saw the segment.

-Wait, really?
-Mhmm.

-That was quick.
-Mhmm.

I may have posted something
about it to my social media.

You did that?

Yeah.

Bridget:
Whoa, mr. Popular's got
about 300,000 followers.

I may have also encouraged
people to make a small donation

To those in need this christmas
because of the storm.

Wow, thank you.

Thank you, sam.

It's regina.

Okay. [clears throat]

Hi, regina.

Regina:
Meet me on the stage.

-What?
-Regina: Meet me on the stage.

Now.

Hello?

Okay.

Um, wish me luck.

Good luck.

[♪♪]

[regina clears throat]

Congratulations, riley.

You found a way to make
the entire state

Of massachusetts hate me.

I didn't do that, regina.

You think I want to be hated?

You think I want that?

I don't know what you want.

From my perspective,
it seems like the only thing

You want is money.

I dread coming to this place.

Because every time I walk
through those doors,

All I can feel is his ghost.

This town,
they expect me to be him.

They expect me to be charming,
and charismatic,

And filled with christmas cheer

And I'm so angry
with him for that.

I just can't do it.

I can't be jake.

I have never been jake.

And the mere existence of
this theatre,

All it does is make me realize
that he is gone.

It has been seven years, riley.

And every year I think that
this is the year that will

Bring me some peace

And every year it gets
further and further away.

[♪♪]

I don't want to be hated,
riley, but jake was the one

Who was good at being loved.

Regina, regina, that's not true.

You're an amazing person.

And you're right,
he was special.

He had this magical way
of connecting with people.

And sometimes I felt intimidated
by that, too.

But no one-- no one
ever expected you

To be what he was.

I just--

I need to-- I need to move on.

Or maybe you just need to ask
for some help.

Look, I love sam.

[chuckles] so I've noticed.

No.

I didn't mean love, love.

Are you sure?

I-- that's not the point.

The point is, he's great. Okay.

But he hasn't been here
to share his part of

The ownership.

It's one thing to lose
your business partner, regina.

But I can't imagine how hard
it must have been to lose

Your business partner
and your husband

At the same time.

It's been so hard.

The reason why keeping
this theatre alive

Is so important to me is because
it was so important to jake.

These stories. These people.

These memories.

This place was his life.

This is his legacy.

It would break his heart to see
this place turned into condos.

Regina, if you want to sell,
fine.

If you need the money,
I guess I can't tell you

You don't.

But I feel like what you
really need most

Is to let us help you.

Because everybody wants to.

Everybody doesn't.

Yes, they do.

They just wanna see
that you care.

I do care.

Okay, then.

Okay.

Then let's show them you care.

Let's open up this theatre
tonight

And put on an amazing show.

What do you say?

Okay, everybody.

Welcome back home to the onota!

-[cheering]
-yeah!

Okay, so the good news is
we got our theatre back.

The bad news is we lost two days
of preparation,

Because we're putting
on our show tonight.

Yeah. So now I know
it won't be perfect, okay,

But I need everybody to be
on top of their game

In today's run-through
so that we can nail

This dress rehearsal tonight.

Okay?

Is everybody ready to bring
some christmas spirit

-Or what?
-Yes!

Okay, all right.

Archie & riley (together):
Let's go.

Let's get to work.

From the top of the show,
stave 1.

Places everyone, come on.

[♪♪]

-Hi.
-Hey.

You're not gonna believe this.

Talk to me.

We're sold out.

What do you mean?

I mean 400 people showed up.

How do you even know that?

Because 400 people signed
the petition

To save the theatre.

[sighs]

It's a christmas miracle.

[bridget chuckles]

Riley:
I want everybody to hold hands.

Hold hands, hold hands.

And let's close our eyes.

Close your eyes
and let's--

Let's concentrate for a moment.

Let the distractions of the day
fall away.

Picture in your minds
a blank screen,

An empty white canvas.

It is on this canvas that
you will create.

I am so proud of each
and every one of you.

This has been a fast
and furious journey.

But we made it.

We made it to opening night.

There's a house-full of patrons
who have generously given back

To people less fortunate
than themselves

At this wondrous time of year.

It's time for us to give
back to them.

Now, I want you all
to go out there and break a leg!

Let's break a leg, all right!

Places!

Places, everybody!

"scrooge was better
than his word.

He did it all,
and infinitely more;

And to tiny tim,
who didn't die,

He was like a second father.

Scrooge had no further
interactions with the spirits,

But he heeded their wisdom
ever afterwards;

And it was always said of him,
that if any man alive

Possessed the knowledge,

He knew how to keep
christmas well."

"may that be truly said
of all of us!

And so, as tiny tim
once observed..."

"god bless us, everyone!"

[cheering]

Bah, humbug, scroogina!

Well, I guess I deserved that.

In fact, I know I did.

I am so pleased that you could
join us all here tonight.

There's magic in that play.

Magic in the words
of charles dickens.

Let's give this cast
another round of applause.

Didn't they do a marvelous job?

I've been involved
with this theatre

For quite some time now.

And it has brought me more joy
than I could possibly

Put into words.

But...

It's also brought me pain.

As many of you know,
we lost my beloved husband

Jake, jake caldwell,
seven years ago.

He was the founding member
of the onota theatre

And its artistic director.

This place has been for me
another home

For almost 40 years.

But lately,
I have been thinking

About retirement,

And so tonight I have
an announcement to make.

Riley, will you please
join us on the stage?

Ladies and gentleman,
the artistic director

Of the onota theatre,
ms. Riley burdett.

I care deeply about the onota,
but as I said to riley recently

All good things must
come to an end.

And so tonight,
I'm giving the onota theatre

To its rightful owner.

To the woman who has kept
the spirit

Of my late husband alive in
ways that would have made him

So proud.

Merry christmas, riley.

This is my portion
of the deed...

And this is a set of keys
to the theatre.

This theatre
doesn't belong to me.

It belongs to you.

[chuckles]

I don't know what to say,
regina.

[sobs]

Thank you, riley.

Truly.

From the bottom of my heart.

[♪♪]

All right, honey,
I'm gonna go home.

Looks like the storm is
actually easing up.

And I just got an email
from our electric company

That the power's back on.

Archie:
Wait, wait, wait, wait.

Hold on.
Nobody's going anywhere.

-Bridget: Okay.
-Where did you get that?

-Well, thank you.
-It is opening night after all.

And traditions must be honored.

Are these from props?

Shhh.

You didn't see anything.

[laughing]

Hey, to the new owner
of the onota theatre.

-Yes.
-Great.

-Cheers.
-Thank you, guys.

I still can't believe it.

-This is amazing.
-It's great.

This was--
this was a magical night.

-Archie: I know.
-I kinda don't want to go home.

And I have notes to
organize anyways.

Excuse you.

[archie chuckles]

If you give notes tomorrow,
regina made a huge mistake.

Massive.

Ha, ha, ha.

You know what, to regina.

Yeah, to regina.

Archie & riley (together):
Regina!

I was waiting
until christmas day,

But I figured
this would be a good time.

Open it.

Well, it's technically
christmas eve,

So it's close enough.

This is beautiful.

Is this what you had
to go grab?

Yeah, that and all these
candles and these lights,

A sleeping bag.

A sleeping bag?

I am prepared to keep
my new co-owner company.

Uh, yeah, we're gonna have to
talk about that at some point.

Talk about what?

About how this co-ownership
is gonna work

Once you go back to la.

You know, I was thinking
maybe I'd stick around

For a little while.

Really?

Yeah.

We can make a pretty good team,
don't you think?

Yeah.

I mean, guess I don't really
have a choice.

Do you wanna dance?

Yes.

[♪♪]

Lights are bright

On this starry night

You're coming to regina's house
for christmas dinner.

I am?

Into your arms

Yeah, you are.

I guess-- I guess I am.

Hey, now that we're partners,
can't keep anymore secrets

From each other, deal?

Deal.

You gotta lay it all out
on the table.

Okay, well, in that case,
can I tell you a secret?

Yes.

This is the best christmas
I've ever had.

Me too.

♪ the only thing I want
santa to bring ♪

♪ is christmas with you ♪

♪ yeah, yeah ♪

♪ ooh, ooh ♪

♪ ooh-ooh, ooh ♪

♪ merry christmas, baby ♪

♪ come dance with me ♪

♪ there's more than presents
underneath this christmas tree ♪

♪ the only wish I have tonight ♪

♪ is that we fall in love ♪

♪ and stay
and love each other ♪

♪ all of the presents ♪

♪ and the mistletoe ♪

♪ all I need
is to see your face ♪

♪ a cup of hot chocolate ♪

♪ some cookies and cream ♪

♪ you're my one and only
inside treat ♪

♪ and merry christmas, baby ♪

♪ come dance with me ♪

♪ dance with me ♪

♪ there's more than presents
underneath this christmas tree ♪