All language subtitles for Christmas.Encore.2017.720p.WEBRip.x264.AAC-[YTS.MX] eng

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- I just love this time of year,

and I love it even more
shopping at Maven

because the prices are so low,
it's like every day
is Christmas!

Good? Wanna see
anything else?

- Oh, no, no,
I think that's okay.

Next?
Right this way.

♪♪♪

- Charlotte?
- Yes?

- Sorry, different
Charlotte.

- Oh. Right.

Every day is Christmas!

Every day is Christmas.

Every day is Christmas! Ugh.

You know what? I've had
a lot of first days.

I would actually like
a second. Thank you.
(phone ringing)

Hey, Mom!

Yeah, actually just got out
of an audition.
- [Nice!]

I know I'm not supposed to ask
you this, but how did it go?

- Well, we'll see. And just
as a rule of thumb,

you can always ask
how it went, just never...

- "Did you get the part?"

- So, how was your Thanksgiving?

- [Well, Uncle Carl
wants to know]

when your cereal commercial is
gonna air again, and Grandma

wants me to tell you that
Brad Pitt is single. Again.

- Oh, well, I'll be sure to put
his number in my speed dial.

Mom, I'm sorry I didn't make it
home for Thanksgiving.
- I know, sweetie,

but like you keep saying,

you're just one audition away
from the big one.

[And I have faith in you,
Charlotte.]
- Thanks, Mom.

- And maybe you'll be able to
come home for Christmas, right?

- Well, a girl can hope, right?

Anyway, right now I have
to go meet Rachel, though.

She's in town for the holiday.
- [Rachel from college?]

I always liked that girl. Such
a good head on her shoulders,

very... pragmatic.

- Right, and who doesn't love
a hopeless pragmatic?

(laughing)
- OK, I love you, hon.

- OK, bye.

- Hey, have you seen
the remote?

- Uh, should be
on the coffee table.

- 'K, found it!

- (TV): Julian Walker
stars in Thick or Thin.

Tune in tonight at 8 o'clock.

- Stop!

- I cannot believe
you watch this.

It is so overrated.

- You're joking, right?
I love Thick or Thin.

Julian Walker sure is
easy on the eyes.

- Not so easy
on the ears.

They should give him a knife,
the way he chews that scenery.

- Wait, didn't you take
an acting class with him
back in the day?

- Back in the day? Wow, thanks.
It wasn't that long ago.

Actually it was
an acting workshop,

which is sort of a place
where actors gather

and work out.
- Did you work out
with anyone else famous?

- You know what?

Maybe you should stop watching
these boring reruns

and get out the rest
of the Christmas decorations.

(sighing)
- Bah...

humbug!
- Great.

- Bye!
- Bye!

Hey! Hi!

- Hey!
- You're a sight for sore eyes!

- Aw, it's so nice to see you.
How's it going?

Ugh, it feels like 100 years
between drinks.

Speaking of, how's the eggnog?

- It was perfect.
- So,

you didn't come home again this
year for Thanksgiving.
- No,

my roommate and I had a
Friendsgiving, you know,
everyone brings

a special dish...
- I know, silly.

I'm the one who started those
for us back in college,
remember?

- Oh gosh, how quickly
time flies.

- Alright, I know you must
loathe the question,

but how is it going?

- Well, I am up for
a big commercial.

- That's good!

And? You're happy?

- I choose to believe happiness
is a journey, not a destination.

- You are still collecting
all those corny sayings.

- Don't make fun. They keep me
believing anything is possible.

Even if lately I feel like I'm
spinning my wheels waiting

to become the next big whatever.
- Don't say that!

Weren't you this close to
landing the lead in Thick
or Thin a few years back?

- Ugh, the big fish that got
away, don't remind me.

I was so confident,
and then they paired me

with the one and only
Julian Walker.

- I can't imagine it's easy
putting yourself out there all
the time. The ups, the downs...

- Oh yeah, the constant
cloud of rejection

mixed with the occasional rays
of hope and sunshine.

- Well, then maybe
it's time for a change.

OK, I wasn't gonna
mention this, but...

they're looking for a new
coordinator in employee events

at my company.
- Oh, please! I am
so not qualified.

- Says who? You know, the last
woman in the job, she actually
had a degree in theatre.

- Seriously?
- Yes!

Face it, Charlotte, acting is
just a different form of sales

or public relations.
- I suppose.
- And you,

with your boundless energy?
You're a natural born
corporate cheerleader.

- You really think so?
- Totally.

And just think of it--
terrific salary, with benefits,

and you get to be
in Chicago with me!

- I mean...

- Wouldn't that be fun? OK.

OK, you don't have to decide
this minute. Just...
think about it.

Please?
- I'm thinking...

I need to get to work
and put a pin in this reunion.

- Hmm. I'll take that
as a maybe.

- OK.
(laughing)

Oh, it was so good
to see you, Rachel.

- It was. You too.

OK, we'll talk soon?
- Yes, please.

- Alright, bye.
- Bye.

- I love you.
- Love you.

Livin' the dream.

(soft music)

- Don't you read that same book
every Christmas?

- Yep. I consider Scrooge
a personal literary hero.

- Is that so?
- Absolutely.

Oh!

Table for one?
- Thanks,

but I'm looking to take it to
go. I'm heading for a potluck

and I've got to bring
the dessert.

Any recommendations?
- Absolutely.

Yeah, the ginger spice pumpkin
bread, always a solid choice.

The peppermint cupcakes,
to die for. Or to diet for.

(chuckling)
- I think I'll take
a half dozen of both.

- Hey, like it.

Gary, can you help me
with a takeout order?
- Yep.

- Half a dozen of the ginger
spice pumpkin bread and a half
dozen of peppermint cupcakes.

- Got it.
- Here you go.
- Oh.

- Thanks, Charlotte.
- How did you know my name?

- Uh...
- Oh, right.

(chuckling)
- Sid. Nice to meet you.
- Nice to meet you, Sid.

And a potluck, huh? That sounds
fun. What's the occasion?

- I'm working on a new
production at the Grand.

It's their annual
Christmas dinner.
- Is that so?

Well, Charlotte is quite
the actress.
- That I am.

And tonight, I will be
acting as your waitress.

- Have you been in any theatre
productions I might have seen?

- Oh no, no. I mean,
not since college.

I've done some commercials
and some guest roles.
- Nice.

But if you ever get the chance,
there's nothing like theatre.

- True. You can't beat the
thrill of a live audience.

- OK, I'm sorry,

when were you in front
of a live audience?
- Third grade production

of the Christmas nativity.
I played one of the Wise Men.

- Yeah, you did.
OK, here you go.

- Hope to see you around.
- And I'm looking forward
to being seen.

(chuckling)
- Good night.
- Good night.

- You ever thought about trying
out for the live theatre? I bet
you'd be great on stage.

- My friend is trying to
convince me to take this party
planning job in Chicago.

- And?
- And I am considering it.

I can't keep living
paycheck to paycheck.

I'm getting kind of tired
of chasing the dream.

- I've seen this before.
You're just in a funk.

And it's like you're always
telling me-- you're only
one audition away...

- From the big one. I know.
- That's my Charlotte.

Oh, mind closing the café
tonight? My wife is hoping that
we'll put up the Christmas tree.

- Aww... of course. Go have fun.

- Thanks.
- Bye.

- To the Grand
repertory company.

I wanna thank each one of you
for welcoming me back.

It means-- Oh, who's that? Oh!
- And enter dessert!

- Dessert, fashionably late.

- As always, Sid,
your timing is impeccable.

Everybody, this is Sid,
our set designer.
(giggling)

Oh,

I'm so glad you decided
to join us again this year.

- I wouldn't miss working
with the finest seamstress
in theatre.

- Flattery will get you
everywhere.
- Sid, hey!!

How you doin', buddy?
- The real star of this
production.

America's favorite
award-winning TV star.
- Oh, come on.

- How's the series going?
- It was great, we did 5 years.
Onto the next, right?

- Oh, I told Sid
to check out the entire
Thick and Thin experience.

- Oh OK, I'm sure you did.
(giggling)

- Well, you know me and TV.
I have to confess, I didn't
see a single episode.

- You know who you're starting
to sound like? My dad.

(laughing)
- Yeah, he didn't like TV much.

And even before he became
the artistic director

of this theatre.
This place was his home.

- But he did have a little
disdain for TV actors.

- Hey now, don't say that.
Your father would be very proud

of all of your accomplishments,
especially the fact

that you're running the company
and directing our Christmas show

this year.
- The prodigal son following

in his father's footsteps.
- OK, let's not get ahead
of ourselves.

Those are huge shoes
to fill, OK?

- You know, A Christmas Carol
is a big chestnut to crack.

Particularly for
a first-time director.

You're nervous?
- Come on. Me?

I'm a TV star. Not to mention
I was nominated for People's
Choice awards.

Nervous? Ha! Come on,
that's for kids!

No, I'm...

utterly terrified.
(all laughing)

OK, there's a glass here
that's empty.

(soft instrumental version
of Silent Night)

- What? You started
decorating without me?
- Sorry,

we sort of got carried away.
This is my friend Liz.

- Hi.
- Hi.

- What started out as a
decoration party turned
into a celebration.

Liz just booked
another acting gig.

She's killing it right now.
- No, it's...

just a silly commercial.
- Go on, Liz,

do the line from it.
- No!
- Oh, it's so good!

- No!
- Yes, do it!
- OK. OK.

Shopping at Maven's,

it's like every day
is Christmas!

(giggling)
- So good!

It's amazing.

We're gonna go celebrate,
have a glass of champagne.
Do you wanna come with?

- No. Um, no, I mean, I'm...

I am just exhausted.

But you guys should go.
Yeah, you should celebrate.

- OK.
- Yeah.

OK, Rach, I'm ready
to take a stab at that job
if it's still available.

- Really? Are you serious?

- Serious as a broken dream.

- Yay, Charlotte!
That's amazing!

(giggling)

- Julian,

have you thought about
the design aesthetic for
this year's production?

- We could save a lot of money
by repurposing the set
from last year.

- Costumes as well.
- Yeah, see, right there,

that's my worry. That's the same
thing that's happening
all the time.

The tried and true.
People see that millions
and millions of times, guys.

- Maybe, there is
a comfort in familiarity.

Besides, we don't have time
to start something new.

- Look, I know
that's comforting,

but we need to do something
inspiring, not comforting.

Something exciting, something
refreshing, something real.

Something from, hey-- here, OK?

Do you wanna know why
I came back here?

Because I believe
in everybody at this table.

I believe in your talent

and I believe if we work
together we can create
something amazing.

Let's give
our audience

a Scrooge they'll
never forget.

Who's with me?

- I'm in.

- Me too.
- Let's do it.

- To the Grand Company players.

Let's create something

beautiful.

(cheers)

- Table for two?

- Absolutely.

- Make yourselves at home.
- Thank you.
- Appreciate it, thanks.

- You've got two live ones

in your station.
- OK. Happy holidays.

- Happy holidays!

- Julian?

Julian Walker?

- Hello,
Charlotte.

(laughing)

You know, I thought
that was you.

- I just saw you
over here from my table

over there and I just
came over to say hello.

- Hello. Oh, this is
my friend Franny.
- Nice to meet you.

- Charlotte and I auditioned
for Thick and Thin together

and we did some workshops
back in the day when we were
starting out, didn't we?

- Yeah, good times, good times.
- Yeah.

Rock solid actress. Fantastic.
- Ah, well,

you are too kind.
I don't wanna keep you.

I just, you know, was coming to
say hello, so I'm gonna...
- Excuse me. Charlotte,

I need you to take
these to table 7.

A party of 9, I need
to set up for it.
- Um, OK, I'll do it.

Anyway, well,
I better get going.

I'm just here, you know,
researching a part.

- Right.

- A part I seem born to play
for the rest of my life.

- Hey, Charlotte.
I just got back to Chicago.

Uh, just four more blocks,
sir. Thanks.
- No problem.

- [OK, so, Operation Charlotte
is officially in motion.]

- OK, I like the sound of that,
but what exactly does it mean?

- [Well, I've told my boss
how awesome you are,
how you've held]

three jobs sometimes to pursue
your dream of being an actress.

- She actually considered
that an asset?

- Definitely.

Shows her you're goal-oriented.
Now you just have to show her

[you're a passionate, goal-
oriented multitasker.]
- In a phone interview?

- No. My boss is coming
to New York

and plans on seeing if
everything I've said about you

[is true.]
- Whoa...

OK. I'm scared.
- [Don't be.]

Just be you.

That's all I sold and that's
all you need to deliver.

- OK, I will be the best version
of me that I can muster,

and if that doesn't work,
I'll fake it.

(chuckling)
- OK. Bye!

- Bye.
- What was that about?

- Oh, I have a job interview
next week.

- Ooh, what's the part?
- It's not an acting gig.

It's a real job.

Like, in the real world.
- Uh-oh. I heard about
those ones.

Entirely
overrated.

- So, Gary, I'm gonna need
to keep my schedule loose
over the next week,

but I should know about the
interview in a couple days.
- Got it. What's the part?

- Party planning coordinator.

- You're not seriously
considering taking
a job, are you?

- I am seriously considering all
of my options at this point,

and this is most
certainly an option.

- Fair enough.
- And look, if fate's plan
is for me to stay in this town,

it needs to give me a sign. And
that sign needs to have, like,

big flashing lights
and a sparkler on it.

But until then...
happy holidays.

- Happy holidays.

- Sorry.

Hey, do me a favor, OK?

Looks great, guys, I love it!

- We get a lot of inquiries,
I'll give you that.

- No, no, no, hey,
I'll get that. No, no.

- I'm not exactly sure
what to expect.
- What to expect, Naomi,

is that we're gonna make sure
that the actors only have one
minute per audition.

That way, we'll be moving
at a quicker clip.

'Cause all we're looking for
is a little Christmas magic.

- Just be prepared to sit
through a lot of cold.

- Ah, you know, that's why
we love you, Naomi.

You always see the glass half
empty. Let me make you a deal.

You give me till tomorrow
afternoon, I promise
to both of you

I will have a decision on
the direction of the play, OK?

Alright, I'm going inside
to get warm.
- I'll say this

about our Julian, he definitely
thinks outside of the box.
- Well, hopefully

this little exercise in futility
will put him back inside

the box.
- To be honest, I find
his spirit refreshing.

I think we've all been working
on autopilot a little
too long around here.

- We'll see.

- Hey, Charlotte,

it's Sandy, your tireless agent.

- Calling you tired clients.

- [Yeah, well, you better
wake up, 'cause I've got
a great audition]

coming down the pipe for you.
- [Oh yeah?]

What? Lady at the counter?
Woman in the background?

- [No, listen, there's a new
theatrical production
of A Christmas Carol]

and the company's
holding open calls.

[They're doing a whole new
interpretation.]

I thought you loved the book.
I mean, how many times
have you read it?

- Yeah, more times
than I'd care to admit.

- [Which means that you're
perfect for this project!]

Plus, the director
requested you personally.

- Really? Who's the director?

- [Uh, they didn't say. Listen,]

all you need to do is come up
with a killer monologue

and go in there and knock
their socks off tomorrow.

[Are you in?]
- OK, yeah.

Wish me luck.

(festive music)

The fact is they just don't have
any parts for me in this play.

I'm too old for Belle,
I'm too young for Mrs. Fezziwig,

and all the other parts
are for men.
- Who says?

Your agent told you
they wanted a whole new take
on the Christmas classic.

- That's right. Why settle
for a bit part?

- Right.

I mean, if I'm gonna go for
broke, I may as well put it
all on the line, right?

- What are you thinking?
- Where's my computer?

Computer... no, no, no.
Oh! Computer!

OK.

Enter...

Erlinda... Scrooge.

(laughing)

Yes!

That's right.

- God bless us,

every one.

- That was great. Thank you.

That was probably the most
mature version of Tiny Tim
I've ever seen.

OK, we'll be in touch.
- You're not serious!
- I'm not. That was terrible.

- I told you we'd end up with a
mixed bag with these open calls.
- I know.

I'm getting a coffee.

- Who's next?
- Um...

- Charlotte, is that you?

- Uh, yeah. I'm sorry,
I can't...

- It's me.
- Oh, Sid, hi!

- You're here to
audition, I hope.

- Yes. Yes, I am.

- That's great.
- Who is the director?

- Hi, Charlotte.

- Oh.

Um...

You know what, I'm sorry.
I knew this was a big mistake.

- Short and pithy,
I'll give her that much.

- Charlotte, wait!

Charlotte! Charlotte, wait.

Please, come on, hey. Listen.

Please tell me this is not about
the Thick or Thin audition.

- No, I just changed my mind.
I don't wanna do this anymore.

And by the way, that wasn't just
an audition, that was a network
test and you decided

to go rogue and improvise.
- Don't blame me because
you play it safe.

- I blame you because
you didn't warn me.

- I just took a chance.
And it paid off.

- Yeah, paid off for you,
but it totally threw me off.

- OK,

if that's what I did,
I'm sorry.

- Well, a lot of good
that does me now.
- Look, I believe in you.

I've seen you audition.
You are a very talented actress

and I know you've got something
prepared. We're in there waiting

and excited for you to go in
there and blow us away. Come on!

- Well, thank you, coach,

but I'll see you
at the next one.

- Charlotte, this is
the next one.

What are you afraid of?

(melancholy music)

- What are you so afraid of?

- Thank you. We'll be in touch.

- Alright, boss,

that was the final audition.
Any of these stick?

- No. 'Fraid not.

- I give each one of them
credit for trying.

- Franny, what's that saying?

Nothing ventured,
nothing gained?

- Excuse me! Hi, sorry.

Am I too late?

- Yes, I'm sorry, we're--
- No, no, no, no.

You're not
too late at all,

Charlotte. Welcome back.

- Thanks.

Please, the stage is yours.

- Well, first I'll just say--

so, my idea
is a modern retelling

of the classic tale,

told from a female perspective.
Erlinda Scrooge.

Like most of us,

I think she is wondering
how she got here,

what she's doing, and
maybe the most troubling,

where she's headed,

which I think is something
that most of us,

I anyway, can relate to.

- Interesting.

Well, we all look forward
to seeing what you've got.

- Great. Um, is it OK to use...
- You can use the whole stage.

- What's her name?
- Charlotte.

- Am I really the woman...

who's still at work,

head buried in a laptop
on Christmas Eve,

surrounded

by leftover excuses
of how I got here,

wondering what went wrong,

or worse,

if my best years are behind me?

Please.

I thought my name

would be in bright lights
on big marquees,

not posted to the side of
a cubicle that no one sees.

From now on, I vow
to heed my past

and honor my present
while keeping hope alight
for a bright future,

knowing that deep down,
none of that matters.

All that matters
is what is in here.

And I promise to keep
all three spirits alive

within me

forever.

- That was great.

Um...

could you wait in the lobby to
give us about ten minutes
to discuss?

- Yeah, for sure.
Thank you for your time.
- Thank you for your time.

Huh?

Guys, come on, that...

was amazing. It's a classic tale
told with a real point of view,

with a modern-day twist.
- It could work.

It just feels really ambitious.
- Come on, Franny, ambitious
is good.

- Not when you're
on a time crunch.

Plus, Charlotte's
an unknown quantity.

- True, but it's a breath
of fresh air. I think
that's a good thing.

- It could be
a recipe for disaster.
- OK, I know you're scared.

I get it, we're all
scared, right?

But when you see something
like that that's inspiring,
you jump on it. Right?

What do you guys say?

Charlotte...

I, um, I have some news.

Now, it wasn't unanimous
by any means,

but we all got together and
thought about it long and hard

and came to a consensus.
- It's OK.

I understand.
- You're our new Scrooge.

- What?

(chuckling)
- Yeah.

- What? No, there must be
some misunderstanding.

- No, there's no
misunderstanding.
You are our new lead.

- Welcome to the company!
We love your idea.

- Now, look, I know we got a lot
of work to do before Christmas--
- I understand.

- But you, you, Charlotte, are
exactly what we're looking for.

- Seriously?
- Yes! Yes, seriously!

Seriously!

(laughing)

Oh, group hug!
- Thank you!

My goodness!
- Congratulations.

- Thank you.
- Congratulations.

- I got this!

Hi.

(phone ringing)

- Hello?
- [Mom?]

I'm sorry it's so late,
but it's just, I couldn't wait

[until morning.]
- OK.

[Now I'm excited.
What's happened?]
- I just landed a part

in the new production of
A Christmas Carol at the Grand.

- Oh, sweetheart!
That is... incredible!

- I know. I know. I still can't
believe it's happening.

- Well, what--
what is your part?

- [Well, it's a loose adaptation
of the Dickens classic,]

and I am playing
Erlinda Scrooge.

- I love it already.
- Thanks, Mom.

- I guess that means you won't
be able to come home

for Christmas... but that is

[totally fine, darling.
I completely understand.]

And I'm just...

I'm just so proud of you.

[Really.]

And we can just see each other
in the new year, to celebrate

[your success.]
- Yes, that we will.

Alright, I love you, Mom.

- I love you, baby.

- OK, goodnight.

- Yes! Oh...

Yes! Yes!

Yes! Yes!

(knock at door)

- Samantha.
- Sorry, I didn't mean
to startle you.

I was just hoping to surprise
you so we can finally do
some catching up.

- That's, um, that's
very kind of you, but I--

- Aren't you gonna invite me in?

It's our favorite
Cabernet

and it's not exactly
pouring itself.

- Samantha, look, I have a very
important dinner meeting

with the Christmas production
directing, so... I can't.

- Can't you reschedule? I'd
really love it if we could talk.

You know, co-star to co-star.
- Yeah, I will, 100%,

but unfortunately,
this is not the time.

Can I take a rain check?

- Sorry.

- It's OK.
I just have to go.

They're waiting for me.

We'll, uh... I'll call you
and we'll try to reschedule

when the play is over,
you know what I mean?
- Yeah.

- Julian!

- Hey.
- Hi! How long
have you been here?

- Since the place opened, I
guess. Yeah, I had lots of work

to get done and I didn't know
when your shift started, so...

- Uh, not for ten minutes.
- Well then, great, have a seat.

This is the rehearsal
schedule, not to mention

some preliminary production
designs, and this...

We need to work on this, OK?
This is gonna be
our little opus.

- Yes, but I do need to work.

- Right. You gotta work.

Um, fine. You work here

and I'll work here.
- OK. I like it.

I'll be right here.
- OK.
- Morning, Charlotte.

- Good morning, Gary.
- I haven't seen you wearing
that smile in a while.

- Oh, so I guess
you heard the good news.

- Congratulations. I couldn't be
more thrilled for you.
- Thank you.

Oh, but I do need to talk to you
about my schedule for
the next few weeks.

- Don't worry, me and your
director already got that

ironed and put away.
- Do you now?

- Yes.

Uh, actors have
a way of being

awfully persuasive
when they wanna be.
- I've heard.

(chuckling)

- And what I love the most

is that what's happening
to Erlinda's character

is that she's not sounding
anything like Ebenezer.

- Exactly. And did you notice,
in the entire script, there
isn't a single "humbug"?

- 'Cause it's real and it's
contemporary and it's modern,

right? Which is exactly
the way we discussed it.
I love the idea.

- Hey,
you creative folks,

I wish I could let you stay,
but I gotta close up.

- Gary, cone on, are you
sure we can't stay?

Just give us a little more time.
- Sorry.
- Gary!

- No, he's actually right.
People are gonna keep walking by
and seeing the light on,

they're gonna think we're open.
We're not gonna get
any work done.

- Right. Alright,
I have an idea. Let's go
to an all-night diner.

- Actually, I think
I have a better idea.

- OK?

(oven dinging)

You're a real
triple threat,

you know that?
You can act,

you can write, and obviously,
you can bake.

- Well, don't speak too soon.
You haven't tried one yet.

My mom was the real
baker in the house.

There was nothing like her
famous icebox snowball cookies.

- Wow. Um,
I'm not an expert,

Charlotte, but that doesn't
look like a snowball cookie.

- I said my mom was the baker.
- Oh, OK.
(chuckling)

OK, so, back to our story.

Where do you see Erlinda

at the end of the play?
- Yeah, well,

I was thinking about that,
and... you know how Scrooge

looks back on his youth as,
like, a missed opportunity?

- Mm-hmm.
- Well, I was thinking

that Erlinda could maybe see it
as a second chance.

- Hmm!

And who wouldn't
want that, right?

- Well, that's the point.
- I like that. OK.

To second chances.
- To second chances.

So, what made you
want to direct?

- Um... I suppose
I'm, uh...

I'm looking for
my second chance too.

Yeah, my dad, um...

huge influence on me in the
theatre. You know, growing up,

Christmas was never about
being around Christmas trees or
presents or anything like that.

It was about being around him
and being on stage.

- Wow... So you really
are a theatre rat.

- I was, yeah.
And then came TV,

and my agents are dying for me
to go back to it, but...

when this play came to me,

I just... I just
couldn't turn it down.

And, uh...

I didn't want to miss
this opportunity.

- Well, that makes two of us.

Alright, let's get back to work.
- Yeah.

- OK.
- OK. Opening, Act III.

Good morning, Grand Company.

Hand those out for me? Thank
you. You know, in the wee hours

of the morning, Charlotte and I
were working furiously

to get to the final touches
on our little production here.
- You must be running

on pure adrenaline.
- That and plenty
of Christmas cookies.

- OK, I gotta ask, somebody
answer me this: how is my cohort
in crime look brighter

and bushier than I do
this morning?

- Oh, lots of hair and makeup.
Beneath it all, I'm half asleep.

- That makes two of us.
Here you go.

- Think we can talk casting?
- Yes, good point, Naomi.

Casting. So listen, I was
thinking that the Ghost

of Christmas Past should be
our youngest member.

- That would be me, sir.
- Yes, it would, Brady.
You up for the challenge?

Can you handle that?
- We'll find out soon enough.
- Yes, we will.

And the Ghost
of Christmas Present...

is going to-- What
are you looking at?

Oh! Speaking of the present.

Dennis Hayes, to what
do we owe the pleasure?

- I was hoping we might
have a word.

- Up there?
- Please.

(sighing)
- Let's take five, OK?

- OK, everybody,
we are back at 11:53.

- If you don't mind, I'd love
to take your measurements.

- Oh, of course, yeah.
Who is Dennis Hayes?

- Ugh, the real
company Scrooge.

He owns the place.
Inherited it from his father,

who is a real
arts' lover.

- I see. And his son?
- Not so much.

I'll meet you over there.
- OK, sure.

- Mr. Hayes. I assume you're not
here for season tickets.

- I'm afraid not.

But I don't want to beat
around the bush.

- What is this?

Now you're planning
on mowing it down.

- Your lease ends this year.

It was hard for me
to make this decision,

but I'm putting this place
on the market come January.

- What about the theatre
company? We've been here
for 50 years.

- Unfortunately,
that's not my concern.

Property in this city is far
more valuable than sentiment.

(mumbling to herself)

- Um, everybody, if uh...

I could just have everybody's
attention for a second.

Guys, can I have your attention?

Um, I have a short
announcement to make.

(chuckling nervously)
Um...

Production of Christmas Carol
this season is gonna be...

this theatre company's
final performance.
- What?

I don't understand. This theatre
has been around for...

- Generations.

- I know. Trust me.

I grew up here.

Its owner supported our vision.
Unfortunately, this guy...

- Only supports
the bottom line.

- Well, so...
what can we do?

- I say we give this
little theatre of ours

the greatest send-off ever.

We put together the best
holiday show ever.

- That's it?

And then what, we shut our doors

and go our separate ways,
pretending this was just a job?

Julian, I don't...
I don't need to tell you,

this theatre company
has been my family!

(sniffling and sobbing)

- Guys, I'm sorry.

Well, I guess our company
will have to find another space

to perform in
next year.

- I don't
believe this.

I can't believe

that fate would give us

this incredible opportunity

only to, what, let it slip away?

- Charlotte, we're not
gonna let it slip away.

It's just that none of us...

know what to do at the moment.

- Sounds a lot like my life.

You know what we need?

- What?

- A Christmas miracle.

- Well, in that case,
I guess it's...

'tis the season to find one.

- Excuse me.

- Hi.
- Hi!

- Sucker punch table
for one, please.
- Uh, yeah...

I take it you didn't see
that coming.
- Did you?

- I don't think any of us saw it
coming. That is the business.

- Oh yeah, I know.
This whole thing

feels like a replay of my
career. I can't tell you

how many times I have landed
roles only to discover

they ended up on
the cutting room floor.

- How do we even have
the stomach for this?

- Sometimes I think the only
reason I'm still doing this

is because I can hear my dad
whispering in my ear.

- Is he the one that encouraged
you to be an actress?
- Yeah. He was a dreamer,

trapped in the body of
an ad salesman from Ohio

trying to support his family.
(chuckling)

He passed when I was in college,
so it's just me and my mom now.

- I'm sorry.

But I'm sure he's very proud
that the dream lives on.

- Lives on...
on life support.

- Oh, come on.
- I have a friend

who put me up for
a job in Chicago.

- Really?

- Mm-hmm.
- A job. Not a gig, but a job.
- Yeah.

- Yeah, I gotta tell you,

Charlotte, I don't know
if I like the sound of that.

- Well, I think we have
bigger fish to fry.

- True. No doubt. OK,

what's the priority, then? Mount
the play or save the theatre?

- Both.
- I knew you would say that.

- Yeah. You thirsty?
- Uh, yeah.

And I'm hungry, too.
- Oh, that's good.

Menu.
- Great.
(sighing)

OK, people, we have to show
Mr. Hayes that the Grand

is worth keeping before the new
year. I was up all night,

and this is my conclusion.
The only way we're gonna
save the Grand

is getting people interested
in what we're saying, right?
- Right, and right now,

what we know is we have a show
opening in a week and a half

and a website that is so ancient
it can't even take online
purchases.

- Oh, I think I helped
design that in 1997.

- Well, that's an easy fix,
but it's not gonna turn
this place around.

- No, no, no, that's where
you're wrong. It's a good start.
It's a good start.

We need buzz for the Grand. We
gotta get people knowing what
we're doing for the community,

you know?
- You know how many careers
were launched from this theatre?

- Oh, I've seen quite a few.
Stars of stage and screen.

- See? That's the kind of
information we need to get out
there. Right now, this theatre

is New York's best-kept secret.
- But we're gonna change that,

because we're gonna give
this theatre the buzz and
publicity it deserves, right?

- Even if it means drawing
on your celebrity?

- Naomi, whatever it takes.

And what it takes right now...

is a selfie.

♪♪♪

- Oh, Charlotte, hold up.
- Um?

- You know, you have a way
of motivating a crowd

that's really inspiring.
Even when the outcome

is seemingly,
you know, bleak.

- Well, I guess it's all
those years of rejection

really strengthening
the bounce back instinct.

- I get it. It really think
this time is gonna be different.

- You know what? This time,
it is gonna be different.

(whispering): Oh, my scarf.
- Hey!

Forgot something?
- Oh! Yes, thank you.

- Hey, listen, you were
fantastic up there tonight.

- Thank you. You too.
- Thank you. Um...

Tomorrow's your day off, right?
- Yeah.

- I was thinking maybe we
hang out. You know, regroup.

- Regroup?
- Yeah.

- What did you have in mind?
- I can't tell you,
it's a surprise.

But what I will tell you
is I'll swing by around noon.

How is that?
- That sounds great.

I'm game.
- Great! See you then.

- See you then.
- Alright.

(indistinct chatter)

- It is so not a date!

Think of it as a
working field trip.

- Uh-uh. Then why are you
wearing your good earrings?

- Because I lost one
of my bad earrings.

- I just don't want you
getting your hopes up.

- For what?
- Julian Walker.

According to this,
he's unavailable.

- Oh! Well, I see.
- It's true.

There's pictures of him here
all over Manhattan

with his former co-star,
Samantha Cross.

- Um...
- It just don't want you
getting your heart broken.

- Well, don't worry.
This is totally safe.

Remember my rule
about not dating actors?

- Oh, right. I guess
I confused you with me

and my "really want
to date an actor" rule.

(laughing)

(knocking on door)
- Behave.

- (both): Hi!
- Wow.

- Hi.
- Uh...

Morgan, Julian.
Julian, Morgan.

- Nice to meet you.

(laughing)

- Not funny.
Okay... Bye.

- Bye.
- Have a great day.

- Bye.
- Bye-bye.

- Wow.

♪♪♪

To tell the truth,
there's nothing like Christmas

in Manhattan!
The energy! The sounds!

The people, the smells! It's
the best thing in the world!

- You know, you're right.
You're right.

This town does come alive
like no other.

- Yeah, well that's...
Alright, see?

- (laughing): Yeah.
- Tough town to walk away from!

- Wow. You are about
as subtle as a dump truck

in a dinnerware factory.

- What does that even mean?
- I don't even know.

- Remember this place?

- Wow.
- Yeah. Come one.

- Wow!

Our old acting studio.

- Let's go in.

- Julian, we don't even know
if it still exists.

- So what? There's only one way
to find out. Come on, let's go.

- Okay. Okay, okay, okay.

Okay.

(soft music)

Wow...
- This place, huh?

It's like we never left.
(laughing softly)

- If the walls could talk...

- They would say
there is no failing,

only bold choices.

- Bold, right?
We were so bold!

And you... Ugh!

You were so good at the improv!
- What?

- Yes! Me, that wasn't my thing.
I wasn't so great at that.

- What? No, seriously?
It's not what came across.

- Well, that's 'cause I took
my mom's advice, right?

"Fake it till you make it."
(laughing)

Oh, remember that, um,
that Santa reindeer thing

that we did?
- The fear of flying seminar.

- Yes!
- (laughing): Oh,

that was so much fun. You know,
we were really good together.

- We were.

Gosh, I felt so alive then.

So free.

Wait...

Is that why
you brought me here?

- Yeah.

- Wow.

You know, I don't know
what happened

the day of that
Thick of Thin audition.

- I thought you said
I threw you.

- Well, you did.

(snorting)
But that was me.

I was afraid
to take a chance.

Yeah, I understand
why I didn't get that part.

- Um...
- But to be honest,

the worst part about the whole
thing was that I didn't get

the opportunity to work
with you. We could have had fun.

♪♪♪

- Okay, so... First real
professional acting gig?

- Ha! Uh... That would be
a fast-food commercial.

- Ooh!
- Yes.

I had so many French fries
that day, I got sick.

(laughing)
What about you?

- Um... I was
an extra on a soap.

- Ooh!
- Yeah. I remember I got paid

for sitting around all day
and I thought, Woah!

The worst thing that you
can be doing to get paid.

- This is true.
Alright, subject change.

Favorite Christmas memory?

- Oh, um... You first.

- Oh, well that's easy.
It was one of the times

my mom came to visit,
and I got a legit job.

So I took her
to see the carolers

at Rockefeller Center.
- Really?

- And then we went
and had a Christmas dinner

at Tavern on the Green
with the money I'd made.

- Sounds really special.
- It was, for both of us.

- I can tell
you really miss her.

- Yeah, well
after my dad passed,

it was just the two of us.

I haven't seen since...
Ah, I can't even remember.

What's your favorite
Christmas memory?

- Uh, it would have
to be here.

- Oh?
- Yeah, in New York.

Yeah, I was ten

and there was this crazy
snowstorm, and afterwards,

my dad took me and my brothers
out to a snowball fight.

What, you've never done
a snowball fight before?

- Nope. And I plan on
keeping it that way.
- Why? It's fun!

I've got a great idea.
We'll do a duel. One snowball,

three steps.
- A duel? No.

- What are you afraid of?
What's wrong?

- Alright.

- Oh, there! See,

there's the fire
in your eyes. Okay, good!

Alright, you're on!
Okay, now it's three steps.

- Okay. Is that a rule?
- That's a rule,

but you've got to turn around.
It's the rule.

- Okay.
- Okay, now don't cheat.

Okay, ready?
- Yeah.

- (together): One...
Two... Three!

- Ooh!
- Oh, my gosh! Oh, my gosh!

Are you okay?
(laughing)

Geez!
- Whoops.

- Oh, man!

So, I guess
you can scratch that

off your bucket list.
Your first snowball fight.

- And for the kids
watching at home,

that would be
Charlotte 1, Julian 0.

- No, I don't think so.
I think you jumped on too.
- Spoken like true sore loser.

- I'm not a sore loser.
- Really?

- Yeah. Now we're tied.
(both laughing)

I had a really good time.
- I had a great time.

- Alright.

Okay...

Goodnight.
- Goodnight.

♪♪♪

(sigh)

- (Charlotte): Ellen,
thanks for coming to New York

for this interview.
- Oh, it's no problem.

I had some business in town.
By the way,

how is it that New York City
is the only place on Earth

that can make crème brûlée
this scrumptious?

- People say the same thing
about the pizza.

There's something about
this city that must be magic.

- So how do you feel
about a move to Chicago?

- To be honest,

I've been trying to open up
my mind to new possibilities,

and I'm liking the idea
of a new adventure.

- What a refreshing way to look
at life. Change can be good.

- Change can be good.

- Well... You've certainly
given me a lot to think about.

I do have other
candidates to consider,

but you're definitely
in the mix.

I'm so happy Rachel
recommended you.

(clears throat)

- Really?

(grunting)

Hey, uh...

Sorry, is it just me or did
our apartment get smaller?

- Liz is homeless.
- I'm not homeless,

I'm just domicile-deprived.

- I don't think that's
even a word. What happened?

- I was subletting
from this girl who,
turns out, was subletting

from this guy who moved
upstate but didn't like it,

'cause it was like too quiet.
- Not like it usually is here.

- He showed up yesterday
wanting his place back.

I'm so sorry, Charlotte.

I had no place to go.
- It's fine. Totally fine.

You can stay here.

- You know, if you're
still considering

that move to Chicago, I'd be
happy to take over your lease.

- Really? You would
do that for me?

You're such a lamb.

- Real subtle. Why don't
you ask to help her pack?

What are you looking for?

- Costume change. I need
to go back to the theatre

wearing something festive.

- Okay, how about...

this?
- Oh, that's perfect.

Absolutely perfect.

- Thank you.

Another outing
with Julian Walker?

- Something like that.
- (both): Ooh!

- Okay, I'm not even gonna
dignify that with a reaction.

(door closing)

- ♪ Joy to the world
The Lord has come ♪

- Um... So when
the Grand Company

actually asked me to direct
this season's production

of Christmas Carol,
I must say I was thrilled.

But not because of what
the play meant to me.

I truly believe that theme
is even more relevant today

than ever, right?
- Not bad there, mister.

- Yeah, and this theatre has
such a long past with this city

and an incredible present
with this show. And we're hoping

for a bright future, and that
community will get involved

and support us.
- Come and support us!

- Please!
- Merry Christmas!

- Well said! Now,
what do you guys think?

Talk to me.

- Well, I won't lie.
We'll definitely help.

- I'm sensing a "but"...
- I'm sure we'll sell the run,

yes, but I'm not sure

this publicity's enough
to save the theatre.

We need to cast
a wider net.

Julian?

- Yeah, what's up?
- Um...

I don't mean to pry
into your personal life,

but I'm sure I don't
have to tell you

that your former co-star
Samantha Cross

is somewhat of a
social media phenomenon.

With over three million
followers, her endorsement

could really go a long way
towards our cause.

- (laughing): So you're
asking me to talk to Samantha?

- I think that would be amazing!
- I'll see what I can do.

Good idea.

♪♪♪

(laughing softly)

- There's a Throwback
Thursday for you.

That's Julian's father
standing outside the theatre

with Peter Hayes.
- Wow! Who's the little boy?

- Our current owner,

Dennis Hayes.

The times were more
innocent back then.

- Hey, I think
they're pretty great now.

Hey, we looked pretty good
out there, huh?

- Yeah, I know.
We're a pretty good team.

- I think it looks great,
you guys.

Let's light it up.
- Yeah.

- I got it, I got it!

(Charlotte laughing)

- Okay, Sid, fire it up.
- Here we go!

Ooh!
(all acclaiming)

- Wow, that certainly
lights up

this old lobby!
- It certainly does!

You know, I can't remember
the last time I actually...

put up a Christmas tree.
- You're kidding!

- No. At this time of year, I'm
usually traveling and working.

- Wow, you really
are a scrooge.

- Ow... That hurt.

(horns honking)
Okay... You got it?

- Yup. Come on.

- There we go. Lights.

Okay... You just had to get
the biggest tree in the lot,

did you?
- Yup!

(grunting)
- Woah...

I think your place
can handle it, though.

- Yeah, well I am kind of
a minimalist, aren't I?

- You know, they say
a person's décor

is a reflection
of what they want

the world to see.
- Oh?

- I'm getting a hiding
in plain sight kind of vibe.

- Really?
- Yeah.

- Well, if this acting
thing doesn't work out,
you'd make a great therapist.

- Nice deflection.
- You got to psychoanalyse me,

now help me
with this thing.

- You know what? I think
it should go right here.

It'd be the first thing people
see when they walk in the door.

- Oh, okay. Well,
I can see a method

to your madness.
- Oh yeah?

(sigh)
Perfect.

Now the fun begins.
- Yeah. Decorations, right?

- Um-um.
- It's been a while.

I don't know how many
decorations I have.

- Oh, I can make anything work.
- Really? Okay,

I'll see what I got.
- Okay.

Lucky for you,

I am a master
at Christmas decorating.

- Really?
- Yep! I don't know what it is,

something about
this time of year.

I just get this special feeling,
like finding the right guy

to put the star on top
of the Christmas tree.

- (laughing): Wow.

I can handle it.

I've got this.

So listen... What are
your plans for the New Year?

- I'm still trying
to figure that out. I think
I'm just gonna play it by ear.

- So there is no one
special in your life?

- No. I think
that's why I'm willing

to take some risks right now.
You know, shake things up.

- I think I'm on the same boat.
My agents think that

this theatre gig is my way
of hiding from the spotlight.

- Oh, is it?

I mean, I can't imagine this
whole fame thing being easy.

- I mean, I don't want
to complain, but yeah.

You get caught up in it
once in a while.

- I just know what my roommate
reads in the tabloids.

- Oh, okay.
About Samantha and I?

- Not my business.
- That's okay.

- It's not my business.
But one of the reasons

I will never date an actor.

- You... Okay, hold on a sec.
You're not gonna date an actor?

- No, hard-and-fast rule.
Never ends well.

I think I would do better with,
like, an accountant type.

- Oh, no-no-no.

Boring. Way too safe.
- Safe? Don't knock safe.

Safe is good.
Safe is dependable,

especially when you're living
paycheck to paycheck.

- Alright.
Still boring, though.

Let's light this thing up.
What do you think? Ready?

- Yeah.
- Three... Two...

- Oh... Wow!

- Looks great.
- Oh, it's so great.

- I gotta hand it
to you, Charlotte,

you really know how to
bring life to a room.

Okay... Toast!
(claps hands)

- Yeah. Thank you.

- To...
- The most perfect tree.

- The most perfect tree.
- Like, ever.

No, Mom, I already told you
I'm not gonna make it home

for Christmas. Okay...

Oh, I have to figure out a way
to nail this McMann account

so I can get that promotion
that I deserve.

(phone ringing)
- Are you kidding me?

Who's phone is that?

Who's phone is that?
Come on, anyone?

- Oh, uh...

You know what, I'm sorry.

I think it's mine.
I thought I turned it off.

- Okay, um...

It's fine, Charlotte.
Let's take five.

- Rach?

Hi! Uh... Yeah,

I know I owe you a phone call.
I've just been so busy.

- I know! I see.
Looks like you

and your almost Thick or Thin
co-star have become quite thick!

- Please!
- Merry Christmas!

- I am actually at rehearsal
right now, so can I please

call you tonight?
- [No need to.]

I'm just calling
with some huge news.

You got the job!

[Ms. Murray loves your energy.]

- Oh... Wow.

That is great news.

Um... But I'm
at rehearsal right now,

so I'll call you tonight, okay?
- [Sure.]

In the meantime, I'm going
to pick out your office.

- Okay, bye.

- Well... It looks like Julian
finally dialed up the heat.

He must have contacted
that Samantha Cross

because our theatre's
Twitter feed is buzzing.

- So that's good?
- Yes, very good!

The story of our
theatre's plight

is going out to millions
of Samantha's followers.

- Woah...
- This is just
the shot in the arm we need.

- I don't understand.
Why did it take Julian

so long to ask Samantha
to get involved?

- Well...

I think their
relationship status

is complicated.

- Everything okay?
- Great, yeah.

I put my phone on silent.

Thanks.
- Okay, let's get back at it.

Um... Charlotte,
let's try this again.

♪♪♪

- Hey, Char, be honest.
What do you think?

- Oh, really nice. You're
going to a Christmas party?

- Yeah, an ugly
Christmas sweater party.

- Oh! Well,
then you look perfect.

- What's going on with you?

You've been in a funk ever since
you got back from rehearsal.

- I'm fine. I'm just, you know,
burning it at all ends.

- I have an extra sweater
if you want to join.

- I would,

but I still have another shift I
have to cover before Christmas.

- Oh, right. But you must be
getting pretty excited, right?

- For what?
- Your show!

- Oh, right!
- We should go.

- Yes, I'd love to go.
- We'll get our tickets...

- Oh, we could reserve
tickets ahead of time!

(indistinct chatter)

(sigh)

(horns honking)

(Christmas music playing)

- Excuse me, can we get
the check, please?

You've been staring at that tree
half the night. What's up?

- I think this might be one of
my last shifts at the bistro.

- You mean for the year?
- I mean for forever.

I got offered
that job in Chicago.

- So you're gonna take it?

- I don't see how
I can turn it down.

It's a great salary,
plus a moving bonus.

My friend Rachel lives there,
my mom lives there.

- Are you trying to sell me
or sell yourself?

- I said I needed a change.

And change is never easy.

And as much fun as
I'm having doing this play...

...I just can't keep
living like this.

(phone buzzing)

- Oh, yeah.

♪♪♪

(deep sigh)

(knocking on door)

- Coming!

- Merry early Christmas!

- (laughing): You didn't have
to bring me this.

- I know. I wanted to.

Let's see...

Where can we put
a little more Christmas?

How about right here?
- Sure.

- Perfect.
- Yeah, looks great.

- So...

I got your message.

What's going on?
Are you okay?

- Well, let's start with the...
the good news, shall we?

The place looking spectacular,
thanks largely due to you.

- And you. And the
entire Grand Company.

- Yes.
- What else?

- I just got offered
another TV series in LA.

- That's... great, right?
That's exciting.

- Sure, it's exciting, until
you open up and read the script.

It's just another watered down
version of the same thing

I've been playing
for the last five years.

I'm grateful I'm working,
but I don't...

I don't want to spend the next
five years doing the same thing.

- I get it.

We're kind of in
a similar situation.

I got offered
that job in Chicago.

- Congratulations.
That's exciting.

- Do you maybe want
to say that again,

but this time with
a little more feeling?

- You know, congratulations!
That's exciting!

- It is!
- (laughing): Oh, man...

Can I ask you something?

How did we get here?

- I don't think it's about
how we got here.

I think the real question is,

Where are we headed?

(knocking on door)

- It's like Grand
Central Station.

Um... Hold that thought.

- Merry Christmas, Julian.

- Samantha. Hi.

Uh, what a surprise.

Um... Samantha,
this is Charlotte.

She's the star of the Broadway
show we're doing tomorrow night.

Yeah, our holiday play.
This is our star.

- Yeah, that's me.
And this is my exit.

- Wait, I wanted to talk to--
- No, have a good night.

- Do you want to come in,
Samantha?

- Are you okay?

- Yeah, I'm good.
Come on in.

- Come on,
let me fix you a drink.

♪♪♪

- And all three spirits
will live inside me forever.

- Perfect. Love it!
Good work, everyone.

It was great.
- Yeah?

You sure you don't want me to--
- No, no, no.

Come on, I don't want to over
rehearse. Let's keep it fresh.

It was wonderful!
- Fresh, right. Fresh is good.

- Yes! Everyone, listen up!
We're going to be doing

curtain calls before
the show tonight. Naomi.

- Thanks, Julian.

Everyone has a call sheet. Hair
and makeup for feature players

is 5pm, sharp.
- And before you leave,

please, everyone, I'll need
all costumes on the rack

to be accounted for,
please. Thank you.

- Thank you.

So, listen... How are you
feeling about the show tonight?

- Uh... I guess as good
as I can, right?

I mean, the butterflies are
definitely starting to flutter.

- Well, it's okay. Just relax.
If you're half as good

as you were in the rehearsal,
I'm wrapped on your finger.

- (both): Listen...
- Wow.

- (laughing): You go.
- No, you go.

- Okay, um...

I wanted to talk to you
about last night.

Samantha and I,

we're not--
- Oh, Julian, it's fine.

Really. It's not even
any of my business.

- No, I understand that,
but it got a little awkward

when you left, and I didn't
want you to get the wrong idea.

- I'm taking the job
in Chicago.

- You are?
- Yes. Yes.

I am.

- I don't understand.
Why the change of heart?

- I just...

really don't feel like there's
anything left for me here.

- I mean, hey,

if that's what you want to do,
I'm happy for you.

- Thanks.

Okay, well,
I should get changed.

- Yeah.

♪♪♪

(horns honking)

- No, I understand the boardroom
being in the center.

I don't understand it
being as small as--

- Mr. Hayes? Hi.

Hi. Charlotte Miller.
Thank you for coming.

- I had meetings scheduled.
So, you're one of the players

of the soon-to-be
defunct theatre group,

I assume?
- One of the visiting members,

yes.
- Ah. I really hope

you didn't ask me here
to give me a piece of your mind.

- Not exactly.

I discovered this inside
the theatre and I thought

you should have it.
- What is this?

Oh, a photo of the old gang?

Hoping to pull at my
heartstrings, are we?

- Actually, it's a photo
of you and your father,

and Julian's father
in front of the Grand Theatre.

- Ah...

- Innocent times, huh?
- Yes.

Yes, they were.

- I understand your father
was a big supporter of the arts.

- Ah... He called
this his folly.

He had a head for business, but
the heart of a starving artist.

- Maybe he sensed
there was room for both.

- Miss Miller,

I'm honestly not trying
to be the bad guy here.

This is just
about good business.

- I understand.

But your father did find a way
for arts and business

to coexist and turn a profit.
- True,

but at a time when this was
a thriving art district.

- Hey, have you checked
your social media?

Our little show is gonna be
the next big thing!

Alright, well...
Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.
Thank you.

♪♪♪

- Listen, I need you to
make sure the crew double-checks

all the spots, okay?
- I'm not it.

- Great.

- By the way, thanks to you, our
social media has been on fire.

Ever since that girlfriend
of yours took to Twitter--

- Okay, hold on.
Sorry, um...

That person is not
my girlfriend.

- Oh. I'm sorry.

- It's okay.
- I didn't mean to assume.

- No problem.
- But with any luck,

she might just help us
save the place.

- Hi there, Julian.
I got one here for you.

And here's yours.
- What's this?

- That's a crew gift.
Charlotte got us one.

- Oh, that's nice of her.
Alright, thanks.

Hey, break a leg.
I'm proud of you.

♪♪♪

- You know, your dad
would really be proud.

(sigh)
- Thanks, Franny.

I'd like to think so too.

- So, tell me something.

Are you really gonna
let her get away?

- Franny--
- I've been in the business

long enough to know
when I see true chemistry.

- Unfortunately,
I think I'm too late.

Charlotte's already
made up her mind, so...

- Maybe.

Have you made up yours?

♪♪♪

- Okay, guys, break a leg.

Keep the energy up
in the first act, okay?

(upbeat music)

(horns honking)

(sigh)
- Hey, Mom!

I tried you earlier,
I guess you're not around.

Um... I miss you. I will
try you after the show, okay?

I love you.
Merry Christmas.

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

(indistinct chatter)

- Look at the ceiling!

♪♪♪

- Check.

Alright, here we go,
everybody.

- Oh, I'm so sorry.
I think I just pulled too hard.

- No harm. Maybe it's
a good omen. Good as new.

- Thank you.
- Break a leg.

- Have a good show!
- Thank you!

- How are you doing?
- Me? I'm great.

I should be asking
you that question.

- Oh, I'm... surprisingly calm.
- Good.

Good to hear. Um...

I also wanted to...
give you this.

It's... just for insurance.

It's, um... It's a prop
from my dad's first performance

in Merchant of Venice.
A Shakespearian part.

I used to take it with me
on auditions for good luck.

- Wow.

Thank you.

- Hey, just be you.
You'll be great.

- I love it.

(small laugh)

Okay...
- Yeah, um... Yes?

- I just want to say
thank you for everything.

- Yeah, great.
- We have a seat out there

for you, okay?
- Oh, you want me out there?

- Enjoy the show!
- Okay, thank you.

- Alright, everybody,
here we go!

Break legs.
Have a great show, everybody.

(whispering):
Are you ready?

- (Charlotte): I learned to heed
the past, honor my present

and maybe, most of all,
keep hope alive

towards a bright future.
And so,

God bless us, everyone.

(enthusiastic applause)

(whistling)

- Thank you.

- Woo-oo!

(public cheering)

- ♪♪ We wish you
a Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you
a Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas
and a happy New Year ♪

♪ Good tidings we bring
to you and your kin ♪

♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas
and a happy New Year ♪♪

- Hey, it's my mom!

- You deserve it.

(applause)

♪♪♪

(cheerful chatter)

- Sweetheart! Sweetheart!
- Mom!

- You were incredible!
- You were amazing!

- Thank you! Oh, I'm so glad
you got to see it!

How did you get here?
- I wouldn't have missed it

for the world! At least
that's what I kept telling

that Julian fellow when he
offered to fly me out here.

- He did?
- You crushed it!

- You guys!
- Best show ever!

- Thank you, guys!
Thank you so much!

- Charlotte, honestly. I mean,
I knew you were good, but...

- Gary!
- You were so amazing!

- Thank you!
- I'll say,

you came alive out there
on that stage.

- Rachel, I can't take

that job in Chicago.
- Oh, please.

I figured that out
by the end of the first act.

- Really?
You're not mad?

- No!
- Oh...

- Guys, can you turn down
the music, please? Thanks.

Um... Everybody obviously knows
Mr. Dennis Hayes here,

our landlord and
owner of the Grand.

If you can give him a moment of
your time, he has a few words.

(indistinct whispering)

- Um, everyone, please.
Just give him a chance, okay?

I know this might be
impossible to believe,

but Mr. Hayes is actually
seeing the lights

about what this theatre
means to the community.

- I'm a businessman first,

and have holdings in
many properties in the area.

Now, due to the exposure

all that social media
has generated,

developers are clamoring to
revive the old theatre district.

- And...

you can't have
an old theatre district

without an old theatre.

- It appears keeping
you people in business

is good business.

- So what you're
saying, Mr. Hayes,

is that the Grand
Theatre Company lives on?

- I think our fathers
would be proud.

(all exclaiming)
- It's a Christmas miracle!

Woo! Awesome!

Come on!

Okay, a toast!
A toast!

- Yes.
- To the Grand Company!

- (all): The Grand Company!

- Woo!
(all cheering)

- You were wonderful tonight.

Play me out, Gary!

Ooh! Cheers,
you guys!

- Cheers!
- Julian, you really know

how to throw a surprise party.
- You guys, anytime!

Hey! Cheers, you guys.
- Cheers!

- Congratulations!
You guys were wonderful!

(laughing)

This one is for you.
- Thank you!

And thank you
for all of this.

- It's a special night.

So listen, you were the one,

weren't you, who convinced
Hayes to keep us going?

- Uh, his bark
is worse than his bite.

Actually, no,
they're both really bad.

But we did find a common ground.
- You're amazing, really.

- Thanks.

Yeah, for the first
time like, ever,

I'm actually starting
to believe that.

- Good. You should.

- So where's Samantha?

- Oh, last time I heard,
she was on her way to Greece

for a holiday with
her new boyfriend.

Why are you looking
at me like that?

Oh, you assumed I was
still dating her?

- I didn't know!
It's not my business.

- Speaking of business,
what's going on

with this trip to Chicago
to start a new career?

- Um...

I'm passing on that job.
- Okay.

- Yeah. No risk,
no reward, right?

I think I'm gonna stay
around New York and,

I don't know,
see where that leads me.

- Well, that certainly
could pose a problem.

- Some problems?
(music playing loudly)

(laughing)

- Oh, no!
- Oh-oh, let's get out of here.

Let's go, let's go.
Let's go outside.

I don't want to leave,
so I decided, you know what?

I'm gonna pass
on that gig out in LA,

so I can devote
more of my time here

as the new artistic director.

- Wow! That's fantastic!

- Thank you.
- So, what's the problem?

- Well, come on,

you have this hard-and-fast rule
about never dating an actor.

- Well, you know what they say
about rules, right?

- What's that?

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

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