The Snow Must Go On (2025) Movie Script

1
I now declare to
my fellow bucks and does...
Nothing can stop me
Because I love, love, love
My nose
So send me off into the night
I'll get the job done
Do it right
I can lead all through the night
Front and centre shining bright
What you would call an eyesore
Is taking Christmas Eve
rides by storm
So get up off your high
Reindeer
And say what you want
You can take your best shot
Because nothing's getting
In my way
I'm done playing
Your reindeer
Games
W-Where are the dancing reindeer?
Thank you.
Elliot, Nolan, good to see you.
- Isaiah, hi.
- Hey!
Are you guys not a sight for sore eyes?
Hi! Aurora, look at you.
You are all grown up. What happened?
It happens.
You were so awesome,
Uncle Isaiah, seriously.
- Oh, thank you.
- Honestly, you've still got it,
- little brother.
- Ah, thanks. Thanks, Jess.
I just... I... It was a bonafide disaster.
- What? No, no, no, no.
- No. Come on.
Don't say that. You know what?
You just performed in a
one-man Christmas musical
all written, directed,
and produced by you.
Be proud of that.
Nobody showed up.
It was you two and one
other person, okay?
I don't know. I thought
a political reindeer message
would resonate. Right?
Like Hamilton, but Christmas.
Am I crazy? That sounds
commercial, right?
- For sure.
- Mm-hmm.
Yeah. Whatever.
It wasn't that much work.
I just wrote the script
for, uh... for a year,
and I designed all the costumes.
And I designed the choreography,
and I rented out the theatre.
And I sent letters to every
agent, casting director,
and director in the state of New York,
hoping that they would come.
Well, after three years of
not really seeing each other,
we thought it was
important for us to come.
Three years? It hasn't been three years.
Yeah. Three years
and six months, actually.
But we know how tough it
is to find time at Christmas
- because of your caroling gigs.
- Right. Yeah.
And well, maybe this is the Christmas
that you come upstate and stay with us?
What do you say? Oh, come on.
It'll give you time to relax, breathe.
Just take a break from
the concrete jungle.
Here. It's a little something
to celebrate your show tonight.
You did this, Aurora?
This... this is incredible!
It's... it's nothing, really.
What? This is not nothing! Look at that!
- I know.
- It's me with antlers.
Oh, my... You're amazing. Thank you.
She's amazing.
And you know what?
Offer's still on the table
for you to come
spend Christmas in Hancock.
It all depends on how this
audition goes tomorrow.
Audition? For... for what?
- Huge new Broadway musical.
- Okay.
They're casting it now. It's
called Glitter and Grace.
One the biggest
Broadway producers is behind it.
I'm telling you, it's
going to be a massive hit.
Okay. Here is to my talented brother.
May all your Christmas
wishes come true.
- You got this.
- Thank you, guys.
Asher, how you doing? Good to see you.
Oh, those were the days, huh?
Noah! Hey! What are you doing here?
Well...
You're the scenic designer on the show.
- Yep.
- Wow.
I didn't think you did cattle calls.
Uh, yeah, yeah. Normally, I don't.
Um, I don't have much of
a choice right now.
My agent dropped me.
- Oh, I'm sorry, man.
- No, no. It's okay.
- I...
- It's alright.
Well, it's, uh... it's a big turnout today.
Yeah. Man. It seems like the entire city
is auditioning for this one.
It's a Cindy Santos show.
What did you expect?
How did your show go last night?
- Yeah. Fulfilling.
- Ah.
With a side of disappointment.
Oh. I'm sorry we couldn't come.
- No.
- I mean, Catherine and I wanted
to support, and you know,
we were busy with the thing,
so we couldn't come, you know?
Wait. With what?
- We invited you to the...
- Oh, my goodness.
It was your engagement party, wasn't it?
- Yeah.
- Right.
I am so sorry I couldn't make it, man.
- It's fine.
- I did say that.
We were just so busy with...
Hey, Cindy. Goodnight.
Yeah.
Well, that can't be good.
Attention, everyone!
Auditions are done for the day.
You've got to be kidding.
Check back after the holidays.
Brutal. I'm so sorry, man. I mean...
You know what?
At least I still have my day job.
Fired? What do you mean, I'm fired?
This is a caroling group.
I can't have my tenor
coming in an hour late.
I had an audition across
town. Please, please, Burt.
I need this. This is the only
gig I have had in months.
I've already found your replacement.
- No.
- Were you trying to ruin
the soundtrack of the season?
Put your costume in a locker.
Look. I'm sorry.
You're talented.
You're bound to find something else.
Thanks, Burt.
Merry Christmas.
- Isaiah?
- Yeah?
Want to send in Tiny Tim?
Okay, Hancock.
Here I come.
Hey, thanks for picking me up
from the train station.
Yeah. Of course.
- What is it?
- It's so quiet.
Kind of miss the sounds of
the city, you know?
Who knew car horns could be so Zen?
Still Zen?
It's funny. It's funny, Jess.
It's cute.
- Oh, hey, Jess. Hiya.
- Oh! Hi.
- Hey, Jess.
- Hey, Hal.
Uh, hey. So, meaning to ask.
Um, when are you
planning on putting up
your Christmas lights?
You know, if you need a hand, I got two.
Well, actually, I have my
brother here now, so...
- Brother? Cool.
- Yeah.
Hey. I'm Isaiah.
Hey. Hal.
Whoa. Whoa. That's a...
That is a firm grip you have there, Hal.
That's a cute, uh... thing.
Yeah. It's, uh... It's
my Christmas sweat set.
Alright. Well, I'll just,
uh... I've leave you...
- Okay. Whoa!
- Whoa. Whoa.
Careful.
- I'm good.
- Okay.
You're good. Okay. Bye. See you later.
Bye, Hal.
See you, Hal.
Shall we?
Oh, your house always smells so
good around the holidays.
- What is all this stuff?
- Thank you.
Well, they're candles in teacups.
- Yeah. I can see that.
- Mm-hmm.
You think you're... You think
you're taking your hobby
- a little too far?
- It's not a hobby.
It's actually a business,
and are you really here for Christmas?
Uh, barring any last-minute auditions,
I am planning to stay.
Really? Well, that's great.
Uh, what time is it?
I have to pick Aurora
up from school right away.
How is she doing, anyway?
She's been going through a
lot since the divorce.
- Like what?
- You know,
she just spends a lot of time by herself.
She used to be so fun and so outgoing.
If you had been around more, you
would have noticed the change.
Uh, it's just,
we've missed you, is all.
I miss you, too.
How about this? How about
I go pick her up from school?
Okay. I mean, it would really, really help.
Yeah. Sure. Can I... I just need your car.
- Okay.
- And the keys.
- Yeah.
- And the name of the school
and the address, and I'm going
to take one more of these.
- And I'll get her. Okay.
- I can... Well...
What are you doing?
I'm just parking. I'll be a minute.
Got a name?
Isaiah Heyward.
Why are you here, Isaiah Heyward,
if that is your real name?
I am picking up my niece, Aurora Peralta.
How do I know she's your niece?
Do you do this to everybody?
I'm the one asking the questions here.
- Oh.
- Okay.
Sandra, is... is something wrong?
Friend-o says
he's here to pick up his niece
with no proof he even knows her.
Okay. Aurora is a Virgo.
She is wicked smart.
She sketches like a pro.
Her mother's my sister.
She called ahead.
I'm convinced.
I'm Isaiah Heyward, by the way.
Miss Brigente. Where
are you visiting from?
Uh, the city.
Oh. What do you do in the city?
Well, I'm on Broadway.
What show?
I'm not currently in a show.
In between things.
Code for unemployed. Got it.
Well...
Mrs. Bedford?
- That doesn't look good.
- Oh, dear.
Hey, hey, hey, hey!
Everybody, settle down!
Settle down. We're going
to figure this out.
- Uncle Isaiah?
- Hey.
What are you doing? Is everything okay?
Yeah, yeah. Your mom sent me to
pick you up. So, surprise!
Where did Mrs. Bedford go?
She just passed me in the hallway.
Apparently, the show's over.
The... the Christmas
show? What do you mean?
She's in love with some lumberjack.
Met him online.
I can assure you there's nothing
funny in this situation.
I'm sorry. It's, uh, lumberjacks.
- They're... they're funny.
- It's serious, okay?
No director means we have no show.
I... What are we supposed to do now?
Oh. This is a disaster.
Good luck with that, guys.
Okay. Let's go.
You can direct our show.
You could save our Christmas musical.
I'm sorry. What?
- Miss Brigente?
- No, no. What are you doing?
- Yes, Aurora?
- What are you doing? No, no.
Every year, this show makes
a lot of people happy,
including me, because it
reminds me of you.
Look. All we need is someone
to step up as director.
Uncle Isaiah, you're that someone.
I don't know anything about
directing high school musicals,
- Aurora!
- I'm sure you probably do.
Maybe my uncle can step in as director?
- He's very unemployed, so...
- Okay.
He has a lot of time on his hands and...
I'm... Well, that's... No.
I'm... I'm more in between
projects at the moment, okay?
Grab your things. We need to go.
Are you a director?
I wear a lot of hats.
Uh, actor, writer, producer.
Uh, just directed a
show off Broadway, actually.
Off-off-off Broadway.
What do you say, Mr. Heyward?
It wouldn't be Christmas
at Archer Academy
without our annual Christmas show.
Exactly. This can work, right?
- Yes.
- Uh, okay. Well, uh...
Maybe it'll make up for some lost time.
Wow. Look at all your faces. Um...
Please, Uncle Isaiah.
I suppose I am currently available.
Uh...
- Yes!
- Alright.
Well, there's just one
last hurdle to jump over,
and that is getting Principal Ott on board.
I should warn you now.
He's a really tough nut to crack.
I loved you in I See You.
You were wonderful in that musical.
You saw me in that?
Oh, my goodness. Thank you so much.
You know, it's funny. When
we were recording the OBCR, I...
Um, do you mind if we
move this? It's kind of...
Sure.
The, uh... the original
Broadway cast recording.
- Yes.
- There were budget issues,
and so what we decided to do...
Uh, sorry. Sorry to interrupt.
- These stories are fascinating.
- Yeah.
Uh, but do you mind if
we get back to business?
I have a college fair to get ready for.
Sure. Yes.
You are interested in
directing our Christmas show.
And he will need to complete
a background check,
pending your approval, of course.
Ah, a background check
is just a formality,
and how could I not give my approval?
We... we have a bona fide
Broadway star in our presence.
- Oh, stop. Stop it.
- Oh.
- Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop.
- Please, stop.
Uh, but Mr. Heyward
will need a staff supervisor.
I trust you're willing to help.
Uh, yeah. Yes. Of course.
- Great.
- Anything for the kids. Yep.
That's my motto.
Oh.
- I guess I got the gig.
- Yes, you do.
Yeah. I guess you can
call me the nutcracker.
Well, you know, what can I say?
I am good in a room.
Pajamas and all.
It's a sweat set.
You know, if you were able to
win over Principal Ott,
then maybe you do have what it takes
to create another miracle
and mount a Christmas show
in three weeks.
I will take that as a vote
of confidence, Miss Brigente.
Please, call me Lilly-Anne,
now that we're in this mess together.
Lilly-Anne it is.
Oh, I almost forgot.
Mrs. Bedford didn't finish
writing the second act.
Ah. Well, that makes sense.
Lumberjacks, they're so distracting.
Yes, what with all the... the plaid
and the lumberjack-ing.
- Right. Lumberjack-ing.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
- Uh, do you think
you'll be able to finish writing the script
on top of directing?
Oh, yeah. Yeah. For s...
- Yeah?
- Easy.
- Great.
- Totally.
- Okay.
- No problem.
Wait. The show is called
Randolph the Christmas Elk?
- Randolph the Christmas Elk.
- Mm-hmm.
Yeah. It's catchy.
Um, when does the show open?
Oh, on Christmas Eve, of course,
which is three weeks away.
Okay. So, how did all
this candle stuff begin?
I started making candles
as a hobby after the divorce,
and they did so well
at the farmers' markets
that Aurora helped me build a website.
Yeah. So, these are
Christmas wish candles.
You make a wish when you
light the candle,
and when they're all gone,
you share a cup of tea with a friend.
And here, this one's for you.
Make your wish count.
Thank you.
I'm really proud of you.
Thanks.
Mmm.
Oh, my goodness.
What do we have here?
White chocolate Christmas eggnog
is what we got going on.
- Yep.
- It's very good.
It is a family-friendly
holiday eggnog recipe
that Hal introduced.
Hal, like, across
the street neighbour Hal?
- He's the one!
- He has the best hot cocoa cart
- at Christmastime.
- I am so thankful
he lives across the street. I'm
going to need a lot of sugar
to put this show on its feet.
Yeah. Seems like you have a lot to tackle
in the next 21 days.
No. It's just writing the end
of a musical and casting it
and directing it and putting
some reindeer choreo in there.
It sounds like you,
uh, might need an assistant.
Ah-ha-ha. Ah-ha-ha-ha. That's
a very good idea, Jess.
Yes. Someone to, uh, run
rehearsal when I'm not there.
- That's right.
- Someone who's reliable.
- Mm-hmm.
- And smart.
- To keep you grounded.
- Yeah. Calm under pressure.
Who? Me?
Mm-hmm.
- Oh, come on, honey.
- No.
Come on. You will be great.
If this is my first time
directing a high school show,
why can't this be your first time
being an assistant director?
- Okay.
- Alright!
- Yay!
- I'll try.
- What could go wrong?
- Yeah.
Time and time again
When I need
Someone to care
I find
You're always there
Much more
Than only friends
Much more than lovers
There will be a lucky star
Shining above us
Time and time again
When I need you
Close to me
So close we will be
Like one for always
And always
And time
And time again
Your background check said
that you graduated from NYU.
- How was it?
- Oh, it was amazing,
amazing, exciting, scary.
Best city in the world.
You know, Hancock
is pretty charming, too,
especially around Christmastime.
I've really enjoyed making it my home.
Yeah? How long have you been here?
Two years. I left Boston
to come to Archer Academy.
Boston? That's a leap. Why?
Well, I was dean of students
at a very expensive private school,
and I spent more time
wrangling the rich parents
than working with the kids.
And I missed the kids.
Do you have kids? Husband? Family?
No. No. I was serious
with someone once.
He loved the spotlight.
He was a law student,
life of the party type.
It was fun for a while, but...
But?
But his number one priority
was landing at a big law firm,
and, uh, I became less of
a priority, I guess.
Ah. Well, he sounds like
a fool, if you ask me.
Well, if he wasn't, I wouldn't be here,
showing you 40-year-old flats.
Forty? Yeah. More like, uh
more like 50, 60.
Wow. Wow. What is that?
This is
our homemade snow machine!
Homemade?
Yeah. It's never really worked.
I don't know. Using this thing
is like using a broken pencil.
- Huh.
- Pointless.
That is very pun-y, Miss Brigente.
Very pun-y.
Well, I appreciate you
showing me around.
- Yeah.
- Mm.
So, um, since this is your first rehearsal,
I've got to ask.
What's your plan?
- Plan?
- Mm.
Um, I haven't gotten that far yet.
Concept of a plan?
Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Just haven't... haven't
fully fleshed it out yet,
but it's getting there.
Well, I know this isn't Broadway.
- Mm-hmm.
- But these kids do deserve
your very best.
They deserve our very best, right?
We are doing this together.
Yes, and the one thing
we don't have is time.
Or a set or a money or a
cast or a second act,
but I know theatre. We have me.
You know kids. We have you.
What could go wrong?
This script is brutal.
It doesn't even have a second act.
- I'm working on it.
- Well, I mean,
Coach says preparation
is the key to success, so...
Yeah? Okay. Well,
maybe Coach can direct
the next musical.
How are we going
to rehearse the show
- with no final act?
- Yeah.
And who's going to be playing piano?
And is Randolph the lead?
And also, who is this
ensemble character?
- I keep seeing them.
- Let's count the lines and see.
My name is Emma Fitzpatrick,
and I would make the perfect Randolph.
Alright, uh, Emma Fitzpatrick.
Thank you for your, uh...
for your confidence.
We're going to have auditions.
W-What if we just want ensemble?
- And what's your name?
- Miranda Santos.
Well, Miranda Santos,
I will take that into consideration.
- Are we going to wear hooves?
- Uh, probably. Yeah.
I don't know what the
costume budget is yet, but...
- Um, I want small hooves.
- I want big hooves.
- Sparkly hooves!
- Okay.
What are you?
There's no such thing as sparkly hooves.
- Yes, there is.
- Um, hey! Hey, guys!
Can we quiet
down and listen, please?
Oh!
- Whoa!
- Are we done?
The pages for the second act
will be finished in time
for the auditions, tomorrow,
so I suggest that you prepare
something from the first act, tonight.
Focus your energy on that.
Mr. Heyward and I look forward
to seeing what you come up with.
Yeah.
Good luck.
Break a leg.
Tomorrow.
Pages by
tomorrow. Are you crazy?
They could sense your fear.
I had to do something to reassure them.
I can't write an entire second
act in one night!
Well, it doesn't have to be the whole act,
but you need to do something.
You know, you really
should be more prepared.
You know what?
Maybe this was a mistake.
This was way more work than I...
They're having auditions
for the show soon.
Oh. Well, you're a good dancer.
Maybe they're looking for dancers.
That is Cindy Santos..
We got to get going. Let's go.
Yeah, that's Miranda's
mom. You know her?
Yep. I'll see you
tomorrow. Uh, Miss Santos!
Miss Santos! Hi. Hi.
- Hi.
- I'm Isaiah Heyward.
I'm the director of the Christmas show.
Oh. Nice to meet you.
- First of all, I'm a big fan.
- Great.
Yeah. I went to audition
for your show the other day.
I... I didn't get to. I got cut short.
Ah, yes. The open call.
Yeah.
Well, uh, I look forward to
seeing the Christmas production.
Yeah. Hey, hey, hey.
Um, this might be coming out of left field.
Maybe I could find a time
to audition for it. Callbacks?
Tell you what. Why don't
you contact my office?
And if you're in another production,
I will make sure to see it.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Sure. Wonderful.
Okay. I got to get going. Let's go.
Oh. Nice to meet you!
Merry Christmas!
Hey. You ready to head home?
Yeah.
You know Miranda's mom?
Um, no, not personally.
She's just one of the top
producers on Broadway right now.
Are you done?
Uh-oh. I know that look.
- What... what look?
- That one right there.
It makes me as nervous as a snowflake
in a room full of space heaters.
What is going on inside
that head of yours?
I think I might have figured out
how to audition for
Cindy Santos after all.
Noah, my man. Hey, you said
they're still casting
Glitter and Grace, right?
Right.
Let's say I were to cast Miranda Santos
in the show that I'm directing.
Right.
And then let's also
say her mother, Cindy Santos,
were to come and watch
her daughter in the show
- on Christmas Eve.
- Right.
She would then see me crush it
as Randolph in the show.
Wait. You're casting yourself
in the lead role of a high school musical
to impress Cindy Santos?
Yeah. When you put it that
way, it sounds a little weird,
but come on, man.
Come on. This could be it.
It's my chance to audition for Cindy,
get her to cast me, get my
career back on track.
I thought you were taking a break
and just enjoying the holidays.
I am. I am. I am. But come on, man.
Sometimes you got to get creative
to get in front of the creatives.
How long you been rehearsing that line?
- A very long time now.
- Right.
What do you think?
It's a good idea.
This guy.
Noah? Noah, you there?
- Done!
- Done what?
The script, Randolph the Christmas Elk.
You finished so fast.
What, were you possessed by
the ghost of Stephen Sondheim?
I don't know what it was
you kids, the candles,
the Christmas spirit.
Uh, Uncle Isaiah, this
is stuff from your play.
I know. I know. It... It's a
completely different context.
I took out all the political allegories.
Works seamlessly.
You forgot to change the
character's name to Randolph.
Oh. That's okay. We'll figure it out.
Also, you know the walls
here are paper thin, right?
Um...
Oh, no. Did... did you hear my
conversation with Noah?
Yeah, the whole thing.
Okay. Listen. I...
As an assistant director,
it is my duty to help see
the director's vision through
and protect that vision,
no matter what.
Huh?
I've been researching a little.
Smart. Very smart.
I want you to be happy,
and if that means getting
you back on Broadway,
then I'm in.
And also, with you as our lead,
it'll only make our show way better.
Right? Yes! Exactly!
Thank you, Aurora. Thank
you. Hey, remember.
If you want something bad enough...
- Mm-hmm.
- If you want it
real, real bad,
you have to grab the reins and
do it yourself, okay?
Which means...
Means?
It means I have to make sure
this is the best Christmas show
that Cindy Santos has ever seen.
- Alright!
- It's going to be great.
Nothing's getting in my way, Aurora!
Keep studying, baby!
I'm headed back to
the school! Whoo-hoo!
Lilly-Anne, so happy I got you.
What's this?
It's an early Christmas present
the rehearsal schedule, set
build, show budget,
and a finished script.
Wow. Impressive.
Thank you. Yeah. It was hard.
It was... It was very hard. You were right,
but I am determined to
make this a phenomenal musical.
Oh, that's cute.
What's that? Reindeer or elk?
- Elk from now on!
- Uh-huh.
It's not Michelangelo,
but, well, he makes me happy.
Well, he will be our lucky charm.
Hey, enjoy that.
It's really good, like, really good.
Merry Merry
Maple Mocha for the win.
See? I told you Hal's the best.
Mm-hmm.
- Hey, can I ask you something?
- Mm-hmm.
What made you think I'd
be good at directing the show?
Remember when you used
to visit us every Christmas?
- Mm-hmm.
- And after dinner,
you'd act out those stories.
I can't believe you remember that.
How could I not? I mean,
they're only the best
Christmas memories ever.
I thought if you could make
me feel that way,
you could probably make the
others feel the same
by directing them.
I appreciate that.
I really do.
I'm really glad you're here, Uncle Isaiah.
Me too.
- Ready for these auditions?
- Oh, yeah.
Casting the right talent can
make or break a show.
It's just as important
as the script itself.
Uh, speaking of which,
I just read through the script.
- And?
- And I think it could use a...
- Little punch-up?
- No.
- Some tweaks?
- Not exactly.
A little massage?
- A total rewrite.
- That's harsh.
It's just that the second
act doesn't resolve
anything that was set up in the first.
It... It's almost like
two different scripts
were just jammed together.
- Really?
- Yeah.
- That's weird.
- Mm. Do you want some help?
I... I have some ideas that
I think might make it better.
I'm good. I'm good.
The script is great.
I... I think you might be
overthinking things.
As long as the kids crush it,
people will go crazy.
- Yeah.
- Know your audience.
Oh.
Twelve drummers drumming
Eleven pipers piping
Ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
So many days.
Six geese a-laying
Okay. Thank you, Emma. Thank
you so much. Thank you.
Jingle bell rock
Jingle bell ring
Sit by the tree and
see what Santa brings
Honey whether you're
nice or naughty
We could still chill like Frosty
So come over
Are those all the guys we have?
Yeah.
We're going to need more male vocals,
but we'll deal with that problem later.
Okay. Um, who's next?
Uh, Miranda Santos,
and remember, she only wants
to be considered for ensemble.
Got it. Wait. Why is that?
Hi. What are you,
uh... what are you singing?
I'll be singing "O Holy Night."
Alright.
O holy
N-night
The stars are brightly shi...
Hey, Miranda.
Hold on a sec.
Hey. You okay?
Sorry, Mr. H. I'm really nervous.
I get nervous all the time,
but you know what I do to help me?
I just take a really deep breath.
So, take a deep breath with me.
And just think about it
like a wave, alright?
And you're just riding that wave,
and the music is flowing
through you, okay?
Can I show you? Okay.
Fall on
Your knees
O hear
The angel
Voices
O night
Divine
O night
Yes!
When Christ was born
Keep going.
O night
Hold on one sec. Hold on.
Hold on. Hold on.
Hey, what's all that noise?
What's going on?
Hey! Hey, buddy! Hey!
What do you think you're doing?
Principal Ott busted me skateboarding
on school property. So,
this is my detention.
You got a problem with that,
take it up with him.
Nope. Nope. I'm going
to take it up with you.
We're having auditions, okay?
Please keep it down.
- Hey, who are you, anyway?
- Stephen. Stephen.
No. I got it. I got it.
I mean, you're not a teacher here.
All this theatre stuff
sounds like a waste of time
- if you ask me.
- What's your name?
- Stephen.
- Stephen what?
Fiorello.
Okay, Mr. Fiorello.
If you think it's so easy to
get up and sing your heart out,
why don't you do it yourself?
- Right now?
- Right now.
- Okay.
- Do it! Do it!
Sing your favourite Christmas song.
Let's hear it.
Whenever you're ready, Stephen.
Nah, man.
Have fun with your stupid play.
You know, Stephen has
a lot going on at home.
He doesn't have many friends.
He's constantly in trouble.
It's probably his way of getting attention.
Was I too hard on him? I might
have been too hard on him.
I feel awful.
Why did you react that way?
As a director, it is my job to
protect the performers,
even in an audition.
And everybody has a right to be heard.
Well, maybe we should invite Stephen
to audition for us.
- You mean put him in the show?
- Yeah.
I do not think that's a good idea.
Well, you just said that
everyone deserves to be heard.
Maybe being on a stage is
exactly what Stephen needs.
We don't even know if he can sing.
Let's see if he can. We
need more male vocalists.
Come on. Christmas is
all about second chances.
Okay. You may have a point.
He's probably crying out for
purpose in his life.
Well, theatre can give him that purpose
and a sense of community.
I'm sure that theatre
did that for you. Right?
Hey. Hey, buddy. Stephen.
Hey. Uh, just
just wanted to say sorry
about the other day.
Can I have five minutes?
- You got three.
- Oh, sweet, bro. I'll sit here.
Um...
You, uh... You like Christmas music?
- Best part of the holidays.
- Yeah. I agree. Yeah.
- Is that "We Three Kings"?
- Yep.
Yeah. Love that song. Great song.
Could you, uh...
Could you sing a little bit for us?
You're joking, right?
- No.
- No way.
You know, dude,
I love Christmas music.
You like to sing, too, don't you?
Yeah, but, uh, when I'm by myself.
We still need some guys
for the Christmas musical.
Come on, man. Just... just
sing a few bars for us.
What? Make a fool of myself?
You know what they say.
A fool is someone who
never takes a risk.
When's the last time
you took a chance, man?
Really expressed yourself?
Fine. One song.
Up top, baby.
O star of wonder
Star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading
Still proceeding
Guide us to
Thy perfect light
Was that... Was that bad?
No. No!
That was perfect.
What are you doing Christmas Eve?
I saw the cast come
sailing in on Christmas Day
On Christmas Day
- Cast list!
- Alright!
Why is Stephen's name on the cast list?
He didn't even audition.
Stephen is going
to be in the show.
He is playing Elder Reindeer.
- Oh, no.
- What? He didn't even audition.
Guys? Guys, guys, guys.
Everybody, let's quiet down.
Everybody, quiet!
This show is about accepting everybody
for who they are, no matter what.
Stephen has every right to be here,
just like the rest of us.
He's a part of our team now,
and we are a team, right?
- Yeah.
- Right?
- Yeah.
- Okay. So let's start acting
like one. We can't do this show alone.
We need each other,
more than we know.
- Bravo.
- Hey, Mr. Heyward.
Why's your name on
the list as Randolph?
Yes. Very good question. So...
Yes, Mr. Heyward.
Why has our director
cast himself as Randolph,
in the lead role?
Well, Miss Brigente, a
very good explanation for that.
- I thought that...
- He thought that it would be
beneficial for young
performers like ourselves
to watch and learn how a
professional prepares.
I mean, Coach is always
telling us that at practice,
you know, like, to train like the pros.
- Right.
- I mean, you did sing the best
at the auditions.
Ah. Thank you, my good sir.
Uh, also, I have an understudy,
someone that I will work very closely with
so they'll get more
comfortable on the stage.
Miranda Santos.
I am so excited about the script.
I know it's not fully polished,
but I am open to any feedback
you guys might have.
It stinks.
Okay. Uh, let's stick with
constructive criticism.
It doesn't make any sense.
It's like two different
stories smashed together.
Yeah. Why does Randolph
start a filibuster
on the floor of Congress
in the second act?
Well, nothing says Christmas
like a good filibuster, right?
- Oh.
- No.
Okay. Maybe...
maybe there's no Congress,
and definitely no filibuster.
Maybe Randolph just wants the reindeer
to see his point of view on flying school.
It can be very difficult to fit in
when you're three
times everyone's size, right?
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
That's a different angle,
but it's kind of the
it's kind of the
same thing. You know what?
Let alone fly, right?
So, thank you.
The script does need a little love.
I admit that. So Miss
Brigente's going to help
iron out the kinks.
Oh. Would Mr. One-Man Show
like my help with writing the script?
Well, you have good ideas.
I clearly need the help.
I'd love to.
Thank you. Okay.
But first, we're going to get to work.
We're going to start
with an exercise, okay?
So, I want you to think of one word
that comes to mind when you
think of Christmas,
and I want you to sing it, okay?
We are going to connect
emotion to our voice.
So, without thinking,
when I point at you, go. Stephen.
Caroling
Beautiful. Gregory.
Baking
Yeah. Emma.
Smartphone
Because I want a new
one for Christmas.
Okay. Travis.
Football
Aurora.
Family
Miranda.
Love
Now, all together, yeah?
You see how good it feels when
we all sing together?
I want you to capture that
feeling. Remember that,
because through this process,
that is where the magic happens, yeah?
We have less than three weeks to
get the show on its feet.
Let's get to work.
Come on! Let's go!
Right.
We're going to keep the filibuster.
No, we're not.
Oh, and then... and then the reindeer,
they... they head off offstage
like they're soaring into the sky.
Uh-huh. We can do that with
a lighting effect. No problem.
And then Randolph,
he's left alone in the middle of the stage.
Single spotlight. Single spotlight,
and that's when he sings...
No one wants to be alone
At Christmas
So good!
Where were you when
I was writing my show?
Oh. Oh, I love that line you wrote,
"You may not fly like a reindeer,
but you, Randolph, have soared..."
"in your very own way."
That is so good!
- Thanks.
- So good.
Hey, you know what this means?
We have a complete script.
- We have a complete script.
- We have a complete script.
- Yes!
- Yes!
I could use some fresh air after
all that.
- Alright.
- I'll get my jacket.
Hancock is so charming at Christmas.
- Told you.
- What's with the blanket?
It's a surprise.
Come on.
Bit chilly for a picnic, huh?
Yeah. It's just one of my favourite spots.
You can enjoy all the
lights without the crowds.
Hmm. Thank you for sharing it with me.
You know, I thought
you were going to take the
easy route and wing it,
but you've really stepped up
to make this a great show for the kids.
What is it?
I don't know. Maybe this is
too personal, but
it's really hard for me to
believe someone like you
doesn't have a significant other.
Oh. Well, Mr. Broadway,
I could say the same about you.
Well, no. It's like you said.
What I did was what I was.
Auditions, workshop, gigs, lessons.
I didn't have time for anything but work.
Mm. And now that I actually
have time for a life,
I don't consider what I do to be work.
Okay. What you do,
it's nothing short of heroic.
I don't know if it's that dramatic.
You are a guidance counsellor.
You guide these kids.
You make a lifelong impression on them.
How is that not heroic?
Well, back at you.
You've opened these kids up
to a whole new world
of expression, confidence.
Like my dad always said,
heroes come in different
shapes and sizes.
Mm.
I always thought that maybe
one day I should open
an adults creative writing club in town.
You should do it.
Yeah?
Someday is the one day
that'll never come
until you make the time for it.
Are you ready for the best part?
How could it get any better than this?
Some people love the spotlight,
but I love these lights.
Yeah. This is pretty hard to beat.
Stephen, that looks fantastic!
Where did you learn to paint?
Well done, man.
- Mr. H?
- Yeah?
I need to know why you cast me
as your Randolph understudy.
Because you're very talented.
But what if something happens
to you and I have to go on
and then I mess up
or freeze up, or worse,
I embarrass myself in front
of my mom and everybody?
Hey, hey, hey. Your mom will
love to see you up there.
She doesn't know I love to sing.
She works with the best
professionals in the world,
and it makes me a little self-conscious.
Getting cast in
the ensemble is awesome.
It's amazing. It's a feat in itself.
But until you take that first step
out of your comfort zone,
you are going to miss out
on all the amazing things
you could discover.
You have so much potential, Miranda.
- You think so?
- Yes. Yes.
I know so,
but the question is, do you believe that?
At the end of the day, it
doesn't matter what I think.
Doesn't matter what
your mom thinks, okay?
It matters what you think and you alone.
Okay. I'll do it.
- Yeah?
- I'll be your understudy.
That's right. Put 'er there. Alright!
Miranda!
There you are. Come on.
We got to get going.
I was just talking to Mr. H
about my understudy role.
Right. You know,
there's a lot of pressure
if you have to go on as a lead.
We both know you don't like a
lot of attention on you.
I... I don't love this idea.
Isaiah, uh, how is the
show coming along?
"Five stars," says the New York Times.
Great. Uh, well, I really hope to make it,
but I have a conflict that week, so...
Okay. Come on. Let's go.
I'm sorry
your mom couldn't make it.
Yeah. Me too.
The divorce is pretty hard on her, huh?
Especially during this time of the year.
- Yeah.
- She stresses so much,
making sure that I'm happy,
making sure that her
business is doing well.
The only problem is, she
forgets about herself.
Oh, she always puts others first.
Yeah. I can't remember the last time
that she went all out for Christmas.
I mean, the house
has some decorations,
but it's not the same.
Oh, she used to be
the biggest Christmas fan.
I know.
Well, hey. I owe you guys an apology.
I'm really sorry I haven't
been there for you
when you needed me the most.
You have a life back in Manhattan.
It's not an excuse.
Well, you're here now.
That's what matters.
Yes, I am.
Miss Brigente!
- Oh, hi!
- Oh, hi.
We're about to watch the movie.
You should come sit with us.
Sure. Yeah. I'd love to.
Great. Uh, well, we need popcorn.
I'll get it.
We'll both get it.
Don't forget the extra butter.
- I'll get us some seats.
- Alright.
Shall we?
You were
quite the talk of the town.
You, you won't let me
down, will you, Rupert?
You'll do everything just
like I taught you, huh?
Do you love this movie?
Yeah. It's an underrated classic.
Ah.
I actually come here every year.
It's a Hancock holiday tradition.
Oh, okay.
Do you have any Christmas traditions?
Oh, yeah.
I used to act out, like, a Christmas story
in front of the tree every year.
It was... It was my first starring role.
Oh. Well, that's the great
thing about traditions.
You can revisit
them whenever you need to.
Mm-hmm. What about you?
You have any Brigente family
traditions I should know about?
Mm, yes.
Every year, we go to
the Christmas tree lot,
and we pick out the saddest,
most awkward-looking tree
and take it home.
Why?
Because they're always skipped over.
Yes, they're different than the others,
but they have character
and, when decorated right,
shine just as bright as the best.
You always root for the underdog.
Always root for the underdog. Yeah.
Mr. Amendola, we're so glad you
folks dropped in on us.
Katie, get Mr. Amendola a chair
and some coffee and some cake, Katie.
Where's the Christmas spirit?
That's right. Where
is the Christmas spirit?
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
O what fun it is to ride
in a one-horse open sleigh
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
O what fun it is to ride
in a one-horse open sleigh
Okay. So... so, the idea is,
they were brought together
because of the dancing squirrel.
One
Christmas Eve when I was a kid.
It's no weirder than a dancing elk.
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
O what fun it is to ride
in a one-horse open sleigh
This is wonderful.
- Morning.
- Hey.
Just working on the show again?
Oh, something better.
Okay. Lilly-Anne was right.
It is never too late to
revisit Christmas traditions,
so I was thinking,
let's help your mom find
that inner Christmas fan girl again.
How are we going to do that, exactly?
Watch and learn.
This is a huge mistake!
We'll never get this done.
I know who can help.
Hey. Uh, we're putting up decorations.
- Can you come help us?
- Yeah. Let me grab my coat.
Great.
Keep working on that one.
Oh.
Ah. Thank you.
It's for Noah and Catherine.
We giveth thee Project Illumination.
Ha-ha!
Good surprise?
Nod if it's a good surprise.
This is unbelievable.
Thank you.
Uh, I'll get the red popcorn.
Please do not eat
the decorations, Aurora.
Yeah, yeah.
You know, thank you. I... I needed this.
Of course.
And I'm going to say this one
last time because I love you.
You need to start dating again.
You mean Hal.
Of course I mean Hal, my new
favorite cocoa aficionado.
He has the biggest crush on you.
He just doesn't need my mess.
What mess?
I'm a single mother,
trying to keep her business
afloat, and every time
Christmas comes along, I just...
I reminisce about all the great
Christmases we used to have,
and it just... it feels so far away.
Well, then let's make something
e new Christmas memories,
with new people,
like we're doing right now.
Yeah?
Second acts happen with
the most unlikely of people,
in the most unlikely of places.
Second acts, huh?
Sorry, I couldn't help myself.
The point is, you are beautiful,
you're brave,
you're kind, you're a wonderful
mother, an entrepreneur,
and you deserve a chance at happiness.
I'm just, um...
I'm afraid to put
my heart out there again.
Well, take it slow.
Take the pressure off.
Take it at your own pace, you know?
But most importantly, have fun.
What's the harm in that?
I mean, Hal's a good guy, right?
You have official brother approval.
Really?
- Go get him.
- What?
Go.
Like, now?
Now. Go.
I got this. Go.
I can't believe I'm doing this.
I'm... I'll be right back.
I mean, I don't know.
Go! Go!
All right, got it.
Where'd mom go?
To take a chance.
One, two...
Oh, Christmas Elk, oh, Christmas Elk
Smile.
How grateful are we for you
Come on, guys.
Okay, stop. Just stop. Stop.
Just... Guys, come on.
We have less than
two weeks till the show.
Maybe if we had a piano player,
we'd be able to hear the notes.
You said we'd have someone by now.
Yeah.
I know. I'm a singer, okay?
I'm doing the best I can.
- Group selfie.
- All right, guys.
We'll see you tomorrow.
Well, which one of you
would like to make your stage debut?
You know what? I'm thinking
something, uh, small,
awkward, maybe a little overlooked.
Hmm.
Maybe something like a typical
Brigente family tradition.
You remembered.
Well, how could I forget?
The way I see it,
our show is like this tree
an underdog with tons of potential.
I like that.
Wow. Things are getting real.
No pressure.
See? It just needed a little love.
Uh-huh.
Thank you for keeping this tradition alive.
I know it's silly, but it makes me happy.
Oh, it's not silly at all.
To be honest,
I can't remember the last time.
I... just let myself truly enjoy Christmas.
It's nice.
I've been caught up
in my own bubble and
haven't made any time for the
people that matter, you know?
Well, the people that matter understand.
Hmm. Maybe.
I wouldn't blame them
if they didn't, though.
My best friend from college, Noah,
I missed his engagement party
the other night.
I've just been, like,
so focused on my own career,
I forgot about one of the most
important nights of his life.
Well, it's never too late
to show someone you love them.
Be honest about what's in your heart.
That's right.
Yeah. It's never too late.
I have to show you something.
Check out this app, all right?
- Oh.
- Huh?
Thought we could use that for
the effect in the second act.
- I like it.
- And then, this for the solo.
It's perfect.
Not quite.
Will you dance with me, Miss Brigente?
Come here. Come here.
Can you handle it, Mr. Broadway?
Yeah, of course I can.
- Oh!
- Oh!
Beautiful.
- A little spin?
- Sure.
Oh.
Ooh, another spin.
Wonderful, Miss Brigente.
There's, um
there's something that
I've been meaning to tell you.
I know exactly what you're gonna say.
You do?
I feel the same way.
You okay?
Yeah.
Yeah, I'm great.
Come on.
Gah...
Uncle Isaiah?
Oh. This looks... promising.
Yeah,
I just have to fix this archaic
snow machine for our finale,
and I have five days left to figure it out.
Okay, well, while you're
arm-wrestling with this thing,
um, I just read the RSVP list
for Christmas Eve,
and Cindy Santos is confirmed.
- No way.
- Yeah.
- This is good.
- Okay, this is good.
This is really good. This is good.
I just have to give the
best performance of my life
and win her over. No pressure, right?
Very convincing.
Yeah, I know. Well,
the way things have been going,
this show could be a total disaster.
I could make a fool
of myself in front of Cindy.
You know, I only have
one shot to get it right.
It'll be great. Come on.
Miss Brigente believes
in the show, and so do I.
Well, as for Miss Brigente,
I'm starting to feel like I should
you know, come clean about
why I cast myself as Randolph.
I know you'll find the
right time to tell her.
You're right. You are so right.
You know what? I'm going to give
her the old Heyward touch.
I'll leave you to it.
I'm a jolly Christmas elk
- With my antlers high.
- What about this one?
I can't soar through the sky
No matter how I try
My hooves are stuck here
On the ground
A fact that is so true
I think this is what
they call a 'tech rehearsal'.
Our director and star is an
actually Broadway performer.
Oh...
So true...
What are they doing here?
True...
Uh...
I don't know, but it's throwing her off.
Uh-oh.
Hey. Why'd you stop? You're killing it.
Maybe you should do this run-through.
No, I have a million other
things I gotta work on, okay?
I need you to play Randolph right now.
Can we take a break?
Just giving
some Broadway advice.
Sure. Yeah. That's five, everybody.
That means
they're taking a break.
Well done.
Break lots of legs.
That's it.
Principal Ott didn't tell me he
was coming with the parents.
No, me neither.
I don't think Miranda
has ever sang a solo
in front of anybody in her entire life.
Well, come to think of it,
half of the cast hasn't
performed in over a year.
They're probably all a little rusty.
Mm-hmm. Okay, so, how do we give
them confidence before opening?
Christmas caroling.
Oh, my goodness.
Have the kids carol
at the Hancock Annual
Christmas Festival tonight,
shake the nerves out of their system.
It's not a bad idea.
Come on, Mr. H.
You can say no to
a little Christmas caroling.
Round yon Virgin
Mother and Child
Holy Infant
So tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in Heavenly peace
Ooh, ooh
Uh-oh.
You okay?
Silent night
Holy night
The shepherds quake
At the sight
Glories stream
From heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing alleluia
Christ the Savior
Is born
Christ the Savior
Is born
Great job. I'm so proud of you.
Well, everybody, please
remember to come see this cast
in the premiere of
Randolph the Christmas Elk
on Christmas Eve at Archer Academy.
We'd love to see you there.
Whoo!
That was so good.
Yeah.
- Thank you.
- See you, guys.
- Thank you.
- Of course.
Well, I would say that Mission
Christmas Confidence Boost
was a success.
Mission accomplished, Agent Brigente.
Well done, Agent Heyward.
Thank you.
You know, I found videos
online of you on Broadway.
- Oh, no.
- I may have binged them all.
I was very impressed.
You binged them?
Oh, I didn't know I was binge able.
Honestly, it feels like a lifetime ago.
Before coming here, I thought my
my time in the theater
might be over, you know?
And now, I'm in a theater with you
and these kids, and it's just I'm there
in a way I never could have imagined.
Life is funny that way.
Yeah.
I took your advice.
I'm going to be teaching
an adults creative writing
course this spring.
Are you serious? You did it.
Your someday showed up.
I am so proud of you.
Thank you.
So, I asked Principal Ott
if we are still in need
of a music and drama teacher,
and he said that we were,
so I threw your name in.
I don't know if that's such a good idea.
Sure, it's not Broadway,
but these kids think of you as a star.
And more importantly,
they consider you their mentor,
which is one of
the best roles in the world.
I'm not a mentor. I'm not...
I'm someone they should look up to.
Of course you are. Of course you are.
You have a way with them,
more than you know.
I don't even know if I want to
be in Hancock, or on Broadway,
or what I'm doing with my life, you know?
Well, right now, maybe you're
supposed to just help these kids
put on the best play of their lives.
But what about the play of my life?
Yeah. Sorry that I brought it up.
No, no, no. I...
I appreciate you talking to Principal Ott.
One second.
Hello?
What? What? No, no, no.
What do you mean
the orders are delayed?
I'm sorry. I have to take this.
Can we talk later?
Yeah. Go.
I know.
I can't believe we got the last one.
Right?
Isaiah, what is it?
The supply orders for the show
are delayed due to a snowstorm.
So, what does that mean?
It means I don't know if we're
going to finish building
the show in time for opening night.
Maybe taking this job
was a huge mistake.
I don't even know what
I'm doing with my life anymore.
My show is going to be a disaster.
You mean our show.
Our show, right. That's what I meant.
What's all this?
Well, our group chat was nonstop
last night, and Hal knew a guy
who knew a guy, who got us all
the supplies we needed.
- Really?
- Yeah.
We're here to help you finish the set,
with mandatory Christmas
sweaters, of course.
This one's for you.
How apropos.
Thank you, guys.
It is so great to see us all
come together like this, yeah?
How could we not?
I mean, it is our show, right?
That's right, it is our show.
Let's get to work!
Yes!
Aah! You know what? Fine. You win.
- Hey.
- Hey. Nothing.
Are you in a fight with a snow machine?
Do you want me to try to
take a crack at fixing it?
I mean, it shouldn't be
too complicated, right?
Yeah, sure. Okay. Yeah. Have at it.
Well, I'll just look it up.
I mean, we aware
the internet exists, right?
I can't believe I didn't think of that.
Problem solved.
Except we have an even bigger one.
We don't have an accompanist.
- The show goes up in two days.
- I can help out with that.
I'm a classically trained pianist.
Wait, hold up. You play?
There's more to this gal
than looks and charm.
Okay, Sandra,
you never cease to amaze me,
jump scares and all.
I appreciate you very much.
Okay, all right, now all we
gotta do is finish the set.
Oh, I may have called in
some surprise
reinforcements of my own.
Noah, what are you doing here?
Well, Jess texted and
said you could use some help,
and I know a thing
or two about building sets.
Thanks for the
Christmas candle, by the way.
Catherine and I already made our wish.
- I can't believe you're here.
- Of course, buddy.
It's what friends do, we show up.
That's right. That is right,
we do. And hey, from now on,
I promise I'm going to be there
for you and Catherine.
- All right? No matter what.
- Thanks, buddy.
Who's ready to put on a show?
Let's go.
Maybe this side here?
We're all gonna need this.
Hey, bring that over here.
Actually, you know what? Let's take it off.
No, it doesn't fit here.
Oh, we can bring in and see if
we need these.
Oh, there's the lights.
Okay, yeah, perfect. Over here.
Okay, everybody, these trees gotta go.
These trees don't come in
until the second act.
All right, who's stressed?
I am. Let's sing a carol.
And go.
Perfect.
This is really fun.
I love that smile.
Great job, everybody!
This is looking fantastic.
- Hey.
- Hey.
It's all coming together, isn't it?
Some things just aren't
meant to be done alone.
Hmm. I'm beginning to see that.
Listen, I'm, um...
I'm really sorry about the other night.
I know you had
the best intentions for me,
wanting to stay at Archer.
I just believe in you.
You've inspired these kids
to achieve so much more
than they ever dreamed they could.
And more than I expected, too.
Look,
Lilly-Anne, the truth is...
I cast myself as Randolph
because I wanted
to impress Cindy Santos.
That's the truth.
And, uh, now, I realized how
much of a mistake that is
because of how much
I care about these kids
and how much I care about you.
- Hi.
- Hi. Hi. Hi.
Sorry. Are you going over your lines?
My lines? No. No, no, no. Not my lines.
I... no, I know my lines.
Yeah, what's up? Never mind. Hi.
I know it's our final dress rehearsal
before the actual show tomorrow,
but my mom's here to watch.
Cindy's... in the building? Tonight?
Wow.
Okay. That's, uh...
That's... that's great. That's exciting.
Yeah, she has a last-minute
work thing tomorrow,
so tonight's
the only time she can make it.
Oh.
It's good that
you're going on as Randolph
because there's no way I could do it.
Yeah... yeah... yeah,
it's good I'm going...
I'm going... um...
I don't know if I can do it.
But you have to.
We've all worked so hard.
Everyone's counting on you.
Right. Of course they are
because I'm the guy.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
Okay.
It's showtime, Randolph.
I'm a jolly Christmas elk
With my antlers high
I can't soar through the sky
No matter how I try
My hooves are stuck here
On the ground
A fact that is so true
I'll never be loved like they are
No matter what I do
No matter
What... I... do...
Thanks. Oh, thanks, guys. Thanks, guys.
Thank you, thank you.
Give me five, okay? Thanks.
You were amazing.
Oh, thank you. Thank you.
Go get dressed.
We're going out to celebrate.
All right.
You were outstanding.
Completely exceeded my expectations.
Oh, my... Thank you. Thank you.
Could you be in the city tomorrow?
We're doing the Glitter
and Grace callbacks,
then I could squeeze you in at the end.
I know it's Christmas Eve, but, uh,
is that gonna be a problem?
No, no, no. No. No. No, no.
This is what I've been wishing for.
Okay. 2 p.m., Madison Studios.
- I'll be there.
- Yep.
- Thank you! Thank you!
- Uh-huh.
- I should have known.
- Lilly-Anne...
You did all of this
to impress Cindy Santos.
You don't care about
anybody but yourself.
That's not true. That's not true.
You're a great actor, I'll give you that.
Had me convinced.
There's a lot more to the story.
- Just save it.
- Lilly-Anne...
And tell the kids or I will.
They deserve that much.
Lilly-Anne, please, please.
I know you're disappointed.
But the good news is
Miranda gets to go on
as Randolph tomorrow.
Come on, guys, come on.
She is going to be incredible.
We know that.
We just thought you'd be here for us,
at least to cheer us on.
But instead, you used our show
to audition for a bigger show.
I know that's what it feels like.
Yeah, but what about doing
everything together, huh?
Seeing it through
all the way until the end?
What happened there?
He's all talk.
Come on, guys. Let's go.
Well, wait.
Guys, we're going to be fine.
We're going to be fine,
but we do have some things
to figure out. Hold up.
Did you cast me just so you
could impress my mom?
No. No. I didn't.
Miranda. Miranda...
I'm sorry.
Isaiah?
They're ready.
Now, this is the guy I was
talking to you about.
He's gonna be great.
Well, I hope you're singing
a song from Randolph.
Uh, yeah. Yeah, I am.
Excellent.
Whenever you're ready.
All right. Okay.
All right, go ahead.
Uh...
Sorry. Sorry, guys.
Uh, yeah, can we take that back again?
Okay.
I'm sorry. Uh, sorry. Can we stop?
I can't do this.
Cindy, can we talk alone?
Please?
Give us the room.
Unbelievable. What are you doing?
You have to see Miranda as Randolph.
She is brilliant. She's
absolutely brilliant.
If we leave now and you drive,
I think we can make the curtain.
What about the audition that
you practically begged me for?
I don't care. I don't care.
Miranda's more important.
She is so good in this show, Cindy.
She has so much potential.
She'll never tell you this, but
she needs you to believe in her.
And if she sees you rooting for her,
believing in her, celebrating her wins,
who knows what she could accomplish?
Look at this.
Please come with me
to Hancock right now.
Please.
For Miranda.
We are sold out tonight.
Everyone is here to see you.
All of you.
How are we supposed
to do this without Mr. H?
The same way we did it with him.
You go out there and you do your best.
Come on, you know your lines,
your cues, your character.
All that's left is to trust
yourself and each other.
We can do this.
We can do this.
We can do this. We can do this.
We can do this!
I can't do this.
Oh, I know you can
because I believe in you.
I cannot wait to
see you shine on that stage.
You're going to be wonderful.
And if this is what you really
want to do, I'm behind you 100%.
Okay?
I promise to never miss one of
your performances ever again.
That goes for me, too.
You're back.
I'm back.
This is your moment.
My role is to support you, all of you.
I'm so sorry, guys.
I'm so sorry I wasn't up front with you.
It won't happen again, I promise.
These last few weeks,
they have been better
than anything I've experienced
in my whole career.
And it has reminded me
of what is important.
Broadway?
It's got nothing on you guys.
Well...
Now, get your hands in here.
All right, you go out there
and make my Christmas
wish come true, okay?
Yeah.
All right. "Randolph" on three.
One, two, three!
Randolph!
Let's go get 'em, guys.
All right.
Hey.
Do you remember when I told you,
if you want to get something done,
you just grab
the reins and do it yourself?
I was wrong. I was so wrong.
You have to share
the reins with those around you,
your friends, your family.
They help steer your
dreams in the right direction.
I love you, Aurora.
I love you, too, Uncle Isaiah.
Okay.
All right, that's places, everyone!
We three deer have a story to tell
A Christmas elk,
saved Santa's sleigh bells
Randolph's his name,
an elk not a deer.
Spreading Christmas cheer
My whole life, all
I've ever wanted was to fly.
Is that too much to ask?
We're reindeer standing side by side
Hopeful eyes all open wide
Running and leaping,
we're aiming high
Soon, we'll be racing through the sky
Yes!
Now, something went wrong,
and the sleigh went down,
crashing to earth
with a deafening sound.
The reindeer, they pulled,
they were trying to steer,
but they couldn't stop the
sleigh from crashing near.
You got this, all right?
You're right, Mr. H, I got this.
Thanks for giving me
the chance and for showing up.
Of course. Go get 'em.
Now, you may not fly like a reindeer,
but you, Randolph, have soared
in your very own way.
Though I can't fly, I still bring joy
To every girl and every boy
My role is special, here on land
Supporting friends is so grand
From Christmas Elk,
this Christmas Elk
A merry Christmas to you!
Oh, Christmas Elk, oh, Christmas Elk
A merry Christmas to you
Oh, Christmas Elk, oh, Christmas Elk
A merry Christmas
To you
Whoo! Whoo!
Yeah, Miranda!
That's my daughter! There!
That's my daughter!
We did it!
Come on, let's go.
Yeah! Yeah!
All right!
Should we bow? Ready? Ready?
This might be the best getting
an ovation I've ever had.
I knew you could do it.
Yes!
All right, great! Get outta here! Go!
- Go have fun!
- You guys were awesome.
- Wonderful. Wonderful.
- You were amazing.
- Good work.
- Wonderful.
Um, Mr. Heyward, I want to
say thank you for everything.
Go have fun.
That went well.
Yeah. Snow machine
missed its cue, but...
Oh, I don't think
a Tony Award voter even noticed.
By the way, how did your audition go?
I made a wish on one of Jess's
candles to get my life back.
My wish came true.
Oh, your... Your life on Broadway?
My life here
with you.
Is the drama and music director
position still open?
Because if it isn't, this is
about to get really awkward.
Principal Ott said
it's all yours, if you want it.
Of course I want it.
Guess our someday finally showed up.
Better late than never, huh?
You know what they say...
What's that.
"The snow must go on."
Now, one more question:
is there anything I can do
to make this a more perfect
Christmas for you?
I can think of one more thing.
"He sprang to his sleigh",
"to his team gave a whistle!"
"And away they all flew,"
"like the down of a thistle."
"But I heard him exclaim,"
"ere he drove out of sight..."
This is my favorite part.
"'Merry Christmas to all!
"'And to all, a good night!'"
Come here.
Merry Christmas...
Merry Christmas.