♪ Little white flakes of snow Whisper through the air ♪
♪ Twinkling lights flicker and shine ♪
♪ Around Times Square ♪
♪ It's that time of year ♪
♪ When hearts are filled with cheer ♪
- ♪ And darkness disappears - ♪ Out of sight ♪
I just love this time of year,
and I love it even more shopping at Maven's
because the prices are so low,
it's like every day is Christmas!
Good? You wanna see anything else?
Oh, no, no, I think that's okay.
- Well, are we done? - So, next?
- Right this way. - Let's move on.
♪ We'll send our Christmas cards ♪
♪ Both near and far away ♪
[Santa] Ho ho ho.
- Charlotte? - Yes?
Sorry, different Charlotte.
Right.
[chatter]
Excuse me.
Excuse me!
Wow!
♪ It's the season of light ♪
Every day is Christmas!
Every day is Christmas.
Every day is Christmas!
Ugh...
"Today is the first day of the rest of your life."
You know what? I've had a lot of first days.
I would actually like a second. Thank you.
[phone ringing]
Hey, Mom!
Yeah, I 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.
Then 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.
[Charlotte's mom] 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?
Okay, I love you, hon.
Okay, bye.
[Morgan] Hey, have you seen the remote?
Should be on the coffee table.
Never mind. Found it!
[man on TV] Julian Walker stars in Thick or Thin.
Tune in tonight at eight o'clock, seven central.
[music on TV]
[Julian Walker on TV] Hey! Hey!
I cannot believe you watch this.
It is so overrated.
[Morgan] You're joking, right? I love Thick or Thin.
Julian Walker sure is easy on the eyes.
[Charlotte] Not so easy on the ears.
They should give him a fork and 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.
- Bah... humbug! - Great.
- Bye! - Bye!
[ 480p & 720p Movies Download | Mkvking.com ]
Hey! Hi!
Hey!
Aren't you a sight for sore eyes!
It's so nice to see you.
How's it going?
[Rachel] 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.
[Ellen chuckles]
All right, 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.
[Ellen] 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...
Okay, 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 theater.
- 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?
Okay.
Okay, 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.
- I'll take that as a maybe. - Okay.
[both laugh]
It was so good to see you, Rachel.
- It was so nice to see you too. - I'll see you.
- Okay, we'll talk soon? - Yes, please.
- All right, bye. - Bye.
- I love you. - Love you.
Livin' the dream. [sighs]
Don't you read that same book every Christmas?
Yep. I consider Scrooge a personal literary hero.
- Is that so? - Absolutely.
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.
Or the peppermint cupcakes, to die for.
Or to diet for.
I think I'll take a half a dozen of both.
Hey, I like it.
Gary, can you help me with a takeout order?
- Yep. - Half a dozen
of the ginger spice pumpkin bread
and a half a dozen of peppermint cupcakes.
- Got it. - There you go.
- Well, thanks, Charlotte. - How did you know my name?
Right.
- 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, our Charlotte is quite the actress.
That I am.
And tonight, I will be acting as your waitress.
[Sid] Have you been in any theater productions I might have seen?
Oh no, no. I mean, not since college.
I've done some commercials and some guest roles.
[Sid] Nice.
But if you ever get the chance,
there's nothing like theater.
True. You can't beat the thrill of a live audience.
[chuckle] Okay, 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.
Okay, here you go.
Hope to see you around.
And I'm looking forward to being seen.
- [chuckles] Good night. - Good night.
You ever thought about trying out for the live theater?
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.
Mind closing the café tonight?
My wife is hoping that we'll put up the Christmas tree.
Oh... Of course. Go have fun.
- Thanks. - Bye.
[Julian Walker] To the Grand Repertory Company...
I wanna thank each one of you
for welcoming me back.
- It means... Oh, who's that? - And enter dessert!
- Dessert, fashionably late. - [Franny] Sid!
As always, Sid, your timing is impeccable.
Everybody, this is Sid, our set designer.
- [greetings] - [laughter]
I'm so glad you decided to join us again this year.
I wouldn't miss working with the finest seamstress in theater.
Flattery will get you everywhere.
- [Sid laughs] - [Julian] Sid, hey!
[Julian laughs]
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 five years. Onto the next, right?
Oh, I told Sid
to check out the entire Thick or Thin experience.
- Okay, I'm sure you did. - [Franny laughs]
Well, you know me and TV. I have to confess,
- I didn't see a single episode. - [Julian laughs]
You know who you're starting to sound like? My dad.
Yeah, he didn't like TV much.
And even before he became the artistic director of this theater.
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.
Okay, let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Those are huge shoes to fill, okay?
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!
- [Sid laughs] - No, I'm...
utterly terrified.
[all laughing]
Okay, there's a glass here that's empty.
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! - Okay. Okay.
Shopping at Maven's, it's like every day is Christmas!
[Morgan laughs]
[Morgan] So good!
[Morgan laughs] It's amazing! We're gonna go celebrate,
have a glass of champagne. Do you wanna come with?
No.
No, I mean, I'm...
I am... I am just exhausted.
But you guys should go. Yeah, you should celebrate.
- Okay. - Yeah.
Okay, 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.
[Rachel laughing]
Julian, have you thought about the design aesthetic
for this year's production?
We could save a lot of money
by repurposing the sets 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 have seen that millions and millions of times, guys.
[Naomi] Maybe, but 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... from here, okay?
That means we don't have a script.
Julian, we need a script.
I promise you we will have a script.
But what I want you guys to do right now
is I want you to eat your meals,
enjoy this festive time together,
and go home and enjoy a beautiful weekend.
Let your minds roam free. Listen to your artist
and come back on Monday
and let's spitball some concepts.
Okay?
Look...
I'm scared.
Change is scary.
Okay? It's intimidating. I get it.
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.
[chatter]
To the Grand Company Players.
Let's create something... beautiful.
- Cheers. - Cheers.
[man] Cheers.
[Julian] Table for two.
[waiter] Absolutely.
- Make yourselves at home. - Thank you.
Appreciate it, thanks.
You've got two live ones at your station.
Okay.
- Happy holidays. - Happy holidays.
Julian?
Julian Walker?
[Julian] Hello, Charlotte.
You know, I thought that was you.
I just saw you over here
- from my table over there. - [Julian] Right.
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. - [laughs] Yeah.
Rock solid actress. Fantastic.
Ah, well, you are too kind. [chuckles]
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 seven.
We have a party of nine I need to set up for.
Oh... Okay, 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.
[Rachel] Hey, Charlotte. Just got back to Chicago.
Just four more blocks, sir. Thanks.
[taxi driver] No problem.
[Rachel] Okay, so, Operation Charlotte
is officially in motion.
Okay, 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.
What, 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.
Okay. 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.
- Okay. I'm scared. - [Rachel] Don't be.
Just be you.
That's all I sold and that's all you need to deliver.
Okay, I will be the best version of me that I can muster,
and if that doesn't work, I'll fake it.
Okay. 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, Naomi. Do me a favor, okay?
Looks great, you guys! I love it!
We'll get a lot of inquiries.
I'll give you that.
No, no, no, hey, I'll get that. No, no.
But 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.
I'm gonna make you a deal.
You give me till tomorrow afternoon,
and I promise the both of you
I will have a decision on the direction of the play, okay?
All right, 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.
[Charlotte] Calling your tired client.
Yeah, well, you'd better wake up
'cause I've got a great audition coming down the pipe for you.
[Charlotte] Oh, yeah?
What's character Du jour? Lady at the counter?
- Woman in the background? - [Sandy] 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?
[sighs] Yeah, more times than I'd care to admit.
[Sandy] Which means that you're perfect for this project!
Plus, the director requested you personally.
Really? Who's the director?
[Sandy] 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?
Okay, yeah.
Wish me luck.
[Charlotte] The fact is there's just not that many 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.
[Morgan] 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?
Is it over here? Oh, no, no, no.
Computer... no, no, no. Computer!
Okay.
Enter...
Erlinda... Scrooge.
Yes!
That's right.
[Morgan and Liz laughing]
And God bless us, every one.
That was great. Thank you.
That was probably the most mature version
of Tiny Tim I've ever seen.
- Okay, we'll be in touch. - You're not serious!
No, 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?
Charlotte, is that you?
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.
[Charlotte] You know what, I'm sorry.
I knew this was a big mistake.
Short and pithy, I'll give her that much.
Franny, come on.
Charlotte, wait!
Okay. All right.
We have a...
Snowman!
[Franny] Any time.
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.
[Julian] Don't blame me because you played 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.
Okay.
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?
A merry Christmas to us all, my dears.
God bless us. God bless everyone.
Spirit, tell me if Tiny Tim will live.
I see a vase...
a vacant seat in the... in the poor chimney corner.
And a crutch without an owner, carefully preserved.
If these shadows remain unaltered by the future,
the child will die.
[Scrooge puppet] No, no! Oh, no, kind spirit!
Say he will be spared!
If these shadows remain unaltered by the future,
none other of my race will find him here.
What then if he be like to die,
he had better do it and dis... decrease
the surplus population.
[laughing]
[Julian] Bravo!
- Bravo! - That was very, very unique!
- [boy] Thank you. - And...
We'll... we'll be in touch.
- Do we have your contact information? - [boy] Yeah.
- You should, actually. - Wonderful! Okay.
Why do we need his contact information?
It's my nephew's birthday next week.
Stealing from the talent pool.
Thank you very much, that was great.
That's not it.
What's that?
I have more. That's just the beginning.
Oh, no, I don't want to waste your energy. That was fantastic.
We've seen enough. Guys...
Okay. How many more do we got?
Uh...
Forget it. I don't even wanna look at that. Let's just keep going.
What are you so afraid of?
[Julian] [clapping hands] Thank you.
We'll be in touch.
All right, boss,
that was the final audition.
Anything stick?
No, 'fraid not.
I give each one of them credit for trying.
Franny, what's that saying?
Nothing ventured, nothing gained?
[Charlotte] Excuse me!
Hi, sorry. Am I too late?
- Yes, I'm sorry, we're all... - No, no, 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,
at least I anyway, can relate to.
I'm sorry.
Interesting.
Well, we all look forward to seeing what you've got.
Great. Is it okay 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 alive 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, just give us ten minutes to discuss?
Yeah, for sure. Thank you for your time.
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.
Okay, I know you're scared. I get it.
We're all scared, right?
But when you see something like that
that's that inspiring, you jump on it.
Right?
What do you guys say?
Charlotte...
I... 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 okay.
- I understand. - You're our new Scrooge.
What?
- 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!
Thank you!
- Oh, group hug! - Thank you.
- Oh, my goodness! - Congratulations.
- Thank you. - Congratulations.
I got this!
Hi.
[phone ringing]
- Hello? - Mom?
I'm sorry it's so late,
it's just, I couldn't wait until morning.
Okay.
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.
All right, I love you, Mom.
I love you, baby.
Okay, goodnight.
Yes!
Oh, yes! Yes!
Yes! Yes!
[knocking on the door]
Samantha.
[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... 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 I'm 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, one hundred percent,
but unfortunately, this is not the time.
Can I take a rain check?
Sorry.
It's okay. I just have to go.
They're waiting for me, you know what I mean?
We'll... I'll call you and we'll try to reschedule
when the play's over, you know what I mean?
[Samantha] 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...
- Not for 10 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, okay?
This is gonna be our little opus.
Yes, but I do need to work.
Right. You gotta work.
Fine. You work here,
- I'll work here. - Okay.
- All right? Beauty. - I like it.
- I'll be right here. - Okay.
- 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.
Actors have a way of being awfully persuasive
when they wanna be.
I've heard.
And what I love the most
is that what's happening to Erlinda's character
is she's not sounding anything like Ebenezer.
Exactly. And did you notice, in the entire script,
there's not 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.
- Yeah. - Hey, you creative folks,
I wish I could let you stay, but I gotta close up.
Gary, come on. You sure we can't stay?
Just give us a little more time.
- Come on. Gary! - Sorry.
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. All right, I have an idea.
- Let's go to an all-night diner. - Actually...
I think I have a better idea.
Okay?
You're a real triple threat, you know that?
I mean, you can act,
you can write, and obviously, you can bake.
Well, don't speak too soon. You haven't tried one yet.
Hey, my mom was the real baker in the house.
There was nothing like her famous icebox snowball cookies.
Wow.
I'm not an expert there, Charlotte,
but that doesn't look like a snowball cookie.
- I said my mom was the baker. - Oh, okay. Good.
Okay, 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?
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. Okay.
- To second chances. - To second chances.
So, what made you want to direct?
Uh... I suppose I'm...
I'm looking for my second chance too.
Yeah, my dad...
huge influence on me in the theater.
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 around the stage.
- Wow. - Yeah.
So, you really are a theater 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...
I didn't want to miss this opportunity.
Well, that makes two of us.
All right, let's get back to work.
Yeah.
- Okay. - Okay. Opening, Act Three.
Mhm.
[Julian] Good morning, the 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 put together the final touches on our little production here.
- You must be running on pure adrenaline. - Well, yes.
That and plenty of Christmas cookies.
Okay, you know, I gotta ask this, somebody answer me this, okay?
How is my cohort in crime
looking 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. There 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! Speak of the present.
Dennis Hayes, to what do we owe the pleasure?
I was hoping we might have a word.
- Up there? - Please.
Let's take five, okay?
Excuse me.
Okay, 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 was a real arts lover.
I see. And his son?
Not so much.
- I'll meet you over there. - Okay, sure.
Mr. Hayes. I assume you're not here for season tickets.
[chuckles] I'm afraid not.
But I don't want to beat around the bush.
What is this?
No, 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 are you doing? What about the theater company?
I mean, we've been here for 50 years.
Unfortunately, that's not my concern.
Property in this city is far more valuable than sentiment.
A little longer, and now,
of course, you can put your arms down.
Let's take a look here.
[Julian] Everybody, if...
I could just have everybody's attention for a second.
Guys, can I have your attention? Um...
I have a short announcement to make.
Um...
The production of Christmas Carol this season is gonna be...
this theater company's final performance.
[Franny] What?
I don't understand.
This theater 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 theater 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 theater company
has been my family!
Guys, I'm sorry.
Well, I guess our company will have to find another space
to perform in next year. [clears throat]
[Charlotte] I don't believe this.
No. I... 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. - Hey.
Sucker punch table for one, please.
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. - [Julian laughs]
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?
- A job. Not a gig, but a job. - Yeah.
Yeah. You know, 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. Okay, what's the priority, then?
Mount the play or save the theater?
Both.
I knew you'd say that.
- Yeah. You thirsty? - Yeah.
- And I'm hungry too. - Oh, that's good.
- Here's the menu. Right there. - Great.
[Julian] Okay, 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 theater?
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 theater is New York's best-kept secret.
But we're gonna change that,
because we're gonna give this theater
the buzz and publicity it deserves, right?
Even if it means drawing on your celebrity?
[sighs] Naomi, whatever it takes.
And what it takes right now...
is a selfie.
Oh, Charlotte, hold up.
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.
[chuckles] I get it.
I really think this time is gonna be different.
You know what? This time, it is gonna be different.
- Oh, my scarf. - Hey!
- Forgot something? - Yes, thank you.
Hey, listen, you were fantastic up there tonight.
- Thank you. You too. - Well, thank you.
- Tomorrow's your day off, right? - Yeah.
Okay. I was thinking maybe we'd hang out
and you know, regroup.
- Regroup? - Yeah.
What did you have in mind?
Well, I can't tell you, it's a surprise.
But what I will tell you is I'll swing by around noon.
- How's that? - That sounds great.
- I'm game. Okay. - Great! See you then.
- See you then. - All right.
[Charlotte] It is so not a date!
Think of it as a working field trip.
Uh-huh. 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.
I 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.
[knocking on the door]
Behave.
- Hi! - Hi.
- Wow. - Hi.
Morgan, Julian. Julian, Morgan.
Hi. Nice to meet you.
It's not funny.
Okay... Bye.
- Bye. - Have a great day.
- Bye. - Bye-bye.
- Right, bye. - Bye.
Wow.
Tell the truth, there's nothing like Christmas
in Manhattan!
The energy! The sounds! The people, the smells!
- This is the best thing in the world! - No, you're right. You're right.
This town does come alive like no other.
Yeah, well that's... All right, see?
- Yeah. - Tough town to walk away from!
Wow. You are about as subtle as a dump truck
In a dynamite factory.
- What does that even mean? - I don't even know.
Remember this place?
[car honking]
- Wow. - Yeah. Come on.
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.
Wow...
This place, huh?
It's like we never left. [chuckles]
If these 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." - [Julian laughs]
Oh, remember that...
that Santa reindeer thing that we did?
- The fear of flying seminar. - Yes!
[Julian laughs]
It 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 or Thin audition.
I thought you said I threw you.
Well, you did.
But that was me.
I was afraid to take a chance.
Yeah, I understand why I didn't get that part.
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.
[man] Hey, what are you doing here?
You can't be here! You gotta go!
[Julian] Um...
Hey, we actually used to study here,
so we just thought we'd come back.
I know you. I know you.
I don't know you, sir. You must be mistaken, so...
He must be thinking I'm somebody else. So, let's...
No, no. No, I know you!
Thick or Thin! You're that cheesy cop!
- Yeah. - Yeah, that's him.
Yeah. That's me, the cheesy cop.
- Yeah, thanks. Let's go. - Okay.
Hey, hey. Can I get your autograph? I'm Terry.
Do you have a pen or anything?
Great.
- Is that food? What is that? - It's something.
- Don't touch it. Sorry. - I... Terry.
Okay. There you go.
- Okay. - Thank you.
I got stuff all over me.
Must have been something on that thing.
[Julian] Okay, so...
First real professional acting gig?
Ha!
That would be a fast-food commercial.
- Really? Oh-ho-ho! - Yes.
I ate so many French fries that day, I got sick.
- [Julian laughs] - 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!
There are worse things you can be doing to get paid."
- This is true. - I'll tell you.
- All right, subject change. - Okay.
Favorite Christmas memory?
Oh. Um...
You first.
Well, that's easy. It was one of the times
my mom came to visit, and I got a legit job.
- Okay. - So, I took her to see
the carolers at Rockefeller Center.
- Really? - And then we went and had
Christmas dinner at Tavern on the Green with the money I made.
[Julian] Yeah.
- That sounds really special. - It was, for both of us. Yeah.
I can tell you really miss her.
Yeah, well, after my dad passed, it was just the two of us.
And I haven't seen her since...
Ugh... I can't even remember.
What is your favorite Christmas memory?
It would have to be here.
- Oh? - Yeah, in New York.
Yeah, I was ten
and it was this crazy snowstorm, and afterwards,
my dad took me and my brothers out to a snowball fight.
What? You've never had a snowball fight before?
- Nope. - What?
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?
- Yeah. - No.
What are you afraid of? What's wrong?
All right.
Oh! There! See, there's the fire in your eyes. Okay, good!
- All right, you're on! - Okay.
Okay, now it's three steps.
- Okay. Is that the rule? - That's the rule,
but you've gotta turn around.
It's the rule.
- Okay. - Okay, now don't cheat.
- [chuckles] Okay, ready? - Okay. Yeah.
- One... - One...
- Two... three! - Two... three!
[Julian] Oh!
Oh, my gosh! Oh, my gosh! Oh, my gosh!
- Are you okay? - [Julian laughs]
- Jeez! - Whoops.
Oh, man!
So, I guess you can scratch that off your bucket list, right?
Your first snowball fight.
And for the kids watching at home,
that would be Charlotte one, Julian zero.
No, I don't think so. I think you jumped on two.
Spoken like true sore loser.
I'm not a sore loser.
Really?
- Yeah. Well, now we're tied. - Really?
[laughing]
- I had a really good time. - I had a great time.
All right.
Okay...
- Goodnight. - Goodnight.
[Charlotte] Ellen, thanks for coming to New York for this interview.
[Ellen] 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.
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.
Really?
[Charlotte] Ugh...
It's okay.
Hey...
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 in our apartment.
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 theater
wearing something festive.
Okay, how about...
- this? - Oh, that's perfect.
Absolutely perfect.
Thank you.
Another outing with Julian Walker?
Something like that.
[Morgan and Liz] Oooh.
Okay, I'm not even gonna dignify that with a reaction.
♪ Joy to the world The Lord has come ♪
So, when the Grand Company
actually asked me to direct this season's production
of Christmas Carol, obviously, 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.
- Thank you. - [Charlotte] And this theater
has such a long past with this city
and an incredible present with this show.
- And we're hoping for a bright future... - Yes.
...if the community will get involved and support us.
- Come, community, and support us! - Please!
- Merry Christmas! - Merry Christmas!
Well said! Now, what do you guys think?
Talk to me.
Well, I won't lie. It will 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 theater.
We need to cast a wider net.
Julian?
Yeah, what's up?
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.
So, you're asking me to talk to Samantha?
I mean, that would be amazing!
I'll see what I can do.
Good idea.
There's a Throwback Thursday for you.
That's Julian's father standing outside the theater
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. - Yeah.
I think it looks great, you guys.
- Let's light it up. - Yeah.
Yeah.
[Sid] I got it, I got it!
- Okay, Sid, fire it up. - [Sid] Here we go!
Yeah.
[clapping hand]
Wow, that certainly lights up this old lobby!
- It certainly does! - Yeah.
You know, I can't remember the last time I actually...
- put up a Christmas tree. - You're kidding!
No. This time of year,
I'm typically traveling and working.
Wow, you really are Scrooge.
Oh...
- [Charlotte chuckles] - I think I just... that hurt.
- [Julian] Okay... You got it? - [Charlotte] Yup.
- [Julian] Watch out. - [Charlotte] Come on.
- Oh, there we go. - Okay. Perfect.
Lights. Okay.
You just had to get the biggest tree in the lot, didn't you?
- [Charlotte] Yup! - [Julian laughs]
[Charlotte] Wow...
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?
And I'm getting a hiding in plain sight kind of vibe.
- Really? - Yeah.
Yeah, well, I'll tell you. If this acting thing doesn't work out,
you'll make a great therapist.
- Nice deflection. - Okay. You gonna psychoanalyze me,
or you gonna help me with this thing?
- You know what - 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?
Perfect.
- Now the fun begins. - Yeah. Decorations, right?
It's been a while. I don't know how many decorations I have.
- Oh, I can make anything work. - Really? Perfect.
- 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.
- Wow. That was subtle. - Yeah.
[Julian] 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's 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.
Yeah, I think I'm in the same boat.
My agents think that this theater gig
is my way of hiding from the spotlight.
Well, is it?
I mean, I can't imagine this whole fame thing being easy.
I mean, you know, I'm not gonna complain, but yeah.
I mean, you can kind of...
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 second. You're not gonna date an actor?
No, iron-fast rule. Never ends well.
I think I would do better with, like, an accountant type.
Oh, no, no, no, no. No, no.
- Boring and way too safe. - Safe? Don't knock safe.
Safe is good. Safe is dependable,
especially when you're living paycheck to paycheck.
All right.
- Still boring, though. - Okay.
Let's light this thing up. What do you think? Ready?
- Yeah. - Three... Two...
[Charlotte gasps]
Wow!
- Looks great. - Oh, it's so great.
I gotta hand it to you, you certainly know how to...
bring life to a room.
Okay... Let's toast!
Yeah. Thank you.
- To... - The most perfect tree.
- Like, ever.
- Ever. - Yeah.
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.
[mobile phone ringing]
Are you kidding me?
Whose phone is that?
Come on, anyone?
[phone continues ringing]
- Oh... - [phone continues ringing]
You know what, I'm sorry.
I think it's mine.
I thought I turned it off.
Okay... It's fine, Charlotte. Let's take five.
Rach?
Hi!
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?
[Rachel] 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 will call you tonight,
- okay? - [Rachel] 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 theater's Twitter feed is buzzing.
So, that's good?
Yes, very good!
The story of our theater's plight
is going out to millions of Samantha's followers.
Wow...
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. - Great.
Okay, let's get back to it, shall we?
Um... Charlotte, let's try this again.
[Morgan] 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!
- [Liz] Oh, right! Wow! - [Morgan] We should go.
Yes, I'd love to go.
- We'll get our tickets... - Okay.
[Liz] Oh, we could reserve tickets ahead of time!
- Yeah! - [Liz] Can we do something really Christmassy?
- [Morgan] Yes! - [Liz] Red. Head-to-toe red.
- [Morgan] Yes! Head-to-toe bows. - [Liz] Glitter!
- [Morgan] And a turtleneck! - [Liz] Pom-poms. Pom-poms.
[Morgan] Yeah. And lots of velvet.
[Morgan and Liz chatter]
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.
[message beeps]
Yeah.
[knocking on the door]
Ugh.
Coming!
Merry early Christmas!
- 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, it 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 play is 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, no, 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 that 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!
- There it is! - [Julian laughs]
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 the door]
It's like Grand Central Station in here.
Hold that thought.
Merry Christmas, Julian.
Samantha. Hi.
What... What a surprise.
Samantha, this is Charlotte.
She is the star of our Off-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 you.
No, just have a good night. Goodnight.
Do you want to come in, Samantha?
Are you okay?
Yeah, no, 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.
[metal clanking]
- It was great. - Yeah?
- You sure you don't want me to... - No, no, 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 are going to be doing curtain calls
- before the show tonight. Naomi. - Thanks, Julian.
Everyone has a call sheet.
Hair and makeup for featured players
is 5 p.m., 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, that's okay. Just relax. You know, if you're half as good
as you were in the dress rehearsal, I'm wrapped around your finger.
- Listen... - Wow.
[both laugh]
- You go. - No, you go.
Okay...
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.
No, I understand the boardroom being in the center.
I don't understand it being the smallest room on the floor.
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 theater group, I assume?
One of the visiting members, yes.
I really hope you didn't ask me here to give me a piece of your mind.
Not exactly.
But I discovered this inside the theater
- 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 Theater.
Innocent times, huh?
Yes.
Yes, they were.
I understand your father was a big supporter of the arts.
[Hayes] Huh.
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!
All right, well...
Merry Christmas.
Thank you.
[Julian] Listen, I need you to make sure the crew double-checks
- all the spots, okay? - [Naomi] I'm on it.
All right. Great.
By the way, thanks to you,
our social media has been on fire.
Ever since that girlfriend of yours took to Twitter...
Whoa. Okay, hold on a second. First, sorry...
That person is not my girlfriend.
Oh.
I'm sorry.
- It's okay. It's okay. - I didn't mean to assume.
- No problem. - Well, with any luck,
she might just help us save the place.
- Hi there, Julian. - Brady.
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. All right, thanks.
- Hey, break a leg. I'm proud of you. Okay? - Thanks, man.
You know, your dad would really be proud.
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.
Well, unfortunately, I think I'm too late.
Charlotte's already made up her mind, so...
Maybe...
but have you made up yours?
Okay, guys, break a leg.
Keep the energy up in the first act, okay?
Hey, Mom!
I tried you earlier, I guess you're not around.
I miss you. I will try you after the show, okay?
I love you. Merry Christmas.
Check. Mic check.
All right. Here we go, everybody.
[Charlotte] Oh, I'm so sorry. I think I just pulled too hard.
[Franny] 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.
- Um... I'm... surprisingly calm. - Good.
Good to hear. Um...
I also wanted to...
give you this.
Yeah. It's a... you know, just for insurance.
It's... it's a prop from my dad's first performance
in Merchant of Venice. Shakespeare in the Park.
Yeah, 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.
- Okay... - Yeah... well... Yes?
I just want to say thank you for everything.
Oh. Yeah, great.
We have a seat out there for you, okay?
Oh, you want me out there?
- Enjoy the show! - All right. Okay, thank you.
All right, everybody, here we go!
Break legs. Have a great show, everybody.
All right. We're ready.
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,
every one.
Woah! [whistles]
Thank you.
[applause continues]
[all] ♪ 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.
[chatter and festive music]
[Charlotte's mom] Sweetheart! Sweetheart!
Mom!
- You were incredible! - You look amazing!
Thank you! 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!
So good!
Thank you, guys! Thank you so much!
Charlotte, honestly. I mean, I knew you were good, but...
- Gary! - You were so good, honestly!
- Thank you! - I'll say!
You came alive out there on that stage.
Rachel, I can't take that job in Chicago.
[Rachel] Oh, please.
I figured that out by the end of the first act.
- Really? - Yes.
- You're not mad? - No!
[Charlotte] Oh.
Guys, can you turn down the music, please? Thanks.
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.
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 theater 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 theater district.
And...
you can't have an old theater district
without an old theater.
It appears keeping you people in business
is... good business.
Then, what you're saying, Mr. Hayes,
is that the Grand Theater Company... lives on?
I think our fathers would be proud.
[all cheering]
It's a Christmas miracle!
Awesome!
Come on!
Okay, a toast! A toast!
- Yes. - [Sid] To the Grand Company!
The Grand Company!
You were wonderful tonight.
Play me out, Gary!
Cheers, you guys!
- Cheers! - Cheers!
Julian, you really know how to throw a surprise party.
For you guys, anytime!
- Hey! Cheers, you guys. - Cheers!
Congratulations! You guys were wonderful!
- 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?
His bark is worse than his bite.
Actually, no, they're both really bad.
But we did find a common ground.
You're pretty amazing, you know that?
Thanks.
Yeah, for the first time, like, ever,
I'm actually starting to believe that.
Good. You should.
So, where's Samantha?
Last time I heard, she was... on her way to Greece
for a holiday with a 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,
starting 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?
[loud music starts playing]
- That's a problem. - Loud is a problem.
- Oh, no! - Uh-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 got this hard-and-fast rule
you'll never date an actor.
Well, you know what they say about rules, right?
What's that?