"Previously on High School Musical The Musical: The Series"
"Well, it's official Nini and EJ are splitsville"
"But you were always there beside me"
"But I kind of missed it because I was dealing with my own drama"
Sweetheart, we've decided to legally separate
I'm not stupid. I know couples don't magically get back together. Right?
"Five, six, even, eight..."
Were on the official countdown to opening night
This is the moment when the creative team
begins to give the show over to the cast
which is strangely emotional, actually
But Miss Jenn says That's a life in the arts
Well, that and almost constant unemployment
- Wait, I messed up! - Sorry
Come on, dude, I'm just saying, this is your chance
The last thing I'm going to do is ask
Nini to Homecoming on the day of the dance
But she's single and ready to mingle
Yes! And I had to hear it from Ashlyn, who heard it from Seb
I'm telling you, Nini hardcore friend-zoned me
Then ask her as friends! We can all hang out together!
Like the good old days!
Nini, you've been in there for ten minutes
Do I need to call the nurse?
Too big... to go down!
Top ten things I never want to hear in a public bathroom
What are you do...
I am flushing my Homecoming dress down the toilet
Look, I know you're still mad at EJ
but there are healthier ways to move on!
This is not mad This is empowered
I'm done with boys who think they can control me
and exes who can't even handle being friends. I am done with boys
Nini, you need help
No. You know what I need?
Like-Like actually need?
A girl's night
Didn't we do face masks and The Bachelorette last night?
No, I'm talking about like a, like a night on the town
I miss my bestie
So, it's like an anti-Homecoming Homecoming?
I'm down
I'm in
I believe a director's first job is to look out
for the well-being of her cast
I'm losing my leading lady's focus right when I need it most
and I know just the place to put the pep back in Nini's performance
Dad
I'm concerned. It smells like my bedroom in here
- Why aren't you at rehearsal? - Why aren't you at work?
I'm... taking a mental health day
This is your fifth one in a row
That... That's like a mental health week
Ten more minutes, then I'll get up
Hey
Mom's not coming back this is the way it is now. Okay?
No It's not okay
I don't like it either, but, I-I really can't look at you like this
You need to, like, take a shower, rejoin civilization
I don't exactly see you putting yourself out there post-breakup
That, good sir, is where you're wrong
because I am going to Homecoming tonight
No kidding. With who?
Big Red, okay? I-I'm taking Big Red to his first ever dance
"Friend of the Year over here Give me a ribbon"
Forward. Throw it back
"Who needs a girlfriend when you got a best friend with two left feet?"
He's bringing the mints I'm bringing the moves
Oh, boy
We're in this together, okay? Think of it as a-a bro pact
Does this mean I need to make a dating profile?
First, make your bed Baby steps, Dad. Baby steps!
I don't get it When I dance with you, it's easy
But when I dance with Ryan, I've got two left feet
You've just got to drill it, Seb
I mean, I practice for like an hour every night in our barn
My parents think I'm bonding with the livestock
I-I need more practice dancing with someone
who actually knows how to lead
- Well, are you busy tonight? - Tonight?
Yes. You know, Homecoming
You mean, like, you and I... dancing together?
In front of, like, all the non-theater kids?
As far as I know, that's how Homecoming works
This would be my first time going
Text me a pic of what you're wearing
So, here we are! Tonight's on me, girls
Okay, I am so into this, but do not expect Kourtney to bowl
Yes, this manicure goes nowhere near a twenty-pound ball
- There was an incident - Yes
If only I had a back-up plan
Welcome to the most exclusive karaoke club in town
"I blame it on love, my baby"
- Good for him - Yes! Respect
Just get ready
Tonight, we are going to sit back
and listen to some of Utah's worst vocalists
Seriously?
Seriously. Look around These people?
They have half your talent and twice your confidence
I am totally confident! A-Aren't I?
Way to have my back on girls' night, Kourt!
Look, I have been in your position
In my biggest high school role, I quit the show
before they could figure out that I didn't know what I was doing
I thought I was a fraud
But... you're amazing!
It takes time to step into the spotlight, Nini
That's why we're here tonight
Plus, I have a ten-year-old coupon for free sodas and nachos
Settle in! Have fun!
"I blame it on love"
"I blame it on you and me"
I can't. I can't
Next
Last name is Caswell, first name is EJ. There should be two tickets
Found it. Wait. When did you become "Nini"?
Good Lord!
There was a... last-minute cast change
Whatever
Looks like you're at table ten with the other theater kids
Snap a photo on your way in
Thank you
Next!
Come on!
No way I didn't agree to photos
Relax. It's all part of the plan
Right, and what exactly is the plan?
All will be revealed
Look, I agreed to take you here What else did I agree to?
Fewer questions, more nodding Say "cheese"
I don't believe this!
This dude steals my girlfriend and twelve seconds
after they break up, he's already playing the field
You could take a lesson from that, my man
Gee, thanks for defending my mortal enemy
The point is, you made a pact with your dad
You're putting yourself out there again, right?
So, put yourself out there. Like, tonight
Speak of the devil Get a load of this player
He's texting me for fashion advice. Me!
Excuse us These seats taken?
Miss? Can I place an order? Sir? Anyone?
Pardon me. You're not... Karen, are you?
Who's asking?
Sorry, I'm just waiting for someone... named Karen
At least, that's what she told me
Isn't online dating the worst?
Hi. Can I get three ginger ales, heavy on the ice
and an order of nachos, please?
Thank you Sorry, you were saying?
Actually, I was agreeing That online dating is the worst
But, I promised my kid I would put myself out there
Am I showing too much chest?
I think you look great
- I'm Mike - Hi. I'm... not Karen
Now, that's a name you don't forget
Thank you
If you'll excuse me, I have to get back to my table
Good luck, Mike
"I've got my own revolution"
- I cannot believe this - You're telling me
She's wearing the lime green sweater
What're you talking about?
She's wearing a bedazzled tablecloth
And she's with EJ
Girl, I'm talking about Tonya Freeman
Wait, what?
The senior who keeps killing all my costume ideas?
She's here
And she's wearing the exact outfit I chose for Gabriella
that she said would make you look like a Teletubby
Are you going to say something to her?
No
I will! I'll march up there and ask her where she got it
Okay. Count backwards from ten Let's not ruin girls' night
Kind of too late! EJ and Gina beat Tonya to it
- I'm going to say something - Nini! I'm serious
Sodas are here, nachos on the way. What's up?
Sorry, Miss Jenn could we have a second?
Of course. I'll get napkins And earplugs
He'll show up, okay? Maybe he just hit traffic
We live in Salt Lake City
There hasn't been traffic since the two-thousand two Winter Olympics
Don't assume Seb stood you up!
Okay, maybe he was just in a... farming accident
Not helping
Could you get me some punch, babe?
S-Sure, babe
Hey, n-not to intrude on date night
but you can do better than EJ
That guy that guy's bad news
You're not exactly one to give relationship advice
And when I want your opinion, I'll ask
Well, I'm giving it anyway
because I sorta thought you were classier than this
But, hey, maybe you really are what people say you are
- And that is? - Dude
Just a little too ambitious for your own good... or anyone else's
- You're back! - Still no Karen? Thank you
Actually there is no Karen I... I made her up just to talk to you
Hold on. I can't decide if I'm offended or flattered
Would you maybe want to bowl together sometime?
And, what is your name?
Real name or stage name?
Wait, you're an actor?
That explains the charm Have I, seen you in anything?
Do you remember that gum commercial a few years ago
where the girl smiled and then her teeth turned into fireworks?
Are you serious? Of course!
Yes, I was down to the final two for that
It went to the other girl. It's been a cold stretch, professionally
- Personally, too - I can relate
I'm Jennifer
Was this, like, a huge mistake?
What? Calling Gina out like that? Yes, that was mad harsh, dude
You owe her an apology
She showed up to the dance with my ex's ex. What's that about?
Maybe it's not actually about you at all
Maybe people are allowed to go out with
whoever they want to go out with
and be whoever they want to be
Sorry, I've been falling asleep to Dr. Phil lately
Can we just get out of here?
Now? Dude, we're at Homecoming
You should be finding eligible hunnies for me to dance with
Hold that thought Drama, two o'clock
EJ, just go with me on this, okay?
No, I don't just go with things You need to fill me in now
"What is wrong with you, EJ?"
"I'm just intimidated by how fly Big Red looks"
"in that suit he borrowed from Ricky"
"Don't be intimidated, be inspired"
"Big Red is an underrated style legend"
Dude. You're an idiot
Oh, my... Oh!
That's the plan!
There's no plan, okay?
I had a vague idea that Nini was going to be here with Kourtney
see me with EJ, and then...
I don't know!
Just get so fed up with all the drama that
she just quit the show or something
What can I get you?
Something wet?
Something wrong?
You think I'm actually going to confide in you?
I contain multitudes, Carlos
He didn't show up. My date
It's my fault
I'm the fool who thought he would actually dance in public with me
Well, the night's not over
"I truly see..."
Look, we've all seen your moves
You don't need a dance partner to dance
"What can I get you?"
Sorry, I don't, I don't do cash
Could you send me a Venmo request?
Sure
N-Need to borrow a buck?
You do not want to clap at me right now. I will clap back
Wait, wait! I was actually going to apologize
Okay, go ahead
Oh, that... That was actually it. The apology
Look, who you hang out with or don't hang out with
isn't any of my business
Then why are you making it your business?
Good question I-I don't know
It's-It's like I am an outsider to the theater stuff, right?
And-And you're, like an outsider to East High
I-I thought we sorta like, got each other
I mean, we did until you came for me
Yes, I-I'm sorry. My world's been a little upside down lately
At home, too It's... It's a whole thing
You're not the only one with home drama
Well, I d... I didn't need to add to yours
Give me a ride and we'll call it even?
Sure, yes
Question. Why are you so good at sticking up for me
but you can't do it for yourself?
Look, I didn't come here for a fight
I came here to have fun
And there's more than one way to be the bigger person
"And now, with a throwback one-hit wonder"
"please welcome to the stage, Nay-nay!"
It's pronounced "Nee-nee"!
No, it... It's... It's pronounced "No way"
You signed me up to sing? In the middle of our dual crisis?
Hey! Step away from the phone
Come on, this used to be our jam back in the day
- I can't do it - Why?
Because it just hit me
The only reason I got the lead at school is
because I played the lead at camp, and the only reason
I got the lead at camp is because my boyfriend...
Ex-boyfriend
Took out the girl who got the actual lead
That part was never mine
These past couple months
this whole Nini two-point-oh thing, it's all built on a lie
I'm a fraud
Well, that sounds familiar
"Last call for Nay-Nay"
- I can't do it - Nini!
- "Next" - "Okay"
"Hey, that's it, girl. I don't know what to do with this"
Nice sweater
Where do you think you're going?
Not on that stage I'll tell you that much
I don't get it What happened to the seventh-grade Nini
who used to belt this song out
in the backseat of my mom's minivan?
She grew up
- She met Ricky - What?
Ever since you discovered boys, you've spent
way too much time trying to see yourself through their eyes
Come on! No, that is not true No, I... No
All right, it might be a little bit true
Okay
You know what?
Miss Jenn's wrong. You didn't lose your confidence
You just... You just forgot why you love to sing in the first place
Excuse me, can-can you start this song over again please?
What are you doing?
Practicing what I preach
"Don't need a king"
"I got my crown"
"Don't need a hero to lift me off the ground"
"I built this heart"
"It's beating loud"
"Won't let no bad blood ever bring us down"
- "Keep flying" - "Higher"
- "Fight like a..." - "Fighter"
"What if I'm everything that I will ever need"
"A queen messiah"
"A strong survivor"
"Even the worst days won't get the best of me"
"Because I was"
"Born to be brave"
"I know who I am inside"
"And I won't apologize"
"Made my mistakes"
"And they gave me wings to fly"
"To my castle in the sky"
"I used to feel like I was lost"
"It's like my phone's navigation was turned off"
"But it's the road I stumbled on"
"That led me right to the place where I belong"
"Keep flying higher"
"Fight like a fighter"
"Yes, I am everything that I was meant to be"
"A blazing fire"
"That's getting brighter"
"Don't need nobody here that don't believe in me"
"Cause I was..."
"Born to be brave"
"I know who I am inside"
"And I won't apologize"
I actually kind of feel bad for the guy
"Made my mistakes"
"And they gave me wings to fly"
"Like castles in the sky"
"Let my hair down and let it go"
"No more running I run this show"
"From way up here yes the view is gold"
"Born to be brave"
"Now I'm standing miles high"
"Like castles in the sky"
"Bosses and queens Stand up on your throne"
"Know who you are This is your kingdom"
"Legends at heart Individuals"
"Go make your mark Be original!"
"Because I was..."
"Born to be brave"
"I know who I am inside"
"And I won't apologize"
"Made my mistakes"
"And they gave me wings to fly"
"To my castle in the sky"
"Let my hair down and let it go"
"No more running I run this show"
"From way up here yes the view is gold"
"Because I was"
"Born to be brave"
"Now I'm standing miles high"
"Like castles in the sky"
I mean, that was amazing
It's great to be in love on
Looks like I missed a lot
The dance started three hours ago
- We lost one of our cows - You could have texted
We have bad reception at the barn
I-I'm really sorry about being so late
I'm really sorry about your cow
Hey. At least our ties match
"On valentine's day"
There you are!
I've been texting you, but then I realized your phone was right here
Wait. Hold on, did you upgrade your makeup in the bathroom?
Because you are serving ageless glow
What? Stop
Miss Jenn. Did you meet someone in the bowling alley?
I...
You did!
It was a momentary flirtation
He offered to give me a ride home
But trust me, men come and go, but girlfriends are forever
So, this is where I live
Ta-da. Let me guess
you pictured a wrought iron gate and a bunch of gargoyles?
Kind of. No, you're not that scary
I kind of owe you a thank you, actually
For what?
You're the reason I stayed with the show
That night at the skate park?
You set me straight and...
It's been a big deal for me
The T-Troy thing
Well, it suits you
I still don't know all the theater terms
I don't know
It's just nice to have somewhere to go after school every day
you know?
I know Believe me
Yes
"Yes, we're going to Bop bop bop, bop to the top"
"Slip and slide and ride that rhythm"
"Bop bop bop..."
Well, girls, did we get what we came for?
- No - Not really
What?
But, I think I got something even better
Well, you know what they say Karaoke works in mysterious ways
You, we should do this next year instead of senior prom
Oh, my gosh. That would be so cool. Oh my gosh, yes
- I'm not down for, like, big parties - Me either
And everybody thinks that's... I don't know
I don't know either, but...
"Miss Jenn, please come to my office before the opening bell"
"first thing Monday morning"
"I've gotten some..."
"information that I would like to discuss with you face-to-face"
Miss Jenn, is everything okay?
Never better
Let's call it a night Okay
Hey, before you head inside what was that big blow-up
all about with you and your, date?
I already forgot about it
And I don't do dates, by the way It's hard enough to make friends
Try moving five schools in seven years
How's that working out for you?
I should probably...
Yes. Yes
You know, I... I meant what I said
At the skate park. About you having your own style
I don't even think I knew how much I meant it when I said it
Good night, Ricky