A Playful Romance (2021)

[bunniefuu]

- Cratchit!
- Oh!

Yes, Mr Scrooge?

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

I was just going
to add it to the fire.

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

I take it from...
I take it from your tone

that you'd rather I didn't?

- Hey, Elvin?
- Yeah?

If we could just make
some eye contact with Scrooge...

Yeah, if you miss some of
the lines, it's... it's OK.

Yeah. OK.

And maybe
cheat out a little bit.

Cheat out? Oh.

I had no idea
you were a comedian!

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

by piling expensive coal
onto the fire?

Do we need a bonfire in here?

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

Make sure to project.

Ah.

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

I didn't think so.

Great, great, great.
Well done, both of you.

OK, that's it for today.

Um, thank you all
for coming in to audition.

I will be posting
the casting decisions

in the lobby
in the next few days.

And I sincerely appreciate

your time and support
of the Onota Theatre

and our annual performance
of 'A Christmas Carol'.

Thank you. That was good.
OK, thank you.

You're so good. Yeah.

Thank you. Yes.

Come on. Let's sh**t a plug
for the auditions.

We clearly still need
a Bob Cratchit.

Yeah.

Come, by the
Scrooge & Marley sign.

I wasn't too full
from my Thanksgiving dinner

to audition for
'A Christmas Carol',

an annual Berkshire tradition
at the Onota Theatre.

And this year's production

is gonna be more
wonderful than ever!

But, hey, don't take it from me.

Here is the show's
amazing director,

Ms Riley Burdett.

Hi, everyone!

This year's show is a fun,
contemporary spin

on this timeless classic.

Auditions are happening
all this week

and there's still lots
of roles still available,

but you're gonna
have to be pretty good

to beat out Archie here
for Scrooge.

And after your audition,

head on over to my place,
Archie's Tavern,

for a burger, a beer,
and some holiday cheer.

Where you can purchase tickets
for 'A Christmas Carol' too.

RILEY &Mm-hmm.

"God bless us, every one."

But especially those
who audition.

Can I clear this for you?

Yeah, sure, thanks.

Couldn't help but notice

you were watching
Riley's audition video.

Yeah, I was.

What do you know about it?

The other fella in the video
is Archie Wadsworth.

- He owns this place.
- Hm.

Yeah, great guy, great boss,

and a really great actor too.

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

I auditioned today.

You know, being part
of the show is something

I've been looking forward
to every Christmas.

- That's cool, man.
- Yeah.

There they go right now.

You thinking about auditioning?

- Thinking about it.
- Yeah?

Well, maybe I'll see you there.

Maybe you will.

Hey!

I come bearing
the gift of dinner.

Ooh! Burgers and fries
from Archie's?

How did you know?

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

Remember when we went through
our salad phase?

How did the auditions go?

Did, uh, anybody beat out
Archie for Scrooge?

Nope.

You know, there were
some strong contenders.

- But he's just so good.
- Right?

The Bob Cratchits, though,
notably less good.

Oh, no!

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

in Berkshire County.

Uh, or at least one.

What do you think about

the Ghost of Christmas
Present's robe?

Mmm...

You don't like it?

Oh, my gosh.
I'm kidding! Look at your face.

That scared me!

It's obviously beautiful.

- Really?
- Mm-hmm.

It's good enough
for Broadway, babe.

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

that you want something from me.

- Guilty as charged.
- Mn-mn, get your own!

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

No self-control.

Oh, it's Regina.

Why is she calling you
right now? It's so late.

Archie called her
'Scroogina' today.

OK. That is funny.

- Um, put it on speaker.
- OK. Shh.

Hello? Good evening, Riley.

Good evening, Regina.

I need to speak
with you tomorrow morning.

OK, um, I have auditions
in the morning,

but we can discuss...

I'll come by the theatre.

You'll have to pause auditions.

What's going on?

I'm selling the Onota.

What do you mean?

I said precisely what I mean.

An offer came in from
a condominium developer.

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

But... - Tomorrow, Riley.

She's selling the theatre?

She really is Scroogina.

What... what is she trying
to do, ruin Christmas?

I'm sorry, Bridget. Um,
I've gotta get some fresh air.

I'm going for a walk.

What about your burger?

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

Jake.

What are we gonna do?
What is your wife doing?

We can't lose this theatre.

It was everything to you.

It's everything to me.

I'm gonna figure this out.

I promise.

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

feel free to chime in.

I miss you.

Wait a sec.

OK, spirits.

It's Riley Burdett.

Here's the thing.

This theatre is in trouble.

In the name of Charles Dickens,

I call upon the ghosts

of Christmases past,
present and future.

May you shine your Christmas joy
upon Regina Scroogina...

so that she may see the light
and feel the Christmas spirit

and keep our theatre open
as the magical performance space

that Jake Caldwell intended it
to be so many years ago.

Jake?

Who's there?

Sorry. I didn't
mean to scare you.

Uh, who are you?

I'm Sam.

Sorry, you were having a moment.

Kind of an intense moment,
I might add.

You saw that, huh?

Um... how much did you see?

Enough to have
a lot of questions.

OK, well, me first, Sam.

Why, um... Who...

I mean, what are you doing here?

That is a lot of questions.

How did you get in?

The lights out front were on,
door was open.

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

but, hey, I can come back later,

some other time when you're not,
uh, summoning spirits.

Hmm, hmm, funny.

Did we go to high school
or something together?

'Cause you look oddly familiar.

I don't think so.

But you're Riley, right?

Yeah, how did you know that?

I saw your YouTube post
about the auditions.

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

but you're, like,
seven hours late.

- Nobody's here.
- You're still here.

Right, right, because I was
trying to talk to spirits.

Totally different thing.

Well, it turns out

I'm not actually here
to audition anyway.

My aunt is Regina Caldwell.

I'm helping her sell this place.

She asked me
to swing by the office

and pick up this contract.

I guess she wants
to look it over tonight.

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

You're her nephew, right?
Um, the movie star.

Sam Campbell?

You're in that show right now,
right? What's it called?

Like, um, 'Hot People
Who Don't Know Each Other'

or something like that.

Yeah, close.
It's called 'Lovable Strangers'.

'Lovable Strangers'.
That's right. That's right.

OK, so you're the reason

why Regina called me
out of the blue today.

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

She's been thinking
about selling this place

for a long time.

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

We break even, which is way more

than a lot of other
theatres can say.

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

when you own
a hundred-year-old theatre

that's in constant
need of repairs.

Onota is the centre
of the community, OK?

It's a historical treasure!

Look, I'm just here
for Christmas

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

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

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

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

The theatre's dead.

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

And... TikTok.

TikTok?!

Wow. OK.

I don't know how you
can be related to Jake Caldwell

and say something like that.

Do you mind?

I know how much this place
meant to Jake.

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

and Regina's alone now.

She's getting older
and this place,

the upkeep is just...

It's too much.

You know, I recognise
you too, right?

Your picture is in their house.

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

He used to say you were
a great assistant director.

That's sweet.

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

You weren't at the funeral.

- sh**ting a movie.
- Hmm.

I always wanted
to do a show here.

But I got reps pretty early
when I was young

and I just moved out to L.A.

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

Not the same, I know.

Uh, no, no, it's not.

Um... how long are you here for?

Until New Year's.

I think you should audition.

- What?
- Hear me out.

We'll be done by New Year's.

We really need a Bob Cratchit.

And then this way,
you'll be able to see

what this place
really means to everybody.

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

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

But... I wouldn't be so sure.

Here's my adaptation.

You adapted this yourself?

Are you shocked?

Impressed.

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

I've seen your show.
You'll be fine.

Plus, when I say we need
a Bob Cratchit,

I mean we really
need a Bob Cratchit.

You should check your wiring.

Hmm.

What are you doing up?
It's the middle of the night.

Figuring out a way
to save the theatre.

GoFundMe, grants, loans,

marrying rich, robbing a bank...

I thought the Onota
was your one true love.

Gross!

- Can you think of a better way?
- Um...

Yeah, a human being
for starters.

Hilarious.

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

The property is just
worth so much.

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

What's her problem anyways?

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

I don't think so.

I mean, not sure why
she would need

a bigger, emptier house.

Right.

Oh, my gosh.

What?

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

- Who?
- Sam Campbell.

Wait. Like, Regina's nephew?

- From 'Lovable Strangers'?
- The very same.

Why is he even here?

Well, he said he's here
for Christmas

and to help Regina
sell the Onota,

but he said he might audition
for Bob Cratchit.

Seriously?

Wait. Ri, that's the answer.

- I mean, we'll see.
- No, no. Think about it.

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

to the show if Sam Campbell
was cast as Bob Cratchit?

Like, Regina would be crazy
to sell the theatre

after those
ticket sales come in.

I know. I know.

But even if he decides
to do the show

and draws in a crowd,

his main priority
is still to help Regina sell.

- Hmm.
- Yeah. I don't know.

I just kind of
had this naive moment

where I thought I might
be able to change his mind.

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

Hmm. Well, thank you for
your vote of confidence.

Well, I'd say, "Anytime,"
but, uh, I wouldn't mean it

because it's 2:00 am
and I am going to sleep.

Goodnight, Bridget.

Goodnight.

Thank you all for coming in
to audition today.

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

to see if anybody else shows up
and we'll get started, OK?

Riley.

I need to speak with you
for a minute.

Regina, we're in
the middle of auditions.

Auditions are over
for the moment.

Uh, no, no, no, no, no.

Just one minute.
I will be right back.

This will just be a minute.

Oh, hi.

Hey.

Have you two met?

- Yeah, we met last night.
- Yeah.

Um...

Sit.

- What?
- Sit.

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

for quite some time
and I'm thrilled with

Mr Davenport's
condominium development plan.

- That's interesting.
- What?

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

in the same sentence before.

Well, I am thrilled
and, thankfully,

you have nothing to say
about that decision

unless, of course,
you can come up with

a seven-figure number
that can top his offer.

Regina, I genuinely
don't understand.

You have to reconsider.

We're really not
doing that badly.

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

your executive producer salary.

And if I could just expand

on our summer programs
this year, I...

Riley, please!

We are barely in the black

and the profits that I can make
from selling this property

will more than compensate

for that pittance
of a salary that I get.

How soon are you selling it?

'A Christmas Carol' will be
the last show at the Onota

so I wanted to let you know now

so that you can start
looking for another job.

Are you...
Regina, that's... that's crazy!

We already planned the shows
for next season!

We've hired staff!

Well, maybe there is...

The offer is final.

I'm sorry, Riley,

but all good things
must come to an end.

Hey.

Unless you have a cheque
for seven figures,

right now is
really not the best time.

You sound like
all of my ex-girlfriends.

Merry stinking Christmas to me.

A candy cane help?

Eh, can't hurt.

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

- That was an injunction.
- I'm sorry.

I feel like it's
partially my fault.

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

but it also really
isn't your problem.

Well... in the meantime,

maybe my Bob Cratchit audition
will brighten your day?

You want to audition?

Yeah. I do.

I read your script.
I loved the adaptation.

I feel like the modern
vernacular... adds a lot.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Thanks.

That was, um...
that was the intention.

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

Could be fun.

And I'm a really good actor.

Oh, OK, then.

- Modest too, I see.
- I really am.

- Are you?
- I've won awards.

- How many?
- Just the one.

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

Let us do... the scene on page 29

between Bob Cratchit
and his wife.

Alright.

- Are you ready?
- Whenever you are.

And did little Tim
behave himself in church?

Oh, yes, he did.

As good as gold he was,
and better.

Somehow, I think
he gets more thoughtful

just sitting by himself so much.

He thinks of things
well beyond his years.

He told me on the way home

that he hoped the people
in church saw him

and noticed he was disabled,

and that it might remind them

and comfort them
on Christmas Day

to think about who it was

that made lame beggars walk
and blind men see.

What child his age
thinks that way?

I do believe he's growing
stronger every day.

I truly believe it.

Wow, um...

I... That was, um...

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

But... wow. That was...
that was really good.

Oh, you said, 'wow' twice.

OK, OK, chill, Los Angeles.

Does that mean I got the part?

You'll have to wait
until we post.

The cast list
comes out tomorrow.

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

Shut up.

So you're just out here for
three weeks for Christmas?

You don't have to sh**t
'Lovable Strangers' season six

where the plot
of the whole series

is you trying to find a shirt?

Oh, this might surprise you,

but I kind of miss
wearing a shirt.

Really?

Well, then, season three must
have been really hard for you.

The narrative arc of
season three was unfortunate.

Mm, well, one man's misfortune

is another woman's
favourite midday cable show.

I'm sorry Regina's
been so abrasive.

She didn't used to be like this.

I know. I knew her then too,
which is almost worse.

But, um, you two
are still close, right?

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

but I was hoping maybe
this year we could bring back

some old family
Christmas traditions.

- Oh-h*, good luck with that!
- Yeah, I know.

It's also just been good to get
out of L.A. for a little while.

I needed a break.

All the attention
is cool for a little while,

but sometimes
it just gets crazy.

I know that sounds a little,
"Woe is me," but...

No. I get it.

I get it.

Well, um, I, uh, look forward

to maybe having you
on the cast, Mr Campbell.

You really can't just
tell me now?

Unfortunately not, as lovable
a stranger as you are.

Hey, Paul!

You're doing great.

Oh, I've also just never worked

with a real
bona fide star before.

Which, let me remind you,
is cool.

Just treat him like
a regular person, right?

Well, what does your gut
say about him?

Oh, that he's
a really good actor.

And he seems like he's...

Wow. Speak of the devil.

Hm, I was gonna say
a decent guy, but...

Just a regular person?

Well, if it isn't Sofia Coppola.

I see what you mean.

Oh, that's nothing.

Hmm.

- Hi, I'm Sam.
- I know. I'm Bridget.

I design costumes for the show.

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

- Cool. Double duty.
- Mm-hmm.

- It's nice to meet ya.
- Yeah.

Maybe we'll be working together.

- Maybe we will.
- Mmm!

I guess we'll have to just wait
till the cast list comes out.

Like everybody else.

Are y'all tree shopping?

- Yeah.
- Yeah. Actually we are.

We have to decorate
the lobby of the theatre.

Me too.

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

she absolutely has to
get a tree, it's Christmas!

Of course! Exactly!

Can I help you at all?
- No, I think we're...

Actually, yeah, I think help
would be great. Thanks.

- Mm-hmm. Yeah.
- OK.

♪ It's Christmas time ♪

♪ I can feel it in the air ♪

♪ Hard to believe it,
but it's there... ♪

Right, are you all good, Riley?

I have some work
to do in the costume shop.

- Yeah, yeah.
- Nice to meet you, Sam.

Likewise. Catch you later.

♪ It's finally
Christmas time... ♪

Alright, how's that?

Uh, a little more to the left.

Left? Alright. How about now?

Mm, well, if you're going for

a Leaning Tower of Pisa thing,
then, yes.

- Oh!
- Perfect.

- You wanna know something cool?
- Yeah.

These ornaments
go back a hundred years.

- No way.
- Way.

These haven't missed a year

since our first production
of 'A Christmas Carol'.

How long have you been
involved here?

I played Tiny Tim
when I was four... Five.

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

and too heavy to sit
on Bob Cratchit's shoulder.

Yeah, the whole Tiny Tim thing
gets a little dicey

once you get to be
about five-feet tall.

Oh, here's the ornament
from that year.

1996.

- Oof!
- I'm old now.

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

Oh, gosh, I hope not.

So Jake directed the shows
back then, right?

Mm-hmm, yeah, he always directed
'A Christmas Carol'.

He was the best.

I mean, you know that already.

But he really took me in.

I was a foster kid.

- Really?
- Yeah.

We actually still cast
the child actors from

our local foster program.

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

That's wonderful.

Yeah, it had
a huge impact on me.

Jake directed the shows
right up to the year he died

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

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

take over as artistic director?

I mean, I was right
out of college.

Yeah, I believe it.

Yeah, this place
became my family.

And it's not just me, you know?

This show and this theatre,
it's the source

of so much Christmas joy
for a whole community.

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

Hi, hi. Hi, everyone.

Thank you all for auditioning.

As always,
the competition was strong

and we had some
difficult choices to make.

If you're not on the list,

please try out again
next year, OK?

And I hope you all come out
to see the show.

For those of you
who are on the list,

please meet in the theatre

for a run-through
in five minutes, OK?

Five minutes!

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

Welcome, welcome, welcome.

First of all, congratulations.

Now, does everybody
have a script?

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

OK, so not everybody is here yet

so in the meantime,
I will read the Cratchit role.

Um, let's see.

Bill, why don't you go ahead
and start us off?

Stave one.

Marley was dead.

There can be absolutely
no doubt about that.

The register for his burial
was signed by the clergyman,

the clerk, the undertaker...

Excuse me. I'm so sorry, Bill.

The one thing I demand from
everybody in this company

is punctuality.

Sorry. Won't happen again.

Everybody, this is Sam Campbell.

He will be playing
the Cratchit role.

That's the Sam Campbell?

Yes, it is.

OK. Yes, it is him.
Very exciting.

Now let's please return
back to our scripts.

Hi, everybody. Merry Christmas.

Uh, Riley, I think Regina
wants to talk to you

for a minute in the lobby.

OK, um, Archie, can you...

can you take over
for me for a second?

- Yeah.
- I will...

I will be right back, guys.

Sure.

Uh, welcome, sir.

- Thank you.
- Archie. Yeah.

Interesting cast.

Sam as Cratchit?

He had a great audition, Regina.

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

I agree.

Look, Riley, I don't know
if this is all part

of some little ploy
that you've been concocting,

but I just want to warn you
involving Sam changes nothing.

Regina... I respect your choices.

But, frankly, you've gone about
this in a very disingenuous way

and I feel like I deserve
a fuller explanation here.

- We'll talk about this later.
- But, Regina, if...

We'll talk about this later!

♪ Christmas bells are ringing ♪

♪ Christmas voices singing ♪

♪ May all your days be ♪

♪ Warm and bright ♪

♪ Hark the herald angels ♪

♪ Singing 'Deck the halls' ♪

♪ Merry Christmas ♪

♪ One and all. ♪

It's only once a year, sir.

A poor excuse for
picking a man's pockets

every 25th of December.

But I suppose
you must take the day.

Be here all the earlier
the next morning.

Thank you, sir. Thank you.

I will. I certainly will.

And Merry Christmas, Mr Scrooge.

Huh!

Humbug.

OK, great! Great, great, great.

I loved that.

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

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

so I don't have any notes.

But, Sam...

- OK, Sam, that was really good.
- Thank you.

The one thing I will say
is that Cratchit,

as I'm sure you know,
values his job

and understands
the precariousness of it,

but he also has this ability
to stand up to Scrooge

in a way that
other people can't.

But his strength lies entirely

in his vulnerability
and genuineness.

That is a word, right?

I think so.

That's a really,
really good note.

Uh, it's really thoughtful.

I... I normally
don't have directors

who give notes like that.

Really?

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

- Oh!
- Seriously?

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

Sometimes.

Riley is one
of the best directors

I've ever worked with,
hands down.

I believe that.

OK, guys, stop.
I'm blushing now.

OK.

Let's do it again, from the top!

- Hello.
- Hey.

- What's so funny?
- Nothing.

That was just really fun.

Really? Well,
I'm glad you thought so.

Maybe you should let Regina know

because she is completely
ghosting me.

But you love ghosts.

True, but not the point.

Yeah, sorry.

Regina should be
professional enough

to at least entertain
a conversation with you.

Right?

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

Might present us with
a unique opportunity.

Like?

Like what if we cook dinner
at Regina's house, surprise her?

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

Interesting.

That gives me an idea.

Wow, I feel like I'm having

some kind of bizarre dream.

We're throwing a 1920s
Christmas dinner party

with Sam Campbell
and Regina Scroogina.

I know, but she's gonna
freak out when she comes home

and sees this
fun tradition, right?

Mm-hmm.
- It takes us back to the '20s

when they did
the first production

of 'A Christmas Carol'
at the Onota.

Ugh, so fun!

Hmm. Why is Sam taking so long
to change into his costume?

Hmm, do I detect
a hint of over-eagerness

to see our new Bob Cratchit?

What are you talking about?

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

- Get out of here.
- Mm-hmm.

Wow! Hey!

Look at you, Bing Crosby!

You look great.

So do you. Oh.

Can't wait to see
the tap dance routine.

Oh, no, no, no, no.

Fortunately, you will not
be seeing that tonight

as a result of Prohibition.

Mm-hmm. That's a shame.

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

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

Mm-hmm.

So, uh, what's in the box?

Oh, wow.

This is... this is really nice.

Yeah. They were my mum's.

Couldn't let Regina
just hide away in here

and not decorate
for Christmas, you know?

Absolutely not.

She would have.

I believe it.

Sam, this village is beautiful.

It's... it's really charming.

It's yours.

What? Really?

Yeah, what am I
gonna do with it?

It's just been sitting
in storage for years.

I doubt Regina
even knows it exists.

You should put it
in the theatre.

No. Come on.
It's... it's your family's.

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

Nah, I'm not worried about that.

Well, then maybe I'll sell it

for a million dollars
and buy out Regina.

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

That's probably Archie.

- Aha!
- Hello, hello, hello.

Oh!

You do know there's
a prohibition going on?

I have a secret stash.

You look awesome, Archie.

- Riley, you look awesome.
- Mm, thank you.

- Sam, nice jacket.
- Thank you.

Surprise!

What are you doing here?

Welcome home!

I'd like to propose a toast

to our very generous
hostess, Regina.

Thank you for the hospitality
and thank you

for your stewardship
of the Onota Theatre.

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

Thank you for bringing
me into the fold.

Mm-hmm.

It's an honour, really,
to work together. Cheers.

Cheers.

Thank you, Sam. Cheers.

We're grateful to have you.

So, Aunt Regina,
the word is that you and Jake

used to host this event
every year.

We did.
But it was a long time ago.

By the way, I am not
particularly pleased

with this little stunt of yours.

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

Best party of the year, period.

I've heard the stories.

Remember that one time
Jake hired that magician

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

Wait, wait, wait, wait,
wasn't that the same night

that the doves got loose
inside the house?

Wow, sounds like
a regular Houdini!

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

He was a stage manager,
if I recall.

Jake was just trying
to help him out.

Mm-hmm. Well, he was
definitely better backstage.

Yeah.

You know,
and Jake and... and Regina

always had
a choreographed number too.

- It was amazing.
- Really?

- Mm-hmm.
- It was Jake's idea.

Always ended in Regina
doing the splits, though.

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

A real team, you two were.

Yeah, we were.

Oh, you remember that one year

we had that horrible ice storm
right after Christmas?

The whole area was
without power for two weeks.

Oh, my gosh, yes. Um, 2002.

Mm-hmm.
- That was right after the show.

- That's right.
- Mm-hmm.

And Jake turned the
theatre into a community centre

where people could get
a hot meal and a shower.

That is amazing.

He was always doing
things like that.

Yeah, I was still working
for Chef Brady at the time

and I opened up the tavern
a year later.

He brought a tenderloin
that he made for everyone.

Yes! Oh, yes.

It was straight out of
'It's a Wonderful Life'.

It was great.
- I wish I could have met him.

Jake sounds like he was
an incredible guy.

He was.

He was.

To Jake.

Alright.

- I loved it.
- She loved the salad.

She loved the salad.

I think the second course
was my favourite.

Yeah.

Hmm...

What is this?

I feel like I've seen it before.

Oh, Sam found that.

Yeah, it was up in the attic.

It was my mother's, remember?

Oh, yes. Of course.

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

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

Just thought it would
look nice there.

Yeah, it would look
nice anywhere.

Your mother always had
exquisite taste.

Yeah, she did.

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

Uh, yeah.

Yeah.

I know what you're doing, Riley.

It's not gonna work.

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

Regina, look, I...

I know I might not be able
to change your mind.

But it's one thing
to sell the theatre.

It's a completely
different thing

to tear it down
and turn it into condos.

Riley, the building requires
endless maintenance.

I know, I know it's old,
and we might need

to put some money into it
to fix it up again,

just like Jake did,
but we can do that.

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

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

I just want to wash
my hands clean of it.

Then let someone else take over!

But we have to keep it
as a theatre.

I mean, do you really
need the money?

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

Well, my job as well as the jobs
of all my friends are at stake,

so, yes, I guess it is.

How dare you.

How'd it go?

Could have gone better.

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

I'll see if I can talk to her.

Really? Like, actually?

That would be really helpful.

Sure.

Why are you being so nice to me?

Maybe I'm just a nice guy.

Oh, no, that's not it.

Seriously, I thought
you were here to help her

sell the Onota,
yet here you are helping me

save this potentially
terrible Christmas.

The pieces don't really add up.

I guess I just like
helping passionate people.

Hmm, well, your aunt
is pretty passionate

about selling the place.

You know what I mean.

You know, I used to be like you.

What does that mean?

Deeply single
with a Pinterest addiction?

No. I mean passionate.

You know, excited about life.

- Fiery.
- Oh, fiery.

I'll take it.

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

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

That's not true.
You're like this all the time.

I see it. You're like...

Never mind.

What?

It's nothing.

No, now you have to say it.

OK, it's gonna sound
kind of weird,

but I love watching your face.

What? Why?

I love watching your face
because you care so much

about everyone else.

You're so engaged
and interested.

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

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

and I would feel like I made it.

You know, like I really made it.

But I don't feel like that

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

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

but because the money is just
so good, I can't turn it down.

And then I sit alone
in a big house

and I wonder,
"Why am I not happy?"

Then I meet someone like you

and I remember why I loved
all this stuff to begin with

and I feel kind of
like an idiot,

but I'm also really inspired

because you seem
like the kind of person

who hasn't spent a single
moment of your life

doing anything that
you don't totally love.

That's really
sweet of you to say.

- Huh.
- Really, yeah.

But it's just not true.

I've had to do a million things

I haven't cared about
just so I can afford

to do the one thing
that I do love.

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

That's what I mean.

You never lost track
of what that thing is.

You're like...

a compass.

Well, that's ironic

because I have absolutely
no idea where I'm going.

Can I ask you one more thing?

Of course.

Your mum, did she...

She passed away
a few years before Jake.

I'm so sorry.

Is that why you and Jake
were so close?

Yeah, I think partly.

He and my mum were best friends.

Hmm.

I feel like spending
time with Jake

really reminded me
of spending time with her.

She would have loved you.

Well, probably. I heard she had
exquisite taste.

You wanna know something funny?

I grew up in so many different
foster homes,

but Jake was really
the first person

to stick around in my life.

He paid for my college,
you know?

I didn't know that.

Yeah, he was always
just so giving.

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

Do you ever get that?

- From time to time.
- Hmm.

He's a good person
to take after.

You OK?

I'm great.

Hey!

Hey.

- How'd it go?
- What?

Uh, your walk with Sam.

Oh, um...

It was really nice.

- I call maid of honour.
- Oh, stop!

No, he just held my hand.

He held your hand?

It was nothing!

OK, he was probably just feeling
the Christmas magic.

Oh, girl, you are
blushing so hard.

That was not nothing.

Mm.

Maybe his hands were just cold.

Oh, right, right, right.

OK, so he held your hand,
because he's what?

Anti-mitten?

Ugh! No. No, no, no.

He is a literal movie star, OK?

He's here for two seconds and
then he's gonna run back to L.A.

where he probably has a million
gorgeous girls waiting for him.

Who cares?!

I guarantee that none of them
are as hard-working

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

Wow.

- You do win maid of honour.
- Mm-hmm.

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

- Washes me out.
- Deal.

♪ Bum, bum, bum, bum ♪

- ♪ Bum, bum, bum, bum ♪
- ♪ Bum, bum, bum, bum ♪

♪ Fast away
the old year passes ♪

♪ Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la ♪

♪ Hail the new year,
lads and lasses ♪

♪ Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la ♪

♪ Sing we joyous, all together ♪

♪ Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la ♪

♪ Heedless of the wind
and weather ♪

♪ Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la ♪

♪ Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la ♪

♪ Fa-la-la-la-la ♪

♪ La-la-la ♪

♪ Fa-la-la-la, la-la-la-la-la! ♪

Thank you. Thank you so much.

Christmas is a time
for traditions.

Traditions that bring
our families

and our community together.

And this year marks...

the 100th anniversary
of the annual

Onota Theatre production
of 'A Christmas Carol'.

How about that?

We're going to open
on Christmas Eve

and run the entire week
from Christmas to New Year's.

Are you guys coming out?

Alright!

Thanks, everyone.

We couldn't be more excited

to share this tradition
with you for one more year.

And now I'd like to introduce
the artistic director

of the Onota, Ms Riley Burdett.

Thank you. Thank you, thank you.
Thank you, Archie.

Thank you so much.

Alright, if you will all notice

this magnificent Ghost
of Christmas Present robe.

In the story,
Dickens has the ghost

present to Scrooge
two sickly children

who emerge from
underneath this robe

and the children,
as he describes,

are Ignorance and Want.

And the ghost warned Scrooge
to beware of these two

because Dickens considered
lack of education and greed

to be the greatest
social ills of the time.

And that was almost
180 years ago.

Some things never change...

which is why the Onota
has dedicated itself

for so many years
to not only entertaining,

but educating our community

through its programs
and productions.

And now we have a wonderful
surprise for you all.

Someone special has joined
our cast this year

and we couldn't be more excited.

Playing the role of Bob Cratchit
in this year's production,

please welcome
Emmy-Award-winning actor

Sam Campbell.

Thank you.

Thank you. Thanks.
Um, thanks a lot.

And thanks, Riley, for that
really lovely introduction.

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

this really wonderful company
to be presenting

this timeless Christmas classic

that's always filled my heart
with so much Christmas spirit

and I hope it does
the same for you.

Speaking of Christmas spirit,
we have one more song.

Do you want to hear it?

♪ Hark how the bells,
sweet silver bells ♪

♪ All seem to say,
"Throw cares away" ♪

♪ Christmas is here,
bringing good cheer ♪

♪ To young and old,
meek and the bold ♪

♪ Ding-dong, ding-dong,
that is the song ♪

♪ With joyful ring,
all carolling ♪

♪ One seems to hear
words of good cheer ♪

♪ From everywhere,
filling the air ♪

♪ Oh, how they pound,
raising their sound ♪

♪ O'er hill and dale,
telling their tale ♪

♪ Gaily they ring
while people sing ♪

♪ Songs of good cheer,
Christmas is here ♪

♪ Merry, Merry, Merry,
Merry Christmas ♪

♪ Merry, Merry,
Merry, Merry Christmas ♪

♪ On, on they send,
on without end ♪

♪ Their joyful tone
to every home ♪

- ♪ Hark how the bells... ♪
- OK, I'll see you at home?

- Yes, yes, OK, OK.
- OK, see you back there.

So I'm Ignorance and Want,
then, am I, Riley?

Sorry?

You delivered your
little speech directly to me.

I was just talking about
the story, Regina.

And I just want to retire.

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

And don't think
that cosying up to Sam

is going to change my mind.

He wants the money
just as much as I do.

Hey, I was looking for you.

I was thinking about watching

'A Muppet Christmas Carol'
tonight

and studying up
on how Kermit the Frog

handles the role
of Bob Cratchit.

Would you wanna watch it
at your place?

What's the matter?

Yeah.

That sounds great.

Great.

You seem kind of quiet.

Is everything OK?

I'm not sure.

Well, talk to me.

What happened at the gazebo?

Regina said something
really weird to me tonight.

OK.

She said that
you wanted the money

just as much as she did,

which implies that you
would be receiving money.

But this whole time,
I thought the transaction

was just between
Regina and Davenport.

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

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

I am an owner
of the theatre too.

What?

Regina and I, we co-own it.

Jake left me his portion
when he died.

Wow.

Because I lived in L.A.,
I never really wanted

to assume my responsibility
of it and...

So you aren't really here

to help Regina
with the paperwork, right?

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

No.

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

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

as it pertains to me.

So why didn't you tell me?

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

or that I was just
here for the money.

But that's exactly what
you're here for, isn't it?

So that you can get your 50%?

Was it her idea to turn
the theatre into condos

or was it the both of you?

Both.

- Got it.
- Look, I was gonna tell you.

- I wanted to tell you.
- Oh, really?

Well, that's weird
because you had

every opportunity to do so
and you didn't.

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

I know, but it's just
because I met you

and I liked you so much
immediately, I...

I wanted you
to give me a chance.

So you lied.

I confided in you
with all of this.

The whole time, you were
just playing the part.

That's not what happened.

Please leave.

Riley...

Get out.

I'm sorry.

You were right.

You are a really good actor.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

I feel like I encouraged you.

No. No, it's not your fault.

You can't trust a man
that handsome.

That's just science.

Do you really think
he was gonna tell you?

I don't know.

But the fact is he didn't.

And this whole time, I thought
I was fighting against Regina.

But I wasn't.

It's just so messed up.

But he hasn't
signed it yet, right?

I don't think so.

OK, so the jury's still out.

What are you saying?

I'm saying that
you may very well

have been fighting
against Regina,

but Sam might be fighting
against himself.

Hmm.

What are you doing?

I am going over show notes.

Riley!

Oh, I think I left
my laptop at the theatre.

What, are you going now?

Just go in the morning!

I kind of wanna be there anyway.

Can you not sleep there tonight?

Don't wait up.

Jake... I'm so sorry.

This just... this just
isn't within my control.

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

I'm not good at this
like you were.

People met you
and they just became better.

I don't know how you did that.

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

if there's anything
you can do...

I could really
use your help right now.

Merry Christmas, Jake.

Jake.

There you are, Sam. Sit down.

I need you to sign this contract

so I can run it over
to Mr Davenport.

Yeah, I... I wanted
to talk to you about that.

Well, this is his
final offer, Sam.

I just, uh...

What?

I can't sign.

I don't understand. We've been
over this a hundred times.

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

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

Oh.

I see.

A pretty girl comes along
and makes you forget

that we had a deal,
a $3.5 million deal!

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

It's about the place.

I get it now.

The theatre is the beating heart
of a whole community.

The audience, the cast,
everybody involved

feels like they're part
of something special.

And that doesn't happen often.

Well, frankly, Sam, I don't
care about what they feel.

I want this theatre
out of my life.

OK, then let's sell it
to someone else

who can keep the theatre going.

It's not impossible.

I want this money pit gone.

That's not gonna happen,
not like this.

OK, Regina?

I am truly sorry about Jake.
I loved Jake too.

But just because you haven't
been able to move on

doesn't mean you can punish
an entire community.

If you don't sign
that contract, Sam,

mark my words, there will
be no final show at the Onota.

Don't do that.

Watch me.

It's freezing in here!

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

- You're kidding.
- Mn-mn.

Hi.

Hi.

Can I come in?

Yeah, sure.

Hey, Sam. Hey.

Wow, it's freezing in here.

Power's been out
since last night.

- Oh, no.
- Mm-hmm. It's fine.

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

Regina.

I'm not gonna sign.

You're not gonna
sign the contract?

No. I told her this morning.

Oh, my gosh.

Yeah. She didn't take it well.

What did you say?

I told her that we needed
to rethink the offer

and that we should consider
selling to someone

who will keep the theatre alive.

What did she say?

She said she needed
it signed by today

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

Wait, what? She can't do that.

We have a show
that goes up in two days.

I know. That's what I said.

Uh...

Where's my bag?

Oh, no!

No, no, no, no, no, no!

Ugh!

Wait right here.
Wait right here.

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

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

You cannot lock up the theatre.

Please call me back ASAP.

- What's going on?
- Regina's locked us out.

What? Mm-hmm.

Sam told her he's not gonna
sign the contract

and this was her response.

How could she do that?

She was seriously angry
this morning,

more angry than
I've ever seen her.

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

The play's supposed to open
this weekend.

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

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

At least till
we straighten this out.

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

that the rehearsal venue
has changed.

Thank you so much.
Thank you, guys.

What would I do without you?
Thank you.

Alright. Lots to do.
Love you, girl.

- OK, yeah.
- I'll check in later.

Catch you later.

Look, Riley.

- About last night...
- No. Thank you.

You standing up
to Regina like that,

I know that must have been hard.

This place is special
and the community deserves it.

- Told you so.
- Showed me so.

Maybe we should call
the fire department

and have 'em cut these locks.

I have a better idea. Let's go.

We'll be live in 30 seconds.
I'm just gonna tell them, OK?

- Thank you so much for coming.
- Our pleasure.

This is such
a heartbreaking story.

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

Seeing 'A Christmas Carol'
was our family's

favourite holiday event.

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

Um, Mr Campbell, it's...
it's an honour to meet you.

And you must be Tiny Tim
and Little Fan?

Yep!

Are you gonna do
your famous line for us?

Yeah, OK.

This is Charlotte Fairbanks
reporting from the Onota Theatre

where padlocked doors may force
this year's production

of 'A Christmas Carol' to move
to a high school gymnasium.

So, Riley,
how do you feel about this?

The show must go on.

And thank you
to Principal Higgins

for letting us use the gym,

but it won't be the same
as the Onota,

especially with an actor
like Sam Campbell

in the role of Bob Cratchit.

I mean, what an honour.

Emmy-Award-winning
actor Sam Campbell

will be starring
in the production

and is impressed with
what the Onota had to offer.

Not only is the Onota
a world-class venue,

but it also houses
this incredible company.

Um, and I really believe
that this theatre rivals

some of the great playhouses
across the country.

- What's your name?
- Jason. I'm Tiny Tim.

And what do you think
about the theatre closing?

I think it's sad.

But what would Tiny Tim say?

"God bless us, every one!"

Jason and Mollie were cast
through the Onota's

Foster Youth Program,
another way the Onota Theatre

is making a difference
in our community this Christmas.

Owner Regina Caldwell
was not available for comment.

This just in,
rolling power outages

all across Western Massachusetts

are afflicting thousands
of home owners.

National Grid is now saying
it could last for days.

If you lose power,
come to the Onota theatre.

We will have food and drinks
and... and heat

and a free
dress rehearsal performance

of 'A Christmas Carol'.

Well, folks,
you heard it here first.

The Onota theatre is
expected to open tonight

for those in need
of food, shelter,

and some
Christmas entertainment.

For Spectrum News 1,
I'm Charlotte Fairbanks.

- Oh, you're moving.
- Trying to, trying to.

- Hey.
- Hey.

- Hey.
- OK, couple of things.

We're opening up
the theatre tonight

as a space for people
who lost power.

So, Bridget, can you post that
on our social media

in case people couldn't
tune into the news?

- On it.
- What about the lock, though?

Um, if Regina doesn't do it,

I will call the fire department
before then.

But I'm hoping she will.
Uh, risky plan.

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

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

Oh, snap! True!

Archie, I messaged a couple
of the cast members.

They're gonna pop over here

and help you
prepare food for tonight.

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

- I should have enough.
- OK, great.

The theatre will reimburse you.

That won't be necessary,
but thank you.

Uh, anything else, captain?

Yes, um, the generator.

You know how to fire it up
in case we lose power, right?

Yes, also a bunch of people
are already posting stuff

about the theatre shutting down,
so I guess they saw the segment.

- Wait, really?
- Mm-hmm.

- That was quick.
- Mm-hmm.

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

You did that?

Yeah.

Whoa, Mr Popular's

got over 300,000 followers!

I may have also encouraged
people to make a small donation

to those in need this Christmas
because of the storm.

Wow. Thank you. Thank you, Sam.

It's Regina.

OK.

Hi, Regina.
Meet me on the stage.

What? - Meet me on the stage now.

Hello? OK.

Um...

Wish me luck.

Good luck.

Congratulations, Riley.

You found a way to make
the entire state

of Massachusetts hate me.

I didn't do that, Regina.

You think I want to be hated?

You think I want that?

I don't know what you want.

From my perspective,
it seems like

the only thing
you want is money.

I dread coming to this place

because every time I walk
through those doors,

all I can feel is his ghost.

This town,
they expect me to be him.

They expect me to be charming
and charismatic

and filled with Christmas cheer

and I'm so angry
with him for that!

I just can't do it.

I can't be Jake.

I have never been Jake.

And the mere existence
of this theatre...

all it does is make me
realise that he is gone.

It has been seven years, Riley.

And every year, I think
that this is the year

that will bring me some peace.

And every year, it gets
further and further away.

Huh...

I don't want to be hated, Riley,

but Jake was the one
who was good at being loved.

Regina.

Regina, that's not true.

You're an amazing person.

And you're right.
He was special.

He had this magical way
of connecting with people.

And sometimes I felt
intimidated by that too.

But no-one... no-one ever
expected you to be what he was.

I just...

I need to... I need to move on.

Or maybe you just need
to ask for some help.

Look, I love Sam...

So I've noticed.

No. I didn't mean love love.

Are you sure?

I...

That's not the point.

The point is he's great, OK?

But he hasn't been here to share
in his part of the ownership.

It's one thing to lose
your business partner, Regina,

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

your business partner and
your husband at the same time.

It's been so hard.

The reason why keeping
this theatre alive

is so important to me is because
it was so important to Jake.

These stories, these people,

these memories,

this place was his life.

This is his legacy.

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

Regina, if you
want to sell, fine.

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

But I feel like what you
really need most

is to let us help you,
because everybody wants to.

Everybody doesn't.

Yes, they do.

They just wanna see
that you care.

I do care.

OK, then.

OK. Then let's
show them you care.

Let's open up this
theatre tonight

and put on an amazing show.

What do you say?

OK, everybody.
Welcome back home to the Onota!

Yeah!

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

The bad news is we lost
two days of preparations

because we're putting
on a show tonight.

Yeah, so now I know
it won't be perfect,

OK, but I need everybody

to be on top of their game
in today's run-through

so that we can nail this
dress rehearsal tonight, OK?

Is everybody ready to bring
some Christmas spirit or what?

Yes! OK! Alright.

Let's go! Let's get to work.

From the top of the show,
stave one.

Places, everybody. Come on.

Hi. Hey.

- You're not gonna believe this.
- Talk to me.

- We're sold out.
- What do you mean?

I mean 400 people showed up.

How do you even know that?

Because 400 people signed the
petition to save the theatre.

It's a Christmas miracle.

Mm-hmm.

I want everybody to hold hands.

Hold hands, hold hands.

And let's close our eyes.

Close your eyes and let's...
let's concentrate for a moment.

Let the distractions
of the day fall away.

Picture in your minds
a blank screen,

an empty white canvas.

It is on this canvas
that you will create.

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

This has been a fast
and furious journey.

But we made it.

We made it to opening night!

Oh, and there's a
house full of patrons

who have generously given back

to people less fortunate
than themselves

at this wondrous time of year.

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

Now, I want you all
to go out there

and break a leg!

Let's break a leg, alright!

Places! Places, everybody!

Scrooge was better
than his word.

He did it all,
and infinitely more.

And to Tiny Tim, who didn't die,

he was like a second father.

Scrooge had no further
interactions with the spirits,

but he heeded their wisdom
ever afterwards

and it was always said of him

that if any man alive
possessed the knowledge,

he knew how to keep
Christmas well.

May that be truly said
of all of us.

And so, as Tiny Tim
once observed...

God bless us, every one!

Bah, humbug, Scroogina!

Well, I guess I deserved that.

In fact, I know I did.

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

There's magic in that play,

magic in the words
of Charles Dickens.

Let's give this cast
another round of applause.

Didn't they do a marvellous job?

I've been involved
with this theatre

for quite some time now

and it has brought me more joy

than I could possibly
put into words.

But...

it's also brought me pain.

As many of you know,
we lost my beloved husband

Jake, Jake Caldwell,
seven years ago.

He was the founding member
of the Onota Theatre

and its artistic director.

This place has been for me...

another home
for almost 40 years.

But lately

I have been thinking
about retirement

and so tonight I have
an announcement to make.

Riley, will you please
join us on the stage?

Ladies and gentleman,
the artistic director

of the Onota Theatre,
Ms Riley Burdett.

I care deeply about the Onota.

But as I said to Riley recently,

all good things must
come to an end.

And so tonight,

I am giving the Onota Theatre
to its rightful owner,

to the woman who has kept the
spirit of my late husband alive

in ways that would have
made him so proud.

Merry Christmas, Riley.

This is my portion
of the deed...

and this is a set of keys
to the theatre.

This theatre
doesn't belong to me.

It belongs to you.

Oh...

I don't know
what to say, Regina.

Thank you, Riley.

Truly.

From the bottom of my heart.

Alright, honey,
I'm gonna go home.

Looks like the storm's
actually easing up.

And I just got an email
from our electric company

that the power's back on.

Wait, wait, wait, wait.

Hold on.
Nobody's going anywhere.

- OK.
- Where did you get that?

Hmm!

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

And traditions must be honoured.

Are these from props? Shhh.

- You...
- You didn't see anything.

Hey, to the new owner
of the Onota Theatre.

- Right?
- Cheers.

Thank you, guys.
I still can't believe it.

- This is amazing.
- It's great.

This was...
this was a magical night.

Yeah.
- I kinda don't want to go home.

And I have notes
to organise anyways.

Excuse you?

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

- Massive.
- Ha, ha, ha!

- You know what? To Regina.
- Yeah, to Regina.

Regina!

Ahh!

I was waiting
until Christmas Day,

but... I figured
this would be a good time.

Open it.

Well, it's technically
Christmas Eve,

so it's close enough.

This is beautiful.

Is this what you had to go grab?

Yeah, that and all these
candles and these lights...

a sleeping bag.

A sleeping bag?

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

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

Talk about what?

About how this co-ownership
is gonna work

once you go back to L.A.

You know, I was thinking

maybe I'd stick around
for a little while.

- Really?
- Yeah.

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

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

Do you wanna dance?

Yes.

♪ Lights are bright ♪

♪ On this starry night... ♪

You're coming to Regina's house
for Christmas dinner.

I am?

Yeah, you are.

I guess... I guess I am.

Hey, now that we're partners,

we can't keep any more
secrets from each other.

Deal?

Deal.

You gotta lay it all out
on the table.

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

Yes.

This is the best Christmas
I've ever had.

Me too.

♪ The only thing I want ♪

♪ Santa to bring ♪

♪ Is Christmas ♪

♪ With you. ♪

♪ Yeah, yeah, ooh, ooh ♪

♪ Ooh-ooh, ooh ♪

♪ Merry Christmas, baby ♪

♪ Come dance with me... ♪