RICKY: Previously on High School Musical: The Musical: The Series...
Why make a New Year's resolution when you don't want any change?
You're my home.
But now I'm leaving my childhood home.
Is this where you tell me we're moving?
And Nini's leaving for boarding school.
Ricky, I'm moving to Denver.
RICKY: Just when I was getting used to playing Troy Bolton,
that's changing too.
Contrary to rumor, we are not doing High School Musical 2.
I thought this year was gonna be a beauty, but it's definitely lookin' like a beast.
Get it? 'Cause we're... Putting on... I'll go.
-(BELL RINGS) -MAZZARA: Good morning, Leopards...
...and Wildcats. Just a reminder,
if you have any dope home videos from over the holiday break,
slide them into my DMs.
I am hundo P
this year's first ever video yearbook will be...
Gucci.
(CHUCKLES) Poor thing. Needs all the help he can get.
And for those of you interested in becoming the full-time student anchor
here on the Morning Show, stop by my AV club room.
Don't worry about looking good on camera
because you're going to look great on college applications.
(CHUCKLES) Good one, Mazzy.
MAZZARA: Last but definitely not least,
auditions for this semester's musical will be held
after school in the newly refurbished auditorium.
Can't wait to see what Miss Jenn has up her sleeve
because last semester's show was fire.
-Ooh, bad choice of words. -MAZZARA: And that's the news, folks.
You heard it here first. From my mouth to yours.
Okay. Sign off needs a little work.
(THEME MUSIC PLAYING)
Attention, thespians! I have a brief announcement.
-Speech! Speech! -(ALL CHUCKLE)
After spending the last couple of weeks Google-stalking the Menkie Awards,
I've discovered that there is no category for Best Choreography.
And since the Menkies is step one
to me becoming the first ever winner of a MEGOT...
-"MEGOT"? -Menkie, Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony.
...I've decided that I will be auditioning to be on stage this year.
-Thank you, all! -Yay!
Yeah!
Big Red's trying out too!
-(ALL CHEER) -Yeah, he is!
Big ups, Big Red. You gonna teach me some of those allegedly great tap moves?
(CHUCKLES WEAKLY) I'm so scared.
Oh, just remember you cannot play Chip, the teacup,
since it'd obviously be weird for you to be my son.
I mean, I'm probably getting Mrs. Potts.
Not that we don't all have an equal shot.
After playing Ms. Darbus, this is pretty much in the bag.
It's called Disney-bounding.
Yeah, I dabble.
-(ALL LAUGHING) -What's up?
Miss Jenn tells me you're also going out for a role this year.
KOURTNEY: (CHUCKLES) What can I say,
I play Taylor for half an act of HSM and suddenly I think I'm Regina King.
-(KOURTNEY CHUCKLES) -CARLOS: Uh, okay.
EJ: You're welcome.
Huh?
Uh, I've decided to take myself out of the running for the Beast.
I'm just... I've got a lot on my plate.
Which reminds me, I should probably pick a meal plan for Duke.
Wait, you officially got in?
Back up. You're not doing the musical either?
No. I've only got the bandwidth for a supporting role.
Wait, what do you mean "either"?
Uh... (CHUCKLES)
I'm, uh, I'm not sure if I'm auditioning this year.
You know, once a skate rat... Right?
Wait, for real?
Yes, of course, I wish Nini had told me about boarding school sooner.
But honestly, can you blame her?
I mean, the last time she told me she was going away,
I said I wanted to take a pause.
Idiot. (CHUCKLES)
Yeah, I, uh, I did things a little differently this time.
(CRYING)
Hey. I said if you cried, I was gonna cry.
I'm not crying, okay?
I'm just allergic to my girlfriend going to Colorado without me.
(CHUCKLES)
(SIGHS)
I'm gonna FaceTime you every morning as soon as I wake up.
Okay.
Maybe not as soon as I wake up?
-Fine. -(LAUGHS)
Well, but definitely plus or minus 300 times a day.
At least. We are going to make this long distance thing look easy.
(SIGHS) Okay.
(NINI MOANS)
(RICKY CLEAR THROAT)
What's this?
(LAUGHS) I mean, you could open it.
Hmm. Okay.
It was, uh... It was half off at HomeGoods.
It's perfect.
Every time I miss you, I'll shake this.
(CHUCKLES TEARFULLY)
LILY: Okay. Um, sorry, I've been trying
to work up the courage to say this.
Okay, I can't believe I'm standing in front of both Troy Boltons right now.
Both your performances last semester in HSM were incredible.
-Thanks. -Thank you. That means a lot to us.
It honestly takes a village to get a show up on its feet. I've been blessed.
No, no, I mean, thank you. Really.
I mean, you both inspired me to wanna try out this semester.
It's intimidating being basically, like, brand new to theater.
Hey, honestly, you guys are all so talented.
(CHUCKLES) Oh, thank you.
-Hey, do you mind if we... -GINA: Oh...
-Sure. -EJ: No, absolutely.
-LILY: Cheese. -(CAMERA CLICKS)
-Okay. -Hey, you can tag me in that.
It's just EJWaterPoloTheaterGuy. Theater... E-R.
-(CELL PHONE CHIMES) -Just did. Bye.
Okay. I know this is kinda last minute, so totally feel free to say "no"
because my feelings won't be hurt because what are feelings?
Except a bunch of molecules doing a sad dance...
-Enough with the caveats. -Just spill it!
Okay, what is that?
It is a song I've been noodling on this week.
-It's a tercet. -(CHUCKLES) "A ter..." what?
A duet, but for three people.
-(CHUCKLES) Nobody knows that. -This is really solid composition.
-Mmm, I'mma start calling you "Tercet." -(LAUGHS)
Gina, living with you is the closest I've ever come to having a sister,
and, Kourt, I know Nini must be feeling like a long lost sister right now so,
I ran this by Miss Jenn and she's all about it.
So, I was thinking we could audition as a girl group.
Ooh! Is the vibe Destiny's Child or is the vibe Cheetah Girls?
The vibe is all of the above. Plus a little Spice Girls.
My mom has been showing me their music videos.
(SQUEALS) I'm 1,000% down for this!
I could really use some girl-power vibes up there with me today.
ASHLYN: Oh! Really? Yes! Great!
Okay, let's pop into the rehearsal room. And I'll run you through it.
Def gonna need the Gina touch because this song is all about the beat.
-Ooh! -Actually, Ash,
I'm gonna stick with auditioning on my own.
I've been rehearsing my piece all week...
No. You don't have to explain. I totally get it.
If I danced like you, I'd be like, "clear the stage!" So...
Just in case.
(BELL RINGS)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Dude, I need your help bad.
I'm experiencing the German word for anxiety, hunger, and the deathly fear
of disappointing the one person you really wanna impress.
I wish Ashlyn had never walked in on me tap dancing.
(SCOFFS) I mean, your dark and horrible secret
was bound to surface someday.
Dude, I'm serious.
(BIG RED SIGHS)
Look, it's actually pretty simple. You like Ashlyn, right?
Understatement of the year.
Yeah. (CHUCKLES) Okay. So, you really like her.
If there's one thing last semester taught me,
it's that really liking a girl can get you through a lot of crap.
Including stage fright.
Hey, at least, if I choke up there today,
I won't be alive to see Ashlyn's disappointment.
Dude, I don't think you've ever disappointed anyone in your whole life.
You know what'd actually make me feel better?
Knowing you were gonna be up there too.
-Are you sure you don't wanna audition? -I...
I...
(BLOWS RASPBERRY)
I haven't ruled it out.
(BELL RINGS)
Look at 'em.
Honey, get off North High Drama's Instagram page.
Zack Roy is posing next to a cardboard trophy
with the caption "It's only a matter of time."
How is his hairline closer to his forehead than when we were dating?
Plugs. Definitely plugs. I knew it.
Oh, no! Did I just heart it? Un-heart it! Un-heart it!
At least we have more followers than them.
You do know I bought 10,000 of those, right?
What? I followed all of them back! I couldn't move my thumb for a week.
Eat your heart out, North High!
(ALL CLAMORING)
(CAMERA CLICKS)
So, remember Emily Pratt from theater camp?
She's my roommate. What are the odds, right?
Is she the one you understudied who EJ...
Yep. Old drama.
It was, like, weirdly bonding between me and Emily.
-Speaking of, I miss you. Like, a lot. -RICKY: Hmm...
I miss you too. I mean, we all do. (CHUCKLES) It's like...
Everyone's like, "It's gonna be so weird to audition for the show without Nini."
I'm like, "Yeah. You think?"
Hmm, I know. I can't believe I'm missing it.
Have you picked out your song or you just gonna bust in
at the last minute and sing one of mine?
(NINI CHUCKLES)
Ricky?
Yeah, um...
I was thinking and, I don't know, I, uh...
Maybe I won't audition for the show this semester.
Wait, are you serious?
I don't know.
It's just kinda hard to picture doing a show without you.
You were kinda like my rock.
Hey! I'm still your rock.
I'm sharp. I'm sedimentary.
-(LAUGHS) -That'll never change.
Um, everyone will be there.
You won't.
Well...
kinda just proves my point.
It'll be fun and distracting.
Yeah.
Why don't you just think about it, okay?
Not for me this time. For you.
Okay.
Last-minute jitters?
Yeah. Er, no?
Not really jitters this time.
I told a couple people I might audition,
but honestly I'll (SCOFFS) probably just bag it.
Well, you're Ricky Bowen. Pretty much checks out.
Wait, what's that supposed to mean?
Well, (SIGHS) I've had you in my class.
You're not exactly the type of person who finishes what he starts.
You don't complete assignments.
You walk off stage in the middle of performances.
It can't exactly be news to you
that people think of you as unreliable, right?
Hey, G.
So, Miss Jenn and I were thinking...
Since I'll be playing a role this year,
I mean, if I end up playing a role this year,
she has not already basically precast the show. (CHUCKLES)
I won't be able to fulfill my duties as choreographer.
Wait, you guys want me to be choreographer? Carlos!
Close. Co-choreographer.
Oh...
Okay, I don't mean to sound ungrateful.
I don't, but why does everyone suddenly want to do "co" stuff with me?
I'm trying to make my mark, not co-make-my-co-mark.
Oh, thanks, Carlos. Um, I'm really flattered.
Uh, I just don't think I'm gonna have the time.
Cool. What's the real reason?
(SIGHS) It... I think it'd just mean a lot for me
to have this one thing for myself.
Hmm.
I guess I kinda get that.
Seb and I aren't really sharers.
We can't even split French fries.
Not exactly sure the stage is big enough for two tenors.
(SEB VOCALIZING)
Well, one tenor and one alto with whistle tones.
Okay, but am I supposed to feel like I'm about to throw up?
Kourt, stop. You're a rock star, and a boss,
and Miss Jenn would be crazy not to cast you.
Which is exactly why I made this!
Oh! (LAUGHING)
Why are you the best?
But, you know, I'm probably gonna end up a dancing table
or a spork in the Beast's castle or something...
No way. You're gonna at least play a chandelier.
Hey, Kourtney. Miss Jenn needs you.
Okay. (SIGHS AND CLEARS THROAT)
(BOTH SQUEALING)
(EXHALES SHARPLY)
Ahem, all right.
As you all know, this year's auditions will be a two-step process.
One, a group vocal warm-up to the classic song Belle,
and two, a song of your choice. Whatever shows off you the best.
Okay. Circle up. Take your neighbor's hand.
For a moment of silent reflection.
MISS JENN: (SINGING) Certain as the sun
Rising in the east
Tale as old as time
Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the...
(DOOR OPENS)
Guess he decided to come after all?
Is this Mamma Mia 2? 'Cause here we go again.
(BELLE PLAYING)
(SINGING) Little town It's a quiet village
Every day Like the one before
Little town Full of little people
Waking up to say
-Bonjour -Bonjour
Bonjour
There goes the baker With his tray like always
The same old bread and rolls to sell
Every morning just the same
Since the morning that we came To this poor provincial town
Good morning, Belle
Bonjour Good day
How is your family?
Bonjour Good day
How is your wife?
I need six eggs
That's too expensive
There must be more Than this provincial life
KOURTNEY: Look, there she goes That girl is so peculiar
I wonder if she's feeling well
KADEN: With a dreamy, far-off look
And her nose stuck in a book
What a puzzle to the rest of us is Belle
ASHLYN: Ooh...
Isn't this amazing
It's my favorite part
Because you'll see
Here's where she meets Prince Charming
But she won't discover
That it's him till chapter three
RICKY: Right from the moment
When I met her, saw her
I said she's gorgeous and I fell
Here in town there's only she Who is beautiful as me
So I'm making plans to woo and marry Belle
(CHUCKLES)
Madame Gaston Can't you just see it?
Madame Gaston His little wife
No sir, not me I guarantee it
I want much more than this provincial life
I want adventure In the great wide somewhere
I want it more than I can tell
And for once it might be grand
To have someone understand
I want so much more Than they've got planned
ALL: Look, there she goes A girl who's strange but special
A most peculiar mademoiselle
It's a pity and a sin
She doesn't quite fit in
'Cause she really is a funny girl
A beauty but a funny girl
She really is a funny girl
That Belle
(ALL APPLAUDING)
(MUSIC STOPS)
All right, all right.
I have already learned so much. (CHUCKLES)
That's it for the warm up. Please prepare your individual songs.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(SIGHS)
-You ready to sing for two people? -Born ready.
"Dorothea, I am bound to inform you of what your father told me,
"but first I implore you to choose from the offerings upon this menu."
"Why is there not a single item with rabbit in it? I simply adore rabbit."
"Indeed. At times it feels 'tis the only thing one knows about ye."
(SQUEALS)
We have been doing the same scene
the first day of every acting class since I've been here.
Ugh, I am so tired of it.
No wonder your cockney is flawless. I'm a little jealous.
(CHUCKLES) Yeah. Accents are definitely one of my things.
Dean Patel says I'm more the character archetype.
You know, rather than a traditional lead.
Hmm. Interesting.
Does that ever make you feel...
I don't know. Never mind.
What?
No, just...
Does it ever make you feel like you're being put in a box?
I mean, (CHUCKLES) there's a reason
why such a high percentage of YAC alumni are working actors, so...
-Right. -(EMILY CHUCKLES)
I just get so weird about classical texts,
like, I feel like I can't relate to any of these characters.
What if we did something to make it more relatable?
What are you thinking?
Five minutes till solo auditions.
You sounded good during warm ups.
Thanks. You too.
For someone who's never done theater before,
you are a natural.
Oh, I meant I had never done local theater before.
(LAUGHS) You know, with, um, this kinda crowd.
What are you trying to say?
That we both know we're the only real contenders for the lead here.
So, may the best Belle win.
Smiley face emoji. (CHUCKLES)
Actually...
my friends are incredibly talented.
Oh, um, I'm sorry. I thought this was an audition,
not a friendship circle.
Hmm.
Good luck.
Uh, next up, we've got, uh, Nina. Emily.
Um, find your moment and begin.
-(EMILY EXHALES) -Show 'em what you're made of.
Hmm.
(SIGHS) "Come on, Dor. At least get a smoothie or something.
"You're dad's a dirtbag
"but the truth will hurt much more on an empty stomach."
"He makes me wanna put everything I love in a blender
"and grind it to pieces with the lid off..."
Now, wait, wait. Stop, stop, stop.
What's going on here?
I'm so sorry. This is my fault. I should have known better...
Oh, no, it was my idea. We thought it'd be interesting
to interpret this scene in our own words, for this exercise.
Uh, it's a audition. Not an exercise.
Emily, would you care to enlighten Nina?
At YAC, there's no such thing as a warm up or an exercise.
Every moment is an audition. Because every moment counts.
Thanks for enlightening me, Emily. (CHUCKLES)
Um...
I guess I was just thinking,
part of what's cool about being an actor here
is we get to stretch ourselves,
and, I don't know, like, take big risks.
Oh, well, thank you, Nina, for your perspective.
You know, let's try this again tomorrow when you two are better prepared.
And then in the meanwhile, how about we practice our vocal rest
for the remainder of the day.
(SCATTERED APPLAUDING)
-Okay. -Okay.
This is an original song I wrote about...
Nerd-alert! The power of friendship. (CHUCKLES)
It was originally written as a solo,
but then that was wrong, so I wrote it for three people,
and we'll be singing for two.
(GASPS) Amateurs.
GINA: Wait!
-Are you okay, honey? -Sorry.
Is there still room for a third?
Do you know the song?
I was curious, so I spent the afternoon kinda studying it.
It's brilliant.
Get in line, Tercet.
Whenever you're ready.
Oh, just one thing. Uh, picture all of us in sequined jumpsuits.
-On a light-up dance floor. -Yeah.
In an abandoned warehouse.
Very Spice Girls meets Drag Race.
Exactly what I was going for when I wrote it.
Hit it!
(MUSIC PLAYING)
(SINGING) Yeah
(KOURTNEY VOCALIZES)
Okay, ladies, now I'm ready For the spotlight
No doubt about it, yeah I think it's finally my time
See my name shine bright Lightin' up the sky
I'mma get it, I'mma get it, I'mma get it
Okay, ladies, yeah I'm usually front and center
But friendly competition Isn't always better
I'm taking one step back
There's more fun in that
Yeah, let's show them what they're missin'
ALL: What's the secret recipe, recipe
Mix the spicy with the sweet With the sweet, yeah
When we get together There's nothing better than
One, two, three One, two, three
Power individually, vidually
Let's take that to infinity, finally, yeah
Look at us together There's nothing better than
One, two, three One, two, three, yeah
Okay, ladies, right now Here's the situation
Don't gotta act a certain way To get attention
I'm gonna say this loud I'm doing myself proud
Making room for all this love to go around
That's the secret recipe, recipe
Mix the spicy with the sweet With the sweet, yeah
When we get together
There's nothing better than
One, two, three One, two, three
Power individually, vidually
Let's take that to infinity, finally, yeah
Look at us together
There's nothing better than
One, two, three One, two, three, yeah
All my ladies In this together
No more solo Three do it better
One, two, three, three Two, one, forever
(VOCALIZING)
Each other
Got the secret recipe, recipe, yeah
Mix the spicy with the sweet With the sweet, yeah
When we get together There's nothing better than
One, two, three One, two, three
Power individually, vidually
Let's take that to infinity, finally, yeah
Look at us together There's nothing better than
One, two, three One, two, three
Yeah!
(ALL PANTING)
-Whoo! Yeah! -(ALL APPLAUDING)
Whoo!
Well, now I'm a little sad we're not doing Dreamgirls.
KALYANI: Nina.
I'm so glad I found you.
Just wanted to do a little check-in.
A new school can be a lot to get used to, can't it?
-Uh... -(KALYANI CHUCKLES)
I know you're on vocal rest, but please feel free to speak.
The teachers around here stick too far to the letter sometimes.
(LAUGHS) Yeah, I mean, I really do love it here.
Uh, I guess I feel a little bit like a square peg in a star-shaped hole...
It's totally normal to have some growing pains.
That's what we call a healthy pain.
And will make you a more authentic actor.
Honestly, that's why I feel so inspired here.
I already have all these ideas pouring out of me.
Like, I was thinking about starting a songwriting club at YAC...
This is the only song you need to be focusing on right now.
Our school anthem.
I think it might be good for you to sit with these lyrics.
It's all about leaning into the grit
and doing the hard work to achieve a breakthrough.
-Hmm. -Trust the outcome.
(SINGING) Even if I woke up in my dreams
Would there be still be somethingI'm missing
If I had everything
Would it mean anything to me
(ALL APPLAUDING)
Thank you! Love the choice, Mr. Darbus.
(CLEARS THROAT) And next up, we have...
Okay, where's Ricky? Ricky?
RICKY: I'm here! I'm here.
I didn't have time to prepare anything original,
so, I hope this is okay.
Do you know Bet On It?
Really?
The kid's got the charm.
The kid's got the voice.
But can I trust him to be there for his scene partners?
Is that a rhetorical question, Miss Jenn? Or...
I'm not sure anymore. I'm just not sure.
Definitely rhetorical.
(SINGING) You can bet on me...
(PANTING)
(SCATTERED APPLAUDING)
MISS JENN: What was that?
Uh, I'm sorry, Miss Jenn. Um...
I know you didn't call me yet. But if it's all right with you,
I know I'm the last person to go, and I'd kinda like to get it over with?
Show me what you've got, honey.
Whoo-whoo!
(CHUCKLES)
-(ALL GASP) -(LAUGHS) Seriously?
Hey. Hey, hey...
You got this, dude.
Breathe. Just breathe. Okay? I've got you.
-Yeah! Whoo! -(WHISTLING)
Go, Big Red!
Whoo! Yeah, Big Red!
MISS JENN: And that concludes today's auditions.
CHOIR: (SINGING) Sing out ye honored classmates
With might and spirit true
Lift up your hearts and voices
And behold the role for you
Speak boldly when you play your part
As we pursue the highest art
Portraits hang in these hallowed halls
The finest of them all
(SIGHS)
(DRUM ROLL)
CARLOS: Clear!
-GIRL: Oh, my God! What? -(ALL CHATTERING)
BOY: We're in! We're in! GIRL: Congratulations!
I think there's been a mistake.
Wait. Did you not get a part?
I got the part.
Wait. You mean...
I got Belle! I'm Belle!
Oh!
Lily, you've got an incredible voice,
but around here, we don't laugh at people who put themselves out there,
even when they look a little silly.
In fact, we cheer for them.
Hold up. Where's Ricky?
Guess what?
(MOUTHING)
Hello? Can you hear me?
Okay. You are looking at East High's newest Beast.
-(ROARS) -(SQUEALS)
Are you allowed to make noises on vocal rest?
Oh, whatever, this is way more important!
My amazing and talented boyfriend just got the lead!
KOURTNEY: Is that Nini?
(ALL CHEERING)
You guys! Hi!
Pizza tonight for the world's best kiddos!
ALL: Oh!
Don't forget to tip your waitress.
-Mom! -You love me, and you know it.
Neenerz! We miss you so much!
Kourt! Mrs. Potts? That is the tea!
(LAUGHS) That's funny. She got jokes.
NINI: No, but for real,
you are going to knock Potts out of the park.
You've no idea how proud I am of you.
Ooh, do not make me cry right now, Neenz. My make-up looks too good.
CARLOS: Nini!
KOURTNEY: Ooh, ooh, ooh.
You are lookin' at Latinx Lumière!
-And LeFou! -And Chip!
And Babette zee feather duster!
-Wait, what are you doing? -A French accent?
Ooh!
Nini! What's going on at your big fancy boarding school right now?
Make us jealous!
Oh, um...
Nothing nearly as exciting as what's going on with you!
Congrats, Ash! Of course, you get Belle. (CHUCKLES)
Oh, actually, there was this one girl who auditioned,
who kind of looks like a literal Disney princess.
Yeah. I think I saw a bird land on her finger while she was singing.
(ALL LAUGHING)
Wait, wait. If I'm Gaston, I just realized that you and I have...
ASHLYN: Okay. Don't. Choosing not to think about it.
Before you get dessert, Mom gets a picture. That's the rule.
-Mom! -That's the rule, all right?
-Got you all. And... It's cute! -Cheese!
Hey, my phone's almost outta juice
and I promised my dad I'd give him a call. So...
Oh, no, no, no. Totally get it. Yeah.
Do your celebration thang. (CHUCKLES)
Neen, I just wanna say thank you so, so much for telling me to...
(BEEPS)
NINI: (SINGING) Sing out ye honored classmates
With might and spirit true
Lift up your hearts and voices
And behold the role for you
Speak boldly when you play your part
As we pursue the highest art
Portraits hang in these hallowed halls
The finest of them all
To thee, to thee, the YAC
Captains of our noble craft
Distinction we achieve
Set the bar and raise our star
Shining through and through
Ever loyal to our banner
Long wave the black and blue
(CELL PHONE RINGING)
ELECTRONIC VOICE: You have reached the North High School main switch board.
Please state the teacher or department you are trying to reach.
Drama.
(THEME MUSIC PLAYING)