MISS JENN: Previously on High School Musical: The Musical: The Series...
Oh, my gosh, that's Lily.
MISS JENN: When North High released its flawless Beauty and the Beast promo,
I was offended, as Zack Roy's former lover,
and distraught, as his current enemy. (CHUCKLES)
But none of that matters when you've got a cast
who's gonna make Alan Menken himself weep.
Well, most of the cast.
Not to mention a song about a flower that's gonna make the competition wilt.
Yes, and...
Maybe we should take a break.
MISS JENN: It's all smooth sailing from here on out.
(MORNING SHOW THEME MUSIC PLAYING)
Good morning, East High
Welcome to the East High Morning Show.
-I'm Gina Porter. -And I'm EJ Caswell.
And we're co-hosting the first-ever East High Morning Show.
-'Cause I'm president of the AV club. -I'm his only friend who agreed to do it.
That's right. Back to you, Gina.
Thanks, EJ. Now, for our first-ever guest.
You know her from The Rose Song that's been blowing up the East High Instagram.
Oh, uh, quick reminder, tickets for Beauty and the Beast go on sale next week.
Hmm, that's right, EJ. Now, please welcome Nini Salazar-Roberts.
-Whoo! -(ALL APPLAUDING)
Hey, guys! Thanks for having me.
Oh...
This just in... Nini's song has over 2,500 views,
making it the most viewed post in drama club Instagram history.
Are you serious?
Songwriting skills, universal acclaim... How does it feel to be you right now?
Uh, feels good. (CHUCKLES)
It feels amazing!
The song just poured out of me.
I had no idea it would connect with people this way.
I mean, yes, I was upset at first that Carlos posted it without asking,
but now I'm glad he did.
And Ricky has been over-the-top supportive.
It's just been...
It's been a lot. (CHUCKLES)
So what was the songwriting process like for you?
NINI: I was actually inspired by my...
-Hey, is that Nini on the TV? -Yeah, and she's killin' it.
NINI: ...really being a boss...
Wait. Are you actually fine with the song not being a duet?
What else would I be? Hurt? (SCOFFS) Offended?
It's a show tune, Big Red. It doesn't actually mean anything.
But it means so much to me. So thank you guys both for your support.
-EJ: Well, there you go. Uh, I'm EJ. -GINA: I'm GP.
BOTH: Good morning, East High!
Come on.
(THEME MUSIC PLAYING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
-(CHUCKLES) -Everyone, attention please!
I'm sure you're wondering why I called this special midday drama club meeting.
Oh, are you announcing the fall musical? I vote Dear Evan Hansen.
No, Seb. It's March.
And the rights won't be available for five years. I tried.
I am announcing that we are in such a good place after our improv workshop.
We're getting one step closer to Menkies gold.
-Yes! -(MISS JENN CHUCKLES)
And today, our wonderful actor/designer,
Kourtney Greene, is going to show you your completed costumes!
-Yeah! -(ALL CHEERING)
-Ta-da! -(ALL CHEERING)
Oh, my God.
-Speech! Speech! -(ALL LAUGHING)
Okay, um, guess I'm making a speech. (CHUCKLES)
I'm super excited for you all to see your costumes because...
-(CELL PHONE TRUMPETS) -Oh, uh, sorry, that's Howie.
(CHUCKLES) Okay, so we set these as our personalized text tones
because he was laughing about something the other day,
and he made this cute little noise,
it was like... (TRUMPETS) You know what I mean?
(SNORTS) Like... (MUTTERING AND GIGGLING)
Oh... (CLEARS THROAT) Anyway,
with your costumes this semester, I really tried to...
-(CELL PHONE TRUMPETS) -Ooh.
Can you not keep your phone on silent in rehearsal, like everyone else?
"Sorry, everyone," is what Carlos would say if he were more like me.
Okay, Kourt, I am sorry, but listen to this caption from North High.
"It took 20 people over 50 hours to create our Belle dress.
"Beast costumes ever."
-Terrible pun. -KOURTNEY: Lame.
When we're unveiling our costumes?
-How did they know? -(PHONE TRUMPETS)
CARLOS: They've been trolling us for weeks
-and I'm trying to not let it get to me... -(PHONE TRUMPETS)
Oh, my God, is your phone hungry? I don't understand what I'm hearing.
Okay, okay, let's get back to our costumes.
-Go ahead, Kourt. -(CLEARS THROAT)
Anyway, took me a while,
but I built you some abs that would make Captain America proud.
I have abs.
EJ, everyone has abs. These are Kourtney originals.
Oh, I also padded the tush for you.
Oh, thanks, I actually need that. (CHUCKLES) This is amazing, Kourt.
Oh, no problem. (CLEARS THROAT) Next. And every Gaston needs a Beast.
Hey-o!
Oh, that's weird. Your mask should be here.
Um, has anyone seen a Beast mask?
BIG RED: Haven't seen it.
We're too busy being obsessed with our costumes.
-(ALL CHUCKLING) -CARLOS: You guys...
I know where our Beast mask is.
ASHLYN: What is... SEB: Wait...
-What... -I don't get it. Can you just...
What are we looking at?
CARLOS: Look at the trunk.
ASHLYN: Still don't know... RICKY: That's our trunk.
ASHLYN: I don't see...
Hello? That is obviously Beast fur. Look, it all makes sense.
Our mask just happens to go missing on the same day they post this?
They snuck in here and took it.
I hate to say it, but that did kind of look like a Beast mask to me.
Classic Beast.
-Do you really think they'd steal from us? -I would.
(CHUCKLES) No, I mean, I used to be that kind of person, before the present day.
We have to get even, right?
-Yeah. -Yeah.
You have to at least say something.
MISS JENN: Guys, guys, guys. Enough.
Do you really think North High would stoop so low as to sneak in here,
break in, and steal Kourtney's work?
(CELL PHONE VIBRATES)
Uh...
And they just posted something new, captioned,
"North High's gonna steal your heart this spring."
Are they a witch? How do you explain these coincidences?
It's just that, a coincidence.
Now, I want you kids to keep looking for that mask and let the rest go.
As I learned when I appeared in a regional production of Anything Goes
opposite a woman who once sued me for libel,
you should never dance with the enemy.
Understood?
ALL: (QUIETLY) Yes, Miss Jenn.
Thank you.
The plan is simple.
Based on that Instagram post, the mask has to be in their costume shop.
We know from their Instagram overshares
that North High has dance rehearsal today, so they'll be in their dance studio.
They have their own dance studio?
We're raiding their costumes and not leaving until we have our mask.
Isn't this kind of trespassing?
It'll be fine.
There'll be people still here after school for clubs.
We'll blend in.
Though, Ashlyn, you may have taken the camouflage thing too far.
No, today, I am Diane. I play volleyball, and I love North High.
Diane, is it? (CHUCKLES)
How would you feel about dating a guy from East High?
-(GASPS) Oh, a forbidden romance. -(CHUCKLES)
Focus! Who's gonna be the lookout?
I'll do it.
(SCOFFS) If you leave me unsupervised with their costumes,
I cannot promise I won't go all Gina 1.0 in there.
Just stay calm and act natural, okay?
You got this. Everyone ready?
Yeah.
-What team? -Wait, maybe we shouldn't yell.
ALL: Wildcats!
(ALL CHEERING)
-Let's go. -Strong start.
MISS JENN: I have decided to come talk to Zack.
Not because I suspect foul play, but because I despise bad sportsmanship.
This competition between our kids has gotten out of hand.
Now you may be wondering,
am I nervous to be seeing my ex and his unrealistically beautiful face?
(EXHALES AND SNIFFS)
Not at all.
I'm a modern woman. I love my job.
And I have recently made the exciting decision
to open a so-called savings account.
I am not the same person Zackey knew,
and he can't get under my skin the way he used to.
(WHIMPERS)
I just need five more minutes.
(SCHOOL BELL RINGS)
Starting now.
(SIGHS)
Hey. Haven't seen you before.
Mmm, I'm super new.
What's your name?
Diane.
Wow, that is actually my great-aunt's name.
Mmm... Amazing story.
Okay, well, it was nice meeting a fellow North High student.
Can I get your Snap, or...
Hey, babe.
Babe!
I'm so glad you're here.
So, we still on for risotto later?
You know I would never miss risotto night.
And that's my cue.
(LAUGHING)
-Okay. Risotto? -(EJ SNICKERS)
I guess Miss Jenn's improv class really paid off.
(CHUCKLES) Yes, and also made you weirder.
Mmm... (CHUCKLES)
Wait, what are you even doing here?
I felt bad that you got stuck here alone on lookout.
(CHUCKLES) Seriously?
Oh, that's, um... That's sort of sweet.
Well, hey, what are fake boyfriends if not sort of sweet? (CHUCKLES)
(GINA CHUCKLES)
EJ: I just...
GINA: Want risotto?
-EJ: Yeah. -Me, too.
(BOTH LAUGH)
Okay, I need to sit down.
These expensive costumes are bumming me out.
You guys, my song has been viewed, like, 35,000 times now.
-No way. -That's cool.
-Wow. -(NINI CHUCKLES)
I keep getting all these DMs saying
I should start a separate account for my music.
Hmm. Is that something you want to do?
I don't know. It seems scary, right?
(CELL PHONE TRUMPETS)
I'm a little scared right now. Does that count?
(CHUCKLES) Oh, Howie.
I'm sorry, but is this normal?
To not know someone very long,
but already feel like you know them so well?
Ooh!
Sorry. Bad timing?
-Kourt? -What?
The box you're sitting on has fur stuck in the lid.
KOURTNEY: Oh!
-Open it. -Uh! You open it!
God.
(BLOWS) Why am I scared?
(ALL GASP)
NINI: Hmm.
It's just a bunch of very expensive-looking wigs.
I want one.
(SIGHS) I can't with this school's costume budget.
So where's the Beast mask?
-(DOOR OPENS) -(GASPS)
Hello, Wildcats.
Bienvenue.
So, basically, what I'm saying is that
I think we can agree it's our job to keep morale up,
and it's better for everyone to just focus on the show, don't you think?
(CHUCKLES)
Why are you giving me handsome eyes?
Jennie, do you remember the cast party the first night after Guys and Dolls?
The food, the music, the ambiance?
It was like we were the only two people in that Denny's.
The point is, now my kids are convinced that your students took our Beast mask,
which doesn't even sound that crazy, since you did steal our show.
And that song we learned for the senior year talent show.
God, we were great. Maybe the greatest.
But it's not about the mask, of course.
It's about the spirit of fair play and friendship.
Yeah, it's just too bad you bailed on the big night.
Okay, what?
I bailed because I caught you making out with Valerie Prescott
ten minutes before we had to go on.
Come on, Jennie, a true professional would have gone on anyway.
You didn't want to because you knew I would out-sing and out-cha-cha you.
Excuse me?
You didn't have the chops.
You didn't then, and you don't now.
Oh, I have the chops. I have all of the chops.
Well, I still have the music.
Prove it.
What are you all doing here? Scoping out the competition?
We came for our Beast mask. We know you took it.
Pardon me, but our costumes are most excellent.
Why would we steal your mask, when it is so, uh...
I... We do not have a word for this in France,
but in America, I believe you say "fugly"?
-(ALL GASP) -What did you call my work?
-Quoi? -Look, I'm sure your mask is supes cute.
But we're just in different leagues.
I mean, we're literally a quasi-pre-professional theater company,
and you guys put on shows based on made-for-TV movies. (CHUCKLES)
Now maybe you should listen to your precious High School Musical
and stick to the stuff you know.
(SCOFFS) Oh, yeah? What if we bop to the top?
Honey, no.
Let's wait for the Menkies. We'll see who's in what league then.
Or we could find out now.
What does that mean?
We challenge you to a good old-fashioned dance-off.
-(ALL MURMURING) -KOURTNEY: Really? A dance-off?
A what?
A school-versus-school dance-off
to a Beauty and the Beast song chosen at random.
You'll do your version, and we'll do ours.
We'll see which school has what it takes. No costumes, no makeup, just talent.
I'm sorry, no. That's weird. (CHUCKLES)
Super weird.
Even for me. Let's go, guys.
Classic East High. (LAUGHS)
Walking out of here with your tail between your legs.
Just like your Miss Jenn did when she gave up on Broadway.
(GASPS)
And, you know, let's be honest,
maybe your Belle just can't cut it.
No, I'm sorry, but nobody out-Belles our Belle.
We are doing this.
Good. Ten-minute warm-up, then we settle this, street-style.
I don't think this is a good idea.
We have to defend Miss Jenn's honor!
She told us not to dance with the enemy. She's better than this.
('AROUND YOU' PLAYING)
Yeah
Think I won't keep up?
Got a lot to prove
But you ain't ever seen everything I can do, let me show ya
Oh, no, I'd never say that
Right now, you're bringing me back
And it's never ever been me versus you No
Always setting fires whenever we're put together
We can't even be in the same room
Can't even pretend that I can't get you out my head
'Cause I'm overthinking 'bout you
Why do I always get like this Whenever I'm around you?
-Around you -When I'm around, round you
And how do you get under my skin When I don't wanna let you in
Let's face it
That maybe we like this As much as we hate it
And I can't take it
Why does it always come to this Whenever I'm around you?
Whenever I'm around you
Mmm
Going head to head Gotta watch my back
Better watch your back
'Cause I've seen it all before Looking at our past
-Ooh, you're so dramatic -I'm not
Just stop Gonna lose my head
It's like you're trying to push me right to the edge
Always on the wire whenever we get together
We can't even be in the same room
Same room
Can't even pretend our situation will get better
I'm overthinking 'bout you
Why do I always get like this Whenever I'm around you?
Around you
And how do you get under my skin When I don't wanna let you in
-How does it get like this? -Let's face it
That maybe we like this As much as we hate it
-And I can't take it -I can't take it
Why does it always come to this
-Whenever I'm around you -Whenever I'm around you
Whenever I'm around you
Around you
-Whenever I'm around you -Whenever I'm around you
Whenever I'm around you
-No, I can't be around you -I can't be around you
-But I wanna be around you -I wanna be
Around you
(PANTING)
Yep. Still got it.
Okay, I think I'm ready. Let's do this.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Hi. Uh, Ricky Bowen, right?
-(CLEARS THROAT) -I have something to say to you.
That you're a huge traitor?
Okay, I actually wanted to pay you a compliment.
(CHUCKLES) Yeah, right.
Like what?
Well, I was going to say
that, competition aside, I think it's really cool
how you're handling your girlfriend stabbing you in the back like that
with that quasi-viral song of hers.
What are you talking about? I love Nini's song.
Okay, but do you love the lyrics?
"I won't be confined to your point of view.
-(SCOFFS) -"I'm done living my life for you."
Does that really sound like a Rose talking to a Beast?
Sounds more like a girl who wants some space.
Anyway, let me know if you're looking for one who doesn't.
Um, forgive me for saying,
but it is a pity to be dancing against such a beautiful mademoiselle.
I don't know what your game is, but I'm loyal to East High forever.
Though, objectively, your accent is amazing.
Merci. I'm glad you appreciate it,
I have had a hard time connecting with people
since my English is, you know, not so good.
Wow. Okay, yeah, I didn't think about that.
Living in a new country must be very challenging.
I'm sorry.
Well, perhaps we could, uh, go for a...
How do you say... Um, date?
Oh! Wow! Um...
That is very sweet, um, but I have a boyfriend.
Of course. I should have known.
I assume it is that dashing young man who looks like Tom Holland on stilts.
Ricky. Oh, no.
Oh, I see.
It must be him, then.
That is 100% my cousin.
Um, my guy's over there.
(GRUNTS) Ow.
I see. I see.
Uh, now remember, my English is not so good,
so if I say something rude, it is by accident.
Um...
That man looks ridiculous, and you should dump him and date me.
LILY: Okay, everyone.
Warm-up is over, gather around. (CLAPPING)
What the...
LILY: I will now press shuffle to choose the song.
After which, I will prepare a dance remix of the song,
since I, on occasion, DJ.
Ah, of course he's a DJ.
Non, monsieur, I DJ, but I would not say I am a DJ. (CHUCKLES)
Thanks for the clarity.
LILY: Everyone ready?
And it's...
-The Mob Song. -EJ: Yes!
-The first one! -(GRUNTS) Sucks!
I knew you all didn't like The Mob Song.
-It's not really a dancing song. -It's boring!
-Well, I mean... -It's fine, guys. We're East High.
We can make anything work.
-Yeah, we can. -Mmm-hmm.
Open the curtain.
-What? -Oh, my goodness.
-Oh, my gosh. -What?
-You're kidding. -What the...
CARLOS: We didn't even... SEB: What budget...
-Look at that mask. -ASHLYN: Can you see this?
BOY: That's like Broadway...
Is it just me, or is all of this, like, off-the-rails insane?
Uh, honestly, if you don't wanna do it with us, you could always take off.
Don't want you to feel confined.
Wait, what?
This is a bad idea.
Okay, now that's...
That's a Beast mask.
May the best school win.
Places, please.
-Okay. -Okay.
-Oh, my God. -Come on.
Through the mist, through the woods Through the darkness and the shadows
It's a nightmare but it's one exciting ride
HOWIE: Say a prayer Then we're there
At the drawbridge of a castle
And there's something truly terrible inside
-Yeah! -Don't be intimidated!
It's a Beast He's got fangs
Razor-sharp ones
(BEAST SINGING) Massive paws Killer claws for the feast
Hear him roar See him foam
(BEAST SINGING) 'Cause we're not Coming home, till he's dead
Good and dead
ALL: Kill the Beast
(ALL CHEERING)
ALL: Light your torch Mount your horse
Screw your courage to the sticking place
We're counting on Gaston to lead the way
Through a mist, through a wood We're within a haunted castle
Something's lurking that you don't see every day
It's a Beast One as tall as a mountain
We won't rest till he's good and deceased
Sally forth, tally-ho Grab your sword, grab your bow
Praise the Lord and here we go
No one's safe until he's dead He'll come stalking us at night
Set to sacrifice our children To his monstrous appetite
He'll wreak havoc on our village If we let him wander in
So it's time to take some action, boys
It's time to follow me
We don't like what we don't understand In fact, it scares us
And this monster is mysterious at least
Bring your guns, bring your knives Save your children and your wives
We'll save our village and our lives
We'll kill the Beast!
(ALL CHEERING)
Hearts ablaze Banners high
We go marching into battle
Unafraid, although the danger's just increased
Raise the flag Sing the song
Here we come with 50 strong
And 50 Frenchmen can't be wrong
ALL: We'll kill the Beast!
-(ALL GASP) -Ashlyn!
Of course he's the one to catch her.
He's not Superman, he's just a super man.
Let's get out of here, guys.
Uh, for the record, (CHUCKLES) we won.
(CHUCKLES) Are you serious?
Just because someone almost fell?
Yeah, did you see Gina's moves? No way you beat that.
Maybe we should have figured out some sort of points system?
You know what? It's fine.
Let her say they won. This dance-off doesn't matter.
The Menkies matter, and we're gonna win that,
because we've got one thing you don't have.
The sympathy vote?
(CHUCKLES) No. Nini's Rose Song.
Yes, we do.
(CHUCKLES) Um...
Sorry, not sorry, Wildcats,
but if you perform her song in your show, you will be disqualified from the Menkies.
-Are you serious? -Since when?
You can't alter the original Menken text.
Well, let's just do it anyway.
Stick to the plan and take the risk.
And risk letting them win?
Isn't there a sports metaphor for this?
-EJ, you had one job! -Really?
-EJ! -ASHLYN: Great job.
CARLOS: EJ!
I mean, what if the song didn't really fit in the show anyway, you know?
Seems a little heavy.
Let's go.
CARLOS: First the Beast. Now this? Are you kidding me?
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(EXHALES)
(CHUCKLES) Ah.
I've missed you, Jennie.
You know, maybe I should talk to my kids.
I'd really like to see North High and East High be friends,
at least peers.
You know, get along.
And maybe we could, too.
It's been such a long time.
All right.
Twist my arm.
Let's sing something else, and then call it a night.
-Is your sheet music in the... -No, I...
It was you.
You took the mask.
Jennie, I know I...
It's a contest, Jennie.
Isn't everything?
It is now.
Goodbye, Zack.
Nini, wait!
I just don't get it, Ricky.
Why would you pretend to be supportive and happy about my song?
Okay, I wasn't pretending, I was trying.
I knew it. I knew you were upset about not being in the song.
I don't care about being in the song.
I'm just a little relieved that the whole school's not gonna hear my girlfriend
singing about being kept under glass.
It's just a song, Ricky.
A song can mean everything.
(SIGHS) I guess we're not boyfriend and girlfriend anymore.
Yep. Just co-anchors. Back to normal.
Back to you, EJ.
Good morning, East High!
I'm sorry.
I got caught up in the heat of the moment, Big Red.
Wouldn't you rather call me Rouge Grand?
It's pronounced "Grand."
That was the wrong thing to say right now. I see it.
I don't even know how I'm going to explain all this madness to Howie.
I'm heading into date night with stories.
(ALL CHUCKLING)
(GIGGLING) And send it.
(CELL PHONE TRUMPETS)
Howie?
Let me explain.
Don't bother.
NINI: Oh, my God.
Hey, world!
Welcome to my first video on this account.
I'm posting here because a few of you asked me to share some more of my music,
and I didn't wanna mix it with my, like, life stuff,
so here goes.
I hope you'll support me and what I have to say.
Oh, um, and I should probably start with my name.
(CHUCKLES) I'm...
I'm Nina.
(THEME MUSIC PLAYING)