"Together, together together everyone"
"Together, together, come on..."
What the... No
Oh, come on
- Sorry! - Our bad!
All good! No bad
Great, first costume change
Today's the day, Big Red it's happening
Hell yes, Junior year, baby
Might grow a mustache might do a lot of things
Dude, I'm talking about Nini
Today's the day we start over
Oh, wait, I have to show you pictures
Okay
Okay, Oh, and this was my costume in Act Two
Flawless, love it
This is the wig that almost fell off in the middle of my ballad
We texted, she sounded neutral
Nothing about bad news or needing to have a big talk
Just, "Hey"
That's good, right?
Summers are no man's land, Ricky
I don't know what "Hey" means and neither do you
I think it's good, yes
And this...
Oh, I know who that is, Nini
Girl, I am like 0.2 seconds away from making that my lock screen
I can't tell if you're glowing or you're sunburnt
Definitely glowing yes, I had the best summer, ever
And what does you-know-who have to say about this?
I'm waiting for the right time to tell him
Nini! What's good?
How do you feel about right now?
- Hey - Hey
Can we talk?
It was my idea to take a pause okay?
Nini was going to theater camp and... Not to brag
but I'm not exactly intimidated by guys who voluntarily wear tights
I didn't want to take a pause It was only for a month
We could have Face Timed every day
I mean, fine
Did I hang out with a couple girls this summer?
Possibly
Did I talk about Nini the entire time?
Absolutely
I met somebody else at camp
- I didn't plan... - Wait, wait, is this a joke?
- Still talking here - Oh, snap!
I met someone at camp
I didn't plan for it to happen but it happened
He was the Music Man I was Marian, the librarian
It's called a showmance
Wait, you went to librarian camp? That's a thing?
Please... Tell me you're joking
- I'm not - I'm not
Come on, Ricky you know what you did!
Or what you didn't do
Do my feet stink?
- Because I feel like my feet stink - No
- Sort of - Yes?
- I think it's cute - Yes? Okay
And that's why we work
- Check your Instagram - What?
Okay
Happy almost-one-year anniversary, baby
I... I wrote this for you, so...
- What is this? - Just watch it, I made it for you
- Watch it - I'm watching
"So much has happened think of what we've done"
"In the time that the Earth has traveled Round the sun"
"Winter, spring, summer and we're back to fall"
"We've been together hand-in-hand through it all"
Just watch it
"From the minute we kissed and my heart skipped a beat"
"To the night that we danced I was swept off my feet"
"Sure as every year has to come to an end"
"I would go spinning around the sun with you, again and again"
"And again and again"
"I think I kind of, you know..."
"Like the way that we flow"
"Like the way that we go"
"And I love... I think I kind of, you know..."
"I think I kind of, you know... You know, you know"
"Can't help dreaming of you"
"Guess I'm saying I don't not love you"
"You know, you know, you know..."
I do, Ricky
I love you
"Good morning, students"
"Please make your way to the gym"
"for our annual back-to-school kickoff"
I don't believe this
You're blowing me off for some theater punk
you met four weeks ago? At a lake?
You kind of dumped me!
It was a break it wasn't a break-up
I'm sorry, Ricky
But it's a break-up now
Pop off, girl
- Stay out of it, Kourtney - You stay out of it
I'm dismantling the patriarchy this year
and I'm not afraid to start with you
You crushed it
- That could not have gone better - Hey, Kourtney
I feel good about this
It's a fresh start everyone's on the same page
This is a nightmare
Everything is terrible love is dead
And I am also pleased to announce that this year
seniors will be allowed to wear baseball hats on Fridays
"Go, seniors! Friday!"
And now for a special introduction
This year, East High has a new drama teacher
with an announcement that she swore
in writing, would not cost too much money
Why, Big Red? Why do things have to change?
Some things never change, dude
I've been wearing the same socks for three days
Please hold your applause
Go, Wildcats!
Yes
My name is Ms. Jenn
and when I heard that the high school
where High School Musical was shot
had never staged a production of High School Musical, the musical
I was shocked as an actress
inspired as a director
- and triggered as a millennial - "Millennial"?
Auditions are tomorrow after school
This show could change your lives
and I'm saying this as a background dancer
from the original movie
Third from the left back row, red headband
and those are my real teeth so...
Oh, and meet your student choreographer, Carlos
You know him as captain of the color guard
I know him as an unpaid rising star
But seriously, I have no budget
I've spent two years in the chorus at East High
I mean, it would be insane to think
I might actually have a shot at playing Gabriella
Right?
As the school's resident High School Musical historian
I basically have zero chill about this right now
I've seen the original movie 37 times
and the first 15 minutes of both sequels
Excuse me?
Is there somewhere you're supposed to be?
Broadway
Oh, no, I'm all for the arts like, I pay for ad-free Spotify
I would just rather see our students practicing skills
for the real world, you know?
Sue me
Yes, no, I know, Mom
but if you can just float me one car payment
The principal says it takes two weeks for payroll to kick in, and...
Great, no, not you, Mum got to go
Hey, there I know you're new here
but FYI, your assistant needs a hall pass
if he's going to be late for class
Oh, Lord, hall passes are still a thing? What is this, prison?
No, it's a professional learning environment
Sweetie, I'm the ultimate professional
For instance, we don't call colleagues "Sweetie"
Knock-knock, Ms. Jenn
Just wanted to report
that the High School Musical hashtag
I started is already trending
Well, of course it is
Your generation deserves to make its own mark on this classic
Watch out, world
And by "world," you mean the greater Salt Lake region
I just want to be clear
This new drama teacher may live in a Hollywood dream world
where we're the "Wildcats" but we're not
We're the East High Leopards
Always have been
And so I say to my mom
"Looking this fabulous while also fighting for intersectional feminism"
"is my summer job"
And that's how I spent my break
- Wow! - Did I not tell you she's amazing?
- She is amazing, you're amazing - Thank you, yes
Okay, so, crazy idea
What if we went in costume to the auditions tomorrow?
Okay, I'm listening
Okay, whatever you wear I'm doing your makeup
- Okay - So I was thinking, like
a basketball jersey for me and then, for my leading lady
it is time to go full V. Hudge
Okay, no, no let's not get ahead of ourselves
I mean, obviously you're going to get Troy
but I don't want to... jinx anything
that doesn't sound very Nini 2.0 to me
Babe, we're a package deal here
And all the talented senior girls graduated last year
This one is ours to lose
Literally, how did we not speak until this summer?
EJ, my man!
- Hey - Hey, there he is!
Hey! There's the guy!
Okay, is he the best or is he the best?
He is, he is
- But? - No "but", I just...
I don't want to see another boy hurt you
Remember how crushed you were after Ricky?
"Crushed" is a little dramatic
You didn't leave your bedroom for 48 hours
I had to slide pizzas under your door, girl, it was dark
This is different, that was then
I'm my own person now
Hey, Nini?
- I called it, I called it early - Hi!
Two years ago at East High
Nini played the back end of the cow in Gypsy
and I was like "who is the cute chorus cow"
"and why is she not playing a human?"
And then, this summer happened
and she, like, completely came out of her shell
And her cow costume I mean, she's just amazing
She's meant for greatness
Dude, are you seeing this?
I'm seeing it, I'm hearing it I'm hating it
I can't believe it she's dating EJ Caswell
Yes, I have eyes
I mean, co-captain of the water polo team
Yes
- Senior class treasurer - That's correct
I mean, what are the odds that the guy she hooks up with at camp
goes to East High?
Apparently, the odds are exceptionally good
I'm sorry, dude what are you going to do?
I don't know
No offense, but the one person I go to for advice
is currently on her honeymoon in the cafeteria
Can I just say this? Sure, Nini's a nice girl
I was a stage manager for last year's production of Brigadoon
and Nini was the only cast member
who gave me an opening night card
which is, like, a pretty big gesture from a girl
who was literally playing a tree
But, like, how does a tree get to date a senior?
All right, your turn, Grandma
So, how was your first day back?
Oh, we got a new drama teacher
she announced the musical
and there's this part that I really, really want
My shining star!
Thanks
But, I fell asleep on the bus ride home
and I had this dream I've been having since I was little
It's, like, this stress dream
where I'm all alone on this big Broadway stage
and I open my mouth and nothing comes out
Yes, that's a common one
Okay, so what does it mean?
Well, I don't think you need a psychoanalyst to tell you that
Honestly, I think any grandma could handle this
- It's a good thing you're both - Nini...
There's obviously something about being heard
that feels off-limits to you
Do you not think you've earned it?
Well, I don't know
How do you stop having a dream?
You live it
Hi! Sorry we're late
Oh! Hi, Mama D
The car broke down again, again
Luckily, it was in front of the donut shop
Oh! Thanks, Mama C
What's the score?
Grandma's letting me win
You're doing that on your own sweetie
Why, yes, I would love a vanilla donut with sprinkles
Thank you very much for asking
Sweetie, sweetie! No, I want to split that one
I'm doing something wrong
I mean, you're cooking, so...
This chicken's been in here for 10 minutes
It's colder than when I put it in
Call Mom
How is that possible? Did I hit a freeze-dry button?
Just call Mom
Yes, we're not bugging your mom
It's, like, 9:00 p.m. in Chicago
She can't still be in a meeting
Okay, I'm calling Mom
Don't! She doesn't want to hear from me right now, okay?
- What? - She just...
She just needs a couple more days in Chicago to think things over
What is there to "think over"?
It has nothing to do with you okay?
It's going to be fine, bud
I mean, is he kidding with this?
Shouldn't he be on an airplane right now to Chicago?
Shouldn't he be fighting to save this?
Hey, how was school today?
Ricky?
No, absolutely not
Okay, I know it's crazy, dude
but she has to see me in a whole new light
But we hate musicals
I don't hate musicals
I just think it's weird when people, like
burst into song in the middle of the street
Dude, that's a musical
Okay, look, I'm auditioning for this thing tomorrow
and nothing is going to stop me
Do you even know the plot of High School Musical?
Of course! It's about Zac Efron dancing with a basketball
Wrong, it's about the character Troy
having to choose between being true to his friend, Chad
or following his heart with Gabriella
Why do you know so much about High School Musical?
They, play it on a loop at my allergist's office
Look, the point is, you're out of your league here, man, all right?
You can't pull this off
- Yes? - Yes
And you don't have the hair for it!
"Oh, yes"
"Now, who would have ever thought that..."
"Ladies and gentlemen, a reminder"
"that auditions for the musical will begin"
"in the auditorium in five minutes"
Come on! Come on, come on!
Is there a problem, Mr. Bowen?
People! Make sure your audition number
is clearly visible on your clothes
This isn't a game
You know, I'm actually kind of bummed
that we don't have any competition here
It would make getting the leads all the sweeter
Could you stop tempting fate?
You know what? You're right, whatever
Okay, theater people let's do this
- Good luck! - I get it
I get why she didn't want to come in costume, she's nervous
She wanted to wear her good luck sweatshirt
You know, honestly she could wear a burlap sack
and she would still be a star
"A-five-six-seven-eight!"
Yes! Come on, One!
- Look at her go! - I know, she's amazing
She's going to kick you in the face!
Yes
Great! That's it for the warm-up
That was the warm-up?
Everyone, pair up not with a friend
Theater is a community
Hi! I'm Nini
Wow! can I borrow your high kicks sometime?
Oh, my God! You are the cutest
So, have you played leads here before?
No
Not yet, but, this summer at camp, I went on for the lead
when she got low-grade salmonella, so I'm ready
Great story
You know, I've never been to a camp or been an understudy
You'll have to tell me all about it
Gina, sophomore
Transfer student
And we're back
It's the second day of school
and you've already damaged equipment in my new lab
In my defense, I was studying
- Really - Studying?
Troy's songs, high School Musical
That's what you were studying?
Stop wasting your time
You don't need to massage Ms. Jenn's bruised ego
just because her lights went out on Broadway
That's not why I'm auditioning
I would love you to read for Ryan
You are giving major Taylor vibes
You're probably a Chad
Oh, yes!
- You - "Nice"
You're giving me uncommon depth. Ms. Darbus?
I'm dying, I'm deceased, yes
Oh, your application says you play piano?
- I dabble - You ever written a song?
I mean, nothing I've ever shared with anyone
I always thought the drama teacher
should have an Act Two power ballad
We'll sidebar
- Gabriella - You got it
Oh, I'm good I'm already off-book
Give him the Troy stuff who are we kidding?
And how about we have you read for Kelsi?
Gabriella I want to audition for Gabriella
Okay
You're reading for Ryan, right?
I think he would rather play Sharpay
I love that, that is so fresh
People think a theater teacher's job is to put on a good show
And they're not wrong
But we're really in the business of saving lives
Give us your tired, your poor your chosen-last-for-dodgeball
You're safe here
"Just get your head in the game just get your head in the game"
This is my nightmare
Look, I've really got to go but, if you get the DVD out
just know that I borrowed it
From the library
Without checking it out wish me luck!
"Okay, our last Troy"
And he comes with props! Love it
Whenever you're ready
Okay, what do I need to know?
EJ Caswell Most Instagram followers
Wakes up looking like that
Doesn't know I exist
I hope he can carry a tune
"This could be the start of something new"
"It feels so right to be here with you..."
"And now looking in your eyes"
"I feel in my heart"
"The start of something new"
Well, excuse me Armie Hammer just called
He wants his jawline back!
We're moving on to the Gabriellas
"I know that something has changed Never felt this way"
My mom always says that if you can't be number one at something
it isn't worth doing
Which isn't at all intimidating
At all
"This could be the start of something new"
"It feels so right to be here with you"
"And now looking in your eyes"
Okay, I could really use some last-minute tips, like, now
Hey, you're doing the thing
What thing?
The thing where you talk in a vague British accent
when you get nervous
- Babe, why am I so awkward? - Listen to me
You've got this
All right? There's nothing for you to be nervous about
You went on this summer for the lead role with 20 minutes notice
You didn't miss a beat
And you did that yourself
You've got this
I really appreciate... Oh, my God! I'm doing it again
Yes, you are you're a total weirdo
And a hundred percent real
And that is why I love you
I do, Ricky
I love you
Yes, I... It's just...
That's a really big thing to post online
Look...
I've been thinking, and...
You're just going to be out of town for like a month, right?
And you'll probably have no reception in the woods
Maybe we should just like, chill for a minute
You know? Like, take a temporary pause
"Pause"?
Yes... Yes, no, I totally get that
I should... It's my mom
She's been out of town working for, like, ever, so...
I'll text you
"Any intel on this one?"
"Nini Salazar-Roberts"
"Harmless chorus girl"
Usually plays farm animals and trees
Okay, Nini! Whenever you're ready
Am I too late? Am I too late?
We're all set on Troys we're low on Chads
You can read after the Gabriellas
I only studied the Troy scenes in the movie
Troy would have arrived on time
Thanks, let me do the talking
Okay, Nini, let's try this again
You got this, babe!
Nobody panic!
Nini, let's wait for the lights to come back on
I don't want this to throw you
I'm not thrown
"Living in my own world"
"Didn't understand"
"That anything can happen"
"When you take a chance"
"I never believed in"
"What I couldn't see"
"I never opened my heart"
"To all the possibilities"
"I know that something has changed"
"Never felt this way"
"And right here tonight"
"This could be the start of something new"
"It feels so right to be here with you"
"And now looking in your eyes"
"I feel in my heart"
"The start of something new"
"I never knew that it could happen 'til it happened to me"
"Oh, yes"
"I didn't know it before but now it's easy to see"
"It's the start of something new"
"It feels so right to be here with you"
"And now looking in your eyes"
"I feel in my heart"
"The start of something new"
Okay
Well, thank you, Nini
I only needed 32 bars but I appreciate your commitment
You, late boy
Let's do the Chad sides
Hey, there, I'm Ricky Bowen
I'm a junior
And... Here goes
Total wildcard here
"I don't get it, Troy"
"What kind of spell has this elevated IQ temptress-girl cast"
"that suddenly makes you want to be in a musical?"
I don't know
Maybe it's the way Gabriella always had your back
And maybe you can't stop beating yourself up
for totally blowing it with her
Was this in the movie?
And look, Troy
Even if you never said the L-word to Gabriella
because that's, like, not even a word your parents say
to each other anymore...
That doesn't mean that you don't
Maybe it just means you were waiting for the right time to say it...
So that everyone could hear it
No
So that she could
Okay, kiddo, time to sing
Oh, no, actually if you don't mind I kind of prepared my own song?
Sure
I don't know
What is he doing?
Oh, no, he is not doing this
"So much has happened think of what we've done"
"In the time that the Earth has traveled round the sun"
"Winter, spring, summer and we're back to fall"
"We've been together hand-in-hand through it all"
"It's just three little words yes, it's not a big deal"
"It's not like I can help feeling all that I feel"
"And by now, I'm sure you're thinking it's so obvious"
"But just in case it's not what I'm saying is this"
"What I'm saying is this..."
"I think I kind of, you know..."
"Like the way that we flow"
"Like the way that we go"
"And I love... I think I kind of, you know..."
"I think I kind of, you know You know, you know..."
"You know how we can talk all night"
"And not run out of things to talk about?"
"It's rare that something feels this right"
"It feels so right"
"I think I kind of, you know..."
"I think I kind of, you know you know, you know..."
"I think I kind of, you know"
"I think I kind of, you know you know, you know..."
"I can't help dreaming of you"
"Guess I'm saying I don't not love you"
"You know, you know, you know"
Hashtag, "UltimateComeback"
That happened
I thought it was good
Hey!
What are you doing here?
I'm auditioning
- You hate musicals - That's a little harsh
We got kicked out of The Greatest Showman because you kept yelling
"That's not realistic!" at the screen
That was the old me
The new me thinks musicals... are awesome
Okay, well, let me tell you about the old me
All right? The old me had her heart broken
Okay? And then she went away and she found herself
And you don't get to show up now
just to try and...
confuse things
You think that's why I'm here?
No, no, Nini
I always believed in you, in us
Even if I sucked at showing it
- That's why I'm here - Clear!
Carlos is posting the cast list!
I don't not love you
Okay, okay, okay, okay
In the old days, teachers would wait two, maybe, three days
to announce the cast
But when you know, you know
It's called instincts
And when in doubt always bet on the underdogs
Congrats
- "Chad"? She thinks I'm a Chad? - It's okay
Holy crap, dude
"Buckle up, Wildcats"
about to get real
"Five, six, seven, eight!"
- "What team?" - "Wildcats!"