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[bright festive music]
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- Cratchit! - Oh!
Yes, Mr Scrooge?
Where do you think you're going with that lump of coal?
ELVIN: 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?
RILEY: 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.
RILEY: 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.
[shouts] 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. - ELVIN: OK, thank you.
You're so good. Yeah.
Thank you. Yes.
[clears throat]
Come on. Let's shoot 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.
RILEY: 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.
ARCHIE: 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 & ARCHIE: Mm-hmm.
"God bless us, every one."
But especially those who audition.
[Riley chuckles]
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? - [indistinct conversation]
- Thinking about it. - Yeah?
Well, maybe I'll see you there.
Maybe you will.
[cheerful music]
- [door opens] - RILEY: 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.
BRIDGET: Uh, or at least one.
What do you think about
the Ghost of Christmas Present's robe?
Mmm...
You don't like it?
RILEY: 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. - [phone buzzes]
RILEY: Oh, it's Regina.
Why is she calling you right now? It's so late.
Archie called her 'Scroogina' today. [laughs]
OK. That is funny.
- Um, put it on speaker. - OK. Shh.
- Hello? - REGINA: 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.
[phone beeps]
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.
[melancholy music]
[door shuts]
[melancholy music continues]
RILEY: 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.
[exhales] 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.
[thoughtful music]
Wait a sec.
[sighs]
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...
[chuckles]
..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.
[uneasy music]
Jake?
Who's there?
Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you.
RILEY: Uh, who are you?
SAM: 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.
[Riley chuckles]
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.
[sighs]
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.
[sighs]
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.
- Shooting 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.
[electricity buzzes]
You should check your wiring.
Hmm.
What are you doing up? It's the middle of the night.
[sighs] 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.
[chuckles] Hilarious.
[both sigh]
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.
[chuckles] Goodnight.
[sighs]
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?
[sighs]
[sombre music]
[exhales sharply]
REGINA: 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.
REGINA: Um...
[clears throat] 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.
REGINA: 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...
REGINA: 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.
[stammers]
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.
[laughs] OK, well, then, let's see what you got.
Let us do...the scene on page 29
between Bob Cratchit and his wife.
[Sam clears throat]
Alright.
- Are you ready? - Whenever you are.
[Sam clears throat]
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 shoot '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-ho, 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.
- [footsteps recede] - [chuckles]
RILEY: 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... - [people laugh and chatter]
BRIDGET: Wow. Speak of the devil.
RILEY: Hm, I was gonna say a decent guy, but...
- [Bridget chuckles] - Just a regular person?
Well, if it isn't Sofia Coppola.
I see what you mean.
Oh, that's nothing.
RILEY: 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!
- [murmurs indistinctly] - [laughs]
I guess we'll have to just wait till the cast list comes out.
Like everybody else.
SAM: Are y'all tree shopping?
- BRIDGET: Yeah. - Yeah. Actually we are.
We have to decorate the lobby of the theatre.
SAM: 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! - RILEY: Exactly!
- SAM: Can I help you at all? - No, I think we're...
Actually, yeah, I think help would be great. Thanks.
[cheerful indie music]
- 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. - RILEY: Catch you later.
♪ It's finally Christmas time... ♪
SAM: Alright, how's that?
RILEY: 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.
[Riley chuckles]
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.
[bright music]
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. - [people gasp]
The one thing I demand from everybody in this company
is punctuality.
- Sorry. Won't happen again. - [people murmur]
Everybody, this is Sam Campbell.
He will be playing the Cratchit role.
- [people gasp] - That's the Sam Campbell?
RILEY: 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.
[tense music]
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!
[festive music]
♪ 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. ♪
[indistinct chatter]
SAM: It's only once a year, sir.
[Archie scoffs]
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.
[chuckles] 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?
[chuckles] 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.
- ARCHIE: 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. [chuckles]
RILEY: OK.
Let's do it again, from the top!
[light music]
[Sam clears throat]
[chuckles]
- 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.
BRIDGET: 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?
- BRIDGET: 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.
[Sam whistles]
- RILEY: Wow! - BRIDGET: Hey!
Look at you, Bing Crosby!
You look great.
- So do you. - RILEY: 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. - SAM: That's a shame.
Oh, clearly you've never seen me tap dance.
The Charleston, however, that's a different story.
- BRIDGET: Mm-hmm. - [chuckles]
So, uh, what's in the box?
[light instrumental version of 'Deck the Halls']
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.
- ['Deck the Halls' continues] - [inaudible dialogue]
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.
- [chuckles] - [knock at door]
That's probably Archie.
- Aha! - Hello, hello, hello.
Oh!
You do know there's a prohibition going on?
- I have a secret stash. - [laughs]
You look awesome, Archie.
- Riley, you look awesome. - Mm, thank you.
- Sam, nice jacket. - Thank you.
ALL: Surprise!
[laughing and cheering]
[lively jazz music plays]
What are you doing here?
SAM: 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.
ALL: Cheers.
- RILEY: Thank you, Sam. - SAM: Cheers.
RILEY: 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.
ARCHIE: 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.
[laughter]
He was a stage manager, if I recall.
Jake was just trying to help him out.
Mm-hmm. Well, he was definitely better backstage.
- [laughter] - RILEY: Yeah.
You know, and Jake and...and Regina
always had a choreographed number too.
- It was amazing. - Really?
- RILEY: Mm-hmm. - It was Jake's idea.
Always ended in Regina doing the splits, though.
[laughter]
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.
- ARCHIE: Mm-hmm. - That was right after the show.
- That's right. - Mm-hmm.
ARCHIE: 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.
ARCHIE: Yes! Oh, yes.
It was straight out of 'It's a Wonderful Life'.
- ARCHIE: It was great. - I wish I could have met him.
Jake sounds like he was an incredible guy.
He was.
To Jake.
ALL: To Jake.
Alright.
[all chatter cheerfully]
- I loved it. - She loved the salad.
She loved the salad.
SAM: I think the second course was my favourite.
RILEY: Yeah. [chuckles]
- [Sam clears throat] - RILEY: 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?
SAM: Uh, yeah.
Yeah.
[footsteps recede]
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.
[footsteps recede]
How'd it go?
Could have gone better.
[Riley sighs]
RILEY: 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.
SAM: 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.
[laughs] 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. [chuckles]
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.
[gentle music]
[door opens]
BRIDGET: 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.
CAROLLERS: ♪ 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 ♪
♪ Fa-la-la-la, la-la-la-la-la! ♪
[cheering and applause]
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... - [speaks indistinctly]
..the 100th anniversary of the annual
Onota Theatre production of 'A Christmas Carol'.
- How about that? - [applause]
We're going to open on Christmas Eve
and run the entire week from Christmas to New Year's.
- Are you guys coming out? - [cheering]
ARCHIE: 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.
[cheering and applause]
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.
[cheering and applause]
SAM: 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?
[applause]
[Sam clears throat]
♪ 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 ♪
♪ 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.
[downhearted music]
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.
[downhearted music continues]
[sighs]
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.
[sorrowful music]
[sniffles]
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. - [chuckling]
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.
[downcast music]
[sighs]
[exhales heavily]
Jake... I'm so sorry.
This just...this just isn't within my control.
[sighs]
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.
[hazy music]
[music builds]
[wind blusters]
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.
[puffs]
[wind whistles outside]
[knock at door]
Hi.
Can I come in?
Yeah, sure.
- Hey, Sam. - 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?
[upbeat music]
RILEY: Oh, no!
[chain rattles]
No, no, no, no, no, no!
Ugh!
Wait right here. Wait right here.
Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no!
[sighs]
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? - RILEY: 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.
ARCHIE: 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.
[mouths]
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.
CHARLOTTE: So, Riley, how do you feel about this?
RILEY: 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.
CHARLOTTE: 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!"
[chuckles]
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.
[remote clicks]
[gentle music]
[busy chatter]
- Oh, you're moving. - Trying to, trying to.
- 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. - ARCHIE: 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.
BRIDGET: 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.
- RILEY: Wait, really? - Mm-hmm.
- That was quick. - Mm-hmm.
I may have posted something about it to my social media.
You did that?
Yeah.
BRIDGET: 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. [gasps]
It's Regina.
OK. [clears throat]
- Hi, Regina. - REGINA: Meet me on the stage.
- What? - Meet me on the stage now.
[phone beeps]
Hello? OK.
Um...
Wish me luck.
Good luck.
[uneasy music]
[Regina sniffs and clears throat]
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.
[sorrowful music]
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...
[chuckles] So I've noticed.
No. I didn't mean love love.
Are you sure?
I...
That's not the point. [chuckles]
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?
[exhales]
[bright music]
OK, everybody. Welcome back home to the Onota!
- [cheering] - ARCHIE: Yeah!
RILEY: 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. - ARCHIE: Let's go!
RILEY: Let's go! Let's get to work.
From the top of the show, stave one.
Places, everybody. Come on.
[bright festive music]
[indistinct chatter]
- Hi. - RILEY: 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.
[sighs] It's a Christmas miracle.
Mm-hmm.
RILEY: 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!
- [applause] - Let's break a leg, alright!
Places! Places, everybody!
SAM: 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!
[cheering and applause]
[cheering and applause continues]
MAN: Bah, humbug, Scroogina!
[chuckles]
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?
[applause]
REGINA: 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.
[applause]
I care deeply about the Onota.
But as I said to Riley recently,
all good things must come to an end.
[soft music]
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.
[music builds]
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.
[sobs] Thank you, Riley.
Truly.
From the bottom of my heart.
[applause]
[both laugh]
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.
ARCHIE: Wait, wait, wait, wait.
Hold on. Nobody's going anywhere.
- BRIDGET: OK. - Where did you get that?
Hmm!
- BRIDGET: Oh, thank you. - It is opening night after all.
And traditions must be honoured.
- Are these from props? - ARCHIE: Shhh.
- You... - You didn't see anything.
[laughter]
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.
- ARCHIE: Yeah. - I kinda don't want to go home.
And I have notes to organise anyways.
- Excuse you? - [Archie chuckles]
If you give notes tomorrow, Regina made a huge mistake.
- Massive. - Ha, ha, ha!
- You know what? To Regina. - Yeah, to Regina.
BOTH: Regina!
Ahh!
[jaunty piano music plays]
[jaunty music continues]
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.
[slow jazzy festive music plays]
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.
[slow jazzy festive music continues]
♪ 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. ♪
[upbeat music]
♪ Yeah, yeah, ooh, ooh ♪
♪ Ooh-ooh, ooh ♪
♪ Merry Christmas, baby ♪
♪ Come dance with me... ♪