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- How's it looking, Mayor Givens?

- Hey, Cassie, everything is coming together perfectly.

- Oh, my. This time tomorrow,

Dickens, Ohio becomes Victorian London.

- It's gonna be a wonderful week.

- Oh, it depends on your grand finale, doesn't it?

Now, how are things looking over at the theater?

- I'm gonna say it,

this is going to be the best version

of "A Christmas Carol" this town has ever seen.

- It's the 100th anniversary

of our town's production of the play, Cassie.

It has to be better than the best.

- Well, technically better than the best

still makes it the best, am I right?

It will be.

- Well, when you have a seasoned veteran

like Ray Muller playing Scrooge,

it pretty well directs itself, right?

- Well, not really.

I mean, okay,

so this one time when I was at NYU,

I was- - oh, Harry!

I'll just be over here if you need me.

Some of these flats are older than I am.

I wonder if we should touch up the edges a bit?

- Hey, guys.

- Ah, Matt, you read my mind.

Thank you. You guys, your paint.

You're great.

- You got it, Cassie.

- Andy Fitzgerald, "Dickens Gazette."

- Ah, Andy. I know who you are.

You, uh, you've been my parents' neighbor

for like 30 years.

- I got a part-time job

as a reporter with the paper.

It's a bucket list thing.

Just go with it.

- Is this for that Arts and Entertainment section?

- Mayor's got us doing a special Dickens Day edition.

He wants this year's production

to get as much press as possible.

- Oh, that's good,

because people are going to love it.

At least I hope they love it.

It's just, the cast has been working so hard, right?

And I know how much this play

means to people during the holiday.

- I wonder though, isn't directing local theater

kind of a step down from Broadway?

- Um, well,

I wasn't ever actually on Broadway per se.

- Well, that's not what your mom says.

- Well, see, I directed

a couple of shows off Broadway-

- And how far off?

- Off, off. Like, you needed a car.

Okay, listen, the mayor brought me on

because I know this play backwards and forwards.

I grew up with it.

My first role was in this play.

- Ebenezer's lost love, Belle.

- Uh, no. Cratchit daughter number three.

- Hmm. - No lines, but, well,

I created a complex backstory for her, okay?

- Hmm. - And I was only six.

- Maybe I should get a quote from Ray,

the Sir Patrick Stewart of Central Ohio.

Is Ray here?

- Uh- Where's our Scrooge?

- You know, he should've been here a few minutes ago.

- Give me a call when the star of the show

gets here, okay?

- Okay.

Okay, so, so remember Tiny Tim

doesn't feel sorry for himself.

He has a really positive spirit,

which is ultimately what gets Scrooge to change.

- So I shouldn't act sick?

- Just let his sickness show only on the outside.

On the inside, Tiny Tim

is like any other happy-go-lucky kid.

- What about the crutch, can I still use that?

- Yes, just try not to wave it around

like a lightsaber on show night.

Deal? - Deal.

- Okay.

- I'd better get going.

My mom's over there. - Okay, I'll walk you.

- My mom said you were like the best actor

in Dickens growing up.

- Aw, that's nice.

I, uh, I wasn't bad.

Okay, bye. - Bye, Cassie.

- Hey, Brandon!

- Hi, Marilyn. - Hi!

- Hi, Mom.

- Hey, you. getting in some extra rehearsal time?

- Yeah, yeah.

Brandon is just so committed

to doing a great job as Tiny Tim.

- A director's job is never done.

- No, not until everyone takes a bow.

Um, did you tell Andy I was on Broadway?

- Oh, I might've said something. Why?

- Well, because apparently everyone thinks

I'm some big director that's got this in the bag.

- Don't you? - I hope so.

But I haven't worked as a director in five years, right?

I'm not exactly brimming with confidence.

- I blame David.

I mean, you took time off

to help him start his business.

And what did he do in return?

- Well, he amicably agreed

to a divorce and fair settlement,

which is the whole reason I get to have this time

to figure out my next steps.

- Well, would it be good to know

that the Palmer's are hiring

someone in accounts payable

and I can put in a good word? - Uh,

I will keep that in mind.

Oh, oh, that's the mayor.

Uh, I gotta go.

- Okay. Bye, sweetie. - Bye.

- Cassie, I'm sorry for taking you

away from everything,

but, um, this is something we should discuss

away from the rest of the cast.

- I had a feeling this was gonna be an issue.

Ray, I can only imagine how weird

this must be for you to have your former student

now be your director,

but if something's wrong, you can talk to me.

- That is the issue, Cassie.

He can't talk at all.

Raymond has laryngitis.

- Oh. Oh, okay.

Uh, Ray, I'm sure you're gonna be fine.

I mean, you know, all of your blocking

and your lines, right?

And I'm sure your famous lemon-ginger tea

is gonna clear up your throat lickety-split,

right before the show on Christmas Eve.

- It's not that's simple, Cassie.

Raymond has a large vocal nodule.

- Oh. - 40 years of performing

and teaching have finally caught up with him.

And he is on strict vocal rest.

Not a peep for a month if he wants to avoid surgery.

- Oh no, no Ray, I'm sorry.

I can only imagine how hard this is for you.

- I know Ray is irreplaceable,

but I'm gonna have to find someone else to play Scrooge.

Who's his understudy?

- Daniel Gary.

- And he's what, not good?

- Daniel won a trip to Jamaica,

and because Ray has never missed a show,

I told him to go.

- I hate to say this,

but we may need to cancel the play.

- What?

This is the longest running production in the country.

We just need to find another Scrooge.

- Who could possibly fill Ray's shoes?

His Scrooge is iconic!

- Okay, I completely agree,

but I can just call some of my theater friends

in New York, right?

I'm sure one of them is gonna know a name

that we can hire to come out and do the show.

- We don't have the budget to hire a big actor.

Besides, this is community theater,

it has to be someone from Dickens.

Jake Dorsey.

I like it. I like it a lot.

- No, it's not good.

I don't like it. - Why not?

Jake is the biggest name

that's ever come out of this town.

- Yep.

- I can't think of a better way

to promote Dickens Days.

And he'd definitely draws a big crowd.

- Mayor Givens, he's an action star.

Okay? The guy's a super cheese.

There's no way he could handle

a complex role like Scrooge.

- He's a professional actor, Cassie.

I'm sure he could learn the part,

especially with your help.

- And his nephew is playing Tiny Tim.

I bet he'd love to do it.

- I'm sure he's busy.

- Only one way to find out, call him.

- Oh, you think Jake Dorsey

is gonna take my call?

- Why not?

You were both in Ray's theater class

together, weren't you?

- Yeah, but, you know, we really weren't close.

You know, he was more behind the scenes

and I was, you know.

- Cassie. - What?

- Please get his number from his brother and call him.

It's either that

or we'll have to cancel the play.

- Do the right thing,

or it's the last thing you'll do.

- Cut, cut. Cut, cut.

- Are we good? You got that?

- That was excellent.

All right, yeah. Are we good?

- Uh, let's take it again, Jake.

- Do we need to take it again,

or do you just wanna take it again?

- No, you were great.

Let's just, one more. We had a technical.

- All right, everybody. Let's go back to one.

- Let's reset.

- Oh, Denise.

Everybody, my agents here. Hey.

Hey, Dee Dee, what did they say?

Did they make me an offer?

- N- oh, oh, we'll talk.

- What is that face? It doesn't look good.

- Reset!

Hey, you. - Oh.

- And action!

- Oh, hey, Brandon.

Hi, Allison. - Hey.

- Whatcha watching?

- My Uncle Jake.

He's doing a huge action scene.

- Oh.

- Do the right thing,

or it's the last thing you'll do.

Do the right thing,

or it's the last thing you'll do.

- He is so cool.

- Sure is. Yep.

Wait, is he shooting a movie right now?

- Actually, it says tomorrow's the last day.

- Oh, great.

- Maybe he can come home for Christmas.

- Ha ha, don't count on it, buddy.

- Hi. Hi, Craig.

- Hi, Cassie.

- Dad, can I have some more fries, please?

- Oh, only because watching you play Tiny Tim

makes me feel compelled to overfeed you.

Cassie- - Yeah?

- Brandon has been talking about

how much you've been helping him.

- Mm, he's a natural.

- Well, I hope he's not too good,

or he might leave us like Jake did.

- He had a dream, honey. He followed it.

- That he did.

- I don't know if you heard,

but Ray Muller lost his voice.

So- - Yeah, what a bummer.

- Yeah.

- Isn't that what an understudy is for?

- Well, yes, but,

okay, so the mayor wanted me to ask Jake

to come home and play Scrooge,

and I need a way of getting ahold of him.

- Really? That would be amazing.

- Well, good luck with that.

I mean, he hasn't been home in years.

- Well, I have to try, you know?

Otherwise, um,

there won't be a play at all.

- Here, here's his number.

I would call him for you,

but I don't think it would help your chances.

- Thank you. - Good luck.

- Thanks.

- Did you tell them how important this role is to me?

- You are literally shooting the third movie

of your own franchise.

You have a catch phrase.

What more do you want?

- Okay, it is the "Dunes of Eastlynn,"

it is my mother's favorite book.

She'd be very proud if she knew

that I was playing the role of Travis.

I mean, I'm perfect for it.

- I get it, I do.

- I've made you a lot of money, Denise.

All I'm asking is for you to get me in the room.

- I will do everything I can, all right?

But, please, don't get your hopes up.

You know how these things go.

- Aren't, aren't you supposed to be

my biggest cheerleader?

- I am. You are amazing.

I just, I have to take this call, all right?

We'll talk. I promise.

Hello.

- Here you go, with all the usual accoutrements.

That is French for high-maintenance actor.

- I'm okay. Thanks, Ben.

- All right, then.

Well, you'll be happy to know

I finished the Christmas shopping

for your brother, his wife, and Brandon.

- What'd I get them?

- Oh, you were very generous.

Craig got a new set of golf clubs,

Allison got a personalized charcuterie board,

and Brandon got a top-of-the-line gaming headset.

- You're the best. - I know,

which is why you got me a VIP weekend in Vegas.

- You know what?

You should have made it a week.

- Oh, I did.

- Good.

- So we still need two more overcoats

and a hat for Bob Cratchit.

- Yeah.

- Cassie, just make the call.

What's the worst that's gonna happen?

- Oh, I don't know.

Uh, maybe Jake hangs up on me

and I don't get to direct the play

because there is no play?

- Is this about you shooting him down for the prom?

- Well, uh, I did not shoot him down.

I told him very nicely that I was waiting

for Mike Van Camp to ask me.

And in my defense, he hadn't spoken

more than two words to me before that day.

- Yeah, I'm sure he's totally over it.

- I just know he's probably too famous

to even take my call.

- Well, let's find out.

- You hit video.

- Oh no.

- Hey boss? - Yeah?

- Got a 614 number here.

- 614, that's Ohio.

You don't, you don't need to answer that.

- Oh, shoot, uh-

- Um.

- It's a video call.

- Jake! Hi.

- Cassie Pruitt?

- Yes, hi.

- He remembers you!

- Howdy.

- Howdy? - Yeah.

- Wow. I, um, I just didn't think you would pick up.

- Well, I didn't.

My assistant did. Say hi to Ben.

- Oh, hi!

- Hi. You haven't changed this high school.

- Ah, thanks.

- Okay, so the last I heard about you,

you were taking Broadway by storm.

Are you still crushing the Great White Way?

- Oh, you bet. You bet.

Yeah, but listen, so I'm back in Ohio right now.

I'm directing "A Christmas Carol"

for Dickens Days this year.

- You're directing. You're not gonna act in it?

- Oh, well, I actually studied directing at school.

I just, I just thought it was more challenging.

- More challenging than acting?

That's a weird thing to say.

Um, well, it's cool that you're back in Dickens.

I'm sure they're happy to have

the on-and-only Cassie Pruitt.

That's a big deal.

- It is a big deal, yeah.

- Yeah, no, I know. I just said that.

- I don't, what?

- Let me ask you a question.

Whenever I get a call from Ohio,

people want something,

like an autographed picture- - I'm good.

- Or a lot of times they want me

to sing "Happy Birthday" to their mom

and send it via video.

So what do you want?

- Okay. So this is the 100th Dickens Days,

which, of course, means all eyes are gonna be

on the festival, right?

Especially the play.

- Right, I mean, the play was the most important event.

- Exactly. And, okay, so we've run into a little snag.

Ray Muller, who plays Scrooge, he lost his voice.

So we don't have a Scrooge

and the play is only a week away on Christmas Eve.

- Well, Ray is irreplaceable.

- Not necessarily.

Okay, so hear me out,

the mayor was wondering if maybe you

would come home and take over the role.

- The mayor is wondering?

- I know it's ridiculous.

It's so silly. I wasn't even gonna ask.

- Why is it ridiculous?

You think it's ridiculous because you think

I can't play Ebenezer Scrooge?

- No, it's more that I,

well, I didn't think you would.

- As it turns out,

I'm preparing for a career-defining role.

Yeah, I'm, I'm not gonna be available-

- Okay, but hold on, hold on,

it's just that if, if I don't find a Scrooge,

there won't be a play at all.

- Well, why don't you play Scrooge?

Or is it, is it not challenging enough for you?

- Ooh, good. Okay.

Well, I just thought I'd give it a try.

So good luck with your movie.

- Yeah, congrats on the play. Bye.

- That was so weird.

- Yeah, that took a turn.

- Jake! How's my handsome guy?

I bring cupcakes, your favorite.

- You're bringing cupcakes.

Did they make me an offer?

- Ah, look, I'm sorry, Jake.

They just don't think you have the chops

for a dramatic part.

- That hurts.

- Oh, Jakey.

- Listen, is there nothing

that I can do to prove myself?

- Look, what do you want me to say?

No one's just gonna hand you

a meaty, dramatic role.

Look around. Come on.

You got a good thing going here.

Don't fight it.

- So, as much as it breaks my heart to say this,

without Ray, there's no Ebenezer Scrooge.

And without Ebenezer Scrooge,

there's no play.

I know, I'm so sorry.

Trust me, nobody wanted this more than me.

And I just wanted to say thank you all so much.

You've been great, and this is such an honor.

- Bah, humbug!

- Excuse me, this is a closed meeting for cast.

- Bah, humbug!

- Jake? -

- Hi. Hey, what's up?

Hi, hi, hi.

- Yeah, hi.

Can you guys just excuse me for one sec?

Yeah, sorry. Just a minute.

- Mm, hey, guys.

- What are you doing here?

- Well, you said you needed an Ebenezer Scrooge.

Well, guess what?

Here I am.

- Uh, yeah, what happened to this whole

career-defining role?

- Well, I turned it down because I want a chance

to work with a bonafide Broadway director.

So what, you gonna make me

audition for the role now, hmm?

- Okay, guys, great news,

uh, you have a Scrooge.

- Whoo-hoo!

- Whoo!

You're gonna be great. - I am gonna be great.

- Yeah, I know, I just,

I just said that.

- My agent, hang on. Hello?

- Look at you directing an A-list celebrity.

This is a huge deal.

- Or a huge mistake.

I'm coming to you live from Dickens, Ohio, my hometown.

And look at this,

this is my new cast

of "A Christmas Carol."

- Do the right thing,

or it's the last thing you'll do.

- Did you hear that, America- - Uncle Jake!

- Oh! Oh!

It's my nephew! It's Brandon.

Look at this kid.

Oh, my gosh.

Ah! What's up?

Hi, good to see you. - Welcome home.

- Hi, Craig.

- Hey.

Man, I cannot believe how big you've gotten.

You're huge.

- That's because you haven't seen him

since he was six.

- Hey, I was hoping that you guys

would accept my invitation to come out to LA.

- Yeah, well, it's kind of hard to get away.

You know, with the restaurant.

- Jake, why don't I get your bags in the car

and get you settled in at the house?

- Allison, that's so sweet of you,

but I'm actually staying at the, the B&B.

- What? You're not staying with us?

- Sorry, Brandon.

I didn't want to impose, you know?

It's such short notice.

Plus, I'm gonna be spending most of my time

trying to learn my lines.

- I can help you. I know everyone's lines.

- Yeah, the trick is getting him

not to mouth every single one.

- Does he? Does he do it?

- But I'll see you tomorrow at Dickens Days, right?

- Let's see. Yeah, we'll see.

- Yeah, we should probably get going.

- Yeah. - Okay, night!

- Welcome home, Jake.

- Bye, Allison.

- Ah, all right. Awesome.

Great rehearsal today, guys.

I'll see you tomorrow.

- Here is your script.

- Thank you, boss.

Uh, I'm gonna head back

to the B&B and get settled in.

- Where all your bags?

- My assistant went ahead with them.

- You brought an entourage?

- It's one guy.

- Hmm, can you walk to the B&B,

or do you need a limo?

- I can walk, as long as somebody

rolls out a red carpet for me.

- Oh. Well, see, it's winter.

So the best I can do is carpet of pine needles.

- Yeah? That would work.

- Yeah? - You could do that.

- Great.

- Well, which way are you heading?

- Towards the inn.

- Would you to walk with me?

- Sure.

So how does it feel to be back?

- Weird.

- Yeah, it was weird coming home

from New York, too.

Everything always seems so- - Small.

- I was gonna say quiet.

- Ah, no, Malibu is quiet. - Right.

- So I know this really great cocoa stand

if you wanna, can I buy you one?

- Cocoa with you? - Yeah.

- I will not say no to that.

Here you go. - Ooh, thank you.

- This looks good.

Merry Christmas, thank you!

Wow, I mean the town has gone all out

for Dickens Days, this is elaborate.

- Yeah, the mayor decided

to really kick it up a notch- - Here you go.

- For the 100th anniversary. - Huh.

- We're even doing a horse and carriage ride.

- Ooh, you know, the last time

I was on a horse and carriage, I had to,

I had to jump off of a helicopter

in land mines for an action sequence.

- Well, I think that is out of our budget,

but technically, so is a movie star like you.

- All right, tell you what, while I'm here,

let's, let's pretend like I'm not famous.

- Oh, well, you're the one that brought it up

with the whole helicopter thing, right?

So, yeah. - okay, fair point.

- True fair point.

However, I have to say

that it feels weird being back home.

- Why? - I don't know.

Everywhere I look, I just,

I remember all of these people

who didn't think I would be successful at all.

- Is that why you don't come home much?

- No, but it's why I work so hard to make it.

Well, what about you?

How did they convince the one-and-only Cassie Pruitt

to come home and direct community theater?

- Well, I came back about three months ago

to help out after my mom's surgery,

and they needed a director.

So I just decided to stay through Christmas.

- And then it's, is it back to Broadway?

- Back, truth is,

I never really got there.

- Well, what does, what does that mean?

- Well, it's a,

it's a long story and a pretty short walk.

So maybe, maybe some other time.

- Okay.

- So what about you?

What ultimately made you decide

to come home and do the play?

- You're surprised, aren't you?

- Considering you hung up on me?

I'd say yeah, a little bit.

- Okay, what exactly did you say?

Directing, it's more what than acting?

- Challenging, but that is not what I meant.

- There it is. - You took it wrong.

- Listen, Cassie, you shot up the bat signal.

I answered your call.

If Dickens, Ohio needs Jake Dorsey,

well then, guess what?

I'm gonna come home, save the day.

Oh, my gosh.

Look where we are.

This is the best job I've ever had.

I mean, aside from the whole movie star thing.

- You worked here? - What?

- You know, I remember you worked

at your mom's restaurant, but I-

- Cassie, you used to come in

and you'd buy things for your parents

and I was the guy behind the register.

- Yes. Okay.

Yeah, it's all coming back.

- No.

- I remember that you were

the best set builder we ever had.

And I remember that you were really quiet,

like really quiet. - I was shy.

- Aw, you were shy?

Is that why you never auditioned for any parts?

- No, I auditioned for every single play.

I never got cast because all they saw me as

was the guy who could build the set

and point the spotlight at you.

- Or, maybe you weren't good enough.

Oh! Oh! - Ooh!

- You don't think I'm good enough

to play Ebenezer Scrooge, do you?

- Well, hopefully, you are gonna prove me wrong.

- Yeah, I am. - Let's do this.

So this is by far the best B&B in Dickens.

- Yeah, it's beautiful.

- Hey, boss.

Bad news, the linens aren't Egyptian cotton.

I've overnighted some,

but it looks like you'll have to suffer

through some low thread count percale tonight.

- Ben, I,

I don't care about these things.

- Since when?

Hi, uh, Ben.

I'm Jake's personal assistant.

- Cassie.

- I was just joking about the low thread count thing.

- Yeah, I feel like you weren't though.

- No, I wasn't.

- Hey, whose team are you on?

- Yours, of course.

Here is your key. Everything is unpacked.

Text me if you need anything.

- All right. Thank you, Ben.

- So Been seems-

- Great, yeah.

Yeah. He's great.

- So is it okay if I run everything by you

or do I have to go through Ben?

- No. Cassie, it's me.

You just talk to me.

- Perfect. So I'm going to text you a rehearsal schedule.

You have a fitting in the morning,

and the festival kickoff is tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.

- Yeah, um, I'm probably not gonna make that,

sleeping in with the West Coast time

and lines to learn.

- Right, except for the rest of the cast

will be there to promote the show.

- Okay. - And the mayor is gonna be

there to promote that you are now in said show.

- I'm gonna try to make it.

- Right, which is code for, "Meh."

- I'll tell you what, you tell the mayor

that I'm getting into character

and he's gonna understand that.

- Oh, well you do look pretty annoyed right now.

So maybe he'll buy it.

Hey listen, Brandon will be there.

You don't wanna disappoint him, do you?

- Really? You're going to bring my nephew into this?

- Mm, I just did.

- All right, Cassie Pruitt.

- See you tomorrow, Scrooge.

- Yeah. Wait a minute.

Are you calling me Scrooge as my character,

or as a general sort of personality trait?

- Mm, yes. Night.

- Bah, humbug.

- Good morning, and happy holidays

from the town of Dickens, Ohio.

As mayor, I'd like to officially welcome everyone

to the 100th anniversary of Dickens Days.

As you know, every year,

in the week leading up to Christmas,

our town is transformed into Victorian London

and we are transported back

to the time of our namesake,

the great writer and chronicler of his age,

Charles Dickens.

And for our Centennial celebration,

we've pulled out all the stops.

Today, we'll have a visit from Father Christmas.

And tomorrow is the gingerbread house contest.

Then, candlelight caroling on Main Street,

Dickens Day of Giving,

and finally, our Christmas Eve production

of "A Christmas Carol."

This year, it's a special privilege

to welcome home Dickens' most famous actor

to play the starring role of Ebenezer Scrooge,

our very own Jake Dorsey.

- Jake! Uh, you missed your wardrobe fitting this morning.

And the mayor was on stage hoping to introduce you.

- Right, but for what?

He was going to have me come up on stage

and scream, "Bah, humbug" at people.

I'm not gonna do that.

- Well, didn't have a problem screaming it

last night at the theater,

twice.

- Because I was making a grand entrance.

It was, it was very different.

- Are you getting cold feet?

Do you not wanna do this?

- I wanna do it, but I signed up to do the play.

I didn't come here to do all this other stuff.

- Okay, well, all this other stuff,

it's part of promoting the play.

- Speaking of promoting the play,

is that Ray Muller over there?

- What?

Ray! He'd love to see you.

Come over, come.

Ah, hi!

Oh, this is so you, Ray.

You can't even talk and you still

find a way to help out, thank you.

- Mr. Muller, I don't know

if you remember me or not.

I'm Jake Dorsey from your high school theater class,

20 years ago almost.

- Yeah, that's right.

"Throttle Run."

I'm sorry for the circumstances

that have brought me here.

It's awful to hear about,

but I hope I do you proud.

Sir, they're big shoes to fill.

- Hi, Mr. Mayor.

W- hold on. Hold on, wait.

What? What do you mean he's not coming?

Okay, calm down.

I'll be right there. Okay, bye.

- What's wrong?

- Father Christmas can't make it

and there's a line of kids already.

What?

- Ho-ho-ho-ho, Merry Christmas, Dawntae.

That's for you, my dear.

Merry Christmas. Pretty hair.

All right. Well, Oh!

Well, hello there, young man.

How are you? Merry Christmas.

- Hi. - Hi.

- So I know I'm a little too old for this-

- Oh, nonsense, you're never too old

to talk to Father Christmas.

Question, would you like, perhaps,

a pair of headphones for your video games?

- Nah, I already have some. - Oh.

- So I don't know if you know this,

but my Uncle Jake is home.

He's Jake Dorsey, the famous actor.

- Oh, I know who he is Yes.

- Well, the only thing I want

is for my Uncle Jake and my dad to get along.

Maybe my Uncle Jake would come home more.

I really miss seeing him.

- Well, I, I bet that I can make that happen, Brandon.

- How do you know my name?

- Because I'm, I'm Father Christmas.

I know everything!

Here, lad, a little extra candy for you,

my boy, Merry Christmas.

Don't tell anybody.

- Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

- Brandon! - Oh!

- I'm just wondering if I could give you

a really important job.

- Yeah, sure.

- Could I put you in charge of helping your Uncle Jake

learn all of his lines?

- Yeah, I can do that.

- Maybe you two could work together tomorrow

while you build gingerbread houses at the inn?

- Awesome. I'll be there.

- Okay.

- Thank you.

- And I suppose you'll want want a day off.

- If it's quite convenient, sir.

If I-

- If, if, if I were to hold back

half a shilling wages.

- It's crown.

- Crown. - Half a crown.

- Crown, right.

- Pay up.

- You're just messing up to see how many I'll eat.

- Maybe, just maybe.

- Uncle Jake! Say the line, please.

Do the right thing,

or it's the last thing you'll do.

- It must be awesome being famous.

- Maybe not. It's okay, it's got its perks.

But sometimes,

sometimes you just wanna be a guy

who can shove marshmallows in his face.

You know, without everybody paying attention,

and not be bothered by anybody, capisce?

- Hey, we gotta get going.

- Okay, let me just wash my hands, they're sticky

from all the candy. - Okay.

- He's a good kid. - Yeah.

Look do me a favor,

just try to keep in mind

that it's going to crush him when you leave.

And you're a big deal to him.

- Well, he's a big deal to me, Craig.

- Come on, Jake.

You haven't seen him in like years.

- Craig, can we talk while I'm here?

Can we have a conversation?

- You mean more than what we just did?

I'm good. Ready?

- See you tomorrow.

- Bye, buddy.

- Yeah, I actually remember that.

- I'm so sorry I'm late. - It's okay.

- Hi. I'm Millie.

- Hi, Millie. I'm Jake.

I play Belle, your lost love.

I mean Scrooge's lost love, whatever.

I'm Millie. Did I say that already?

- Yeah, you did.

- I am so excited

for the Christmas Eve ball flashback scene.

We get to dance together.

- Oh, Millie, honey, Jake doesn't play Young Ebenezer.

Jake is old. - Ah.

That's, thank you.

- Okay, she has no idea

that he is in love with her.

- Are you kidding?

Girls always know when a guy's into them.

Okay, let's get to work, shall we?

- Not always.

All right, so we'll just, what?

We're taking it from the top?

We'll do that- - Yeah, yeah.

I will call action, okay. - Okay.

- Action.

- Merry Christmas, Uncle.

- Bah, humbug.

- Christmas, a humbug?

Uncle, you don't mean that, I'm sure.

- You're poor.

Nope. That's not right.

- No. - I skipped something.

- Yep.

- Merry Christmas?

What right do you, what?

Merry Chris-

Nope. That's not it.

Uh, Merry, uh.

Well, Merry Christmas.

I think I'm gonna have to find a different voice,

'cause that one...

Can we just take it back to the top?

- Yeah, yeah, for sure.

Just please remember this is not a movie.

There's no going back on show night.

- I know that, Cassie.

- I just gotta make sure.

- Um, you know what, don't worry about it.

Bah, Humbug.

- What right have you to be dismal?

You're rich enough. Don't be cross.

- Do you, do you need back again?

- No.

- Oh, guys, please do not record rehearsals.

Actors need to feel safe

to find their characters, okay?

Thank you.

Okay. - Thank you.

- All right, let's pick it up from Fred's line.

- What right have you to be dismal?

You're rich enough. Don't be cross.

- What else can I be

when I live in such a world

of fools as this?

What?

- Nothing, it's just,

it's a lot different from how Ray did it.

- Ray's not here, bro. I am.

- Can, can I make a suggestion?

- Most directors give the actors a couple of times

to run through it before they jump in

with the performance notes.

- Cool, okay.

Uh, let's just keep going.

- Hey. - Hey.

- You okay? - Yeah, no, I'm fine.

- Listen, it's just the first day.

It'll all come together once you get your lines down.

- It's not my lines, Cassie.

I'm good at remembering my lines.

I just, I have to be in character

in order to trigger them,

and I don't know who Scrooge is on the inside.

So I just, I don't, I don't know.

- Okay. So listen,

I know you have a lot more experience than I do,

but can I make a suggestion?

- Uh, yeah. Please, yes.

- Okay so when I sat

and I had problems getting into character,

I would think about her from the outside in.

- What do you mean?

- Okay, so I would think about her walk

and her hair and her posture, yeah.

Remember, Scrooge is an old man, right?

He's cold and he's stiff because he's too cheap

to have a fire burning.

He has a constant scowl on his face

because he doesn't even love his own family,

or doesn't realize

that he actually does love them, yeah.

Does that makes sense?

- Yeah, that's, that's really helpful, actually.

- Good.

- I'm sorry about being uncool in there.

- Yeah, it was a little uncool, but all good.

So some of us are gonna go

to the Three Ghost Pub after the candlelight walk.

You wanna join?

- I would love that.

- Okay. Meet you at the inn at 8:00?

- Great. - Great.

- Yeah. - Okay.

- Thank you, Cassie.

- No problem.

- Hey, boss.

- Hey, where you been?

What is that?

- I went to Cleveland to get

some more of your moisturizer.

- Nah, you didn't have to do that.

The hotel stuff is fine.

- I don't even know who you are anymore.

- You know what, in fact,

I want you to keep this.

Merry Christmas, it's a little present for you.

- Thanks. You going somewhere?

- Yeah, I am gonna do the candlelight walk

down Main Street, and then,

I'm gonna hang out with the cast afterwards.

What?

- I don't know. It's just, you seem happier than usual.

- Well, I don't know,

it's kind of nice being back home.

- You want some tasty news?

- Yes. What?

- My celebrity assistant text group

has some chatter about the "Dunes of Eastlynn."

And, FYI, they still haven't cast their Travis yet.

- Huh. Does Denise know this?

- I already took care of it.

- Ben, my man, I'm starting to lose count on my IOUs.

- Eh, don't worry. I'm not.

- All right. I'll see you later.

♪ Noel, noel, noel, noel ♪

- Merry Christmas! - That was fun.

I haven't sung Christmas carols since I was a kid.

- I know, right?

One question though,

were you lip syncing?

- Oh, busted!

Okay, A, I don't know the words to any of those songs,

and, B, you are the one with the beautiful voice.

- Okay, now, that is exaggeration.

- Holiday Christmas program senior year,

"Let It Snow."

You brought down the house.

- There he is, our town's celebrity!

- Jake, you remember

my mom, right? - Yeah, I remember your mom.

Come here.

You look good!

- Oh, thank you.

Everyone is so excited you came home to do the play.

- I'm happy to help out,

but you must be very proud of your daughter.

- Oh, I couldn't be prouder.

- Thanks, Mom. - Oh, Cassie, look,

there's Glynnis Palmer. Go.

Go talk to her about that job. - Mom, it's

not a good time. - What job?

- No job.

- What job?

- Okay, I'll go talk to her. Glynnis!

- Um, so listen, we're all meeting

at the Three Ghost Pub.

So we should probably-

- Is that where we should go?

- Yeah, we should go right now.

- Okay, get you out of this moment

of awkwardness. - Yeah, it was really weird.

♪ Are you ready for Christmas ♪ - This is an nice place.

♪ Are you breaking my heart ♪ Oh, look at this.

♪ Are you ready for Christmas ♪ - Oh, look who that is.

♪ - Scrooge! ♪

- Bah, humbug.

- Hi. - Hi.

- Do you want a drink?

- Yes, could I get a Bob's Buttered Rum, please.

- And I'm gonna try the Marley's Mead. Thanks bro.

- I think you better get out there,

otherwise you're gonna disappoint all your fans.

- Oh, I'm not a big dancer.

I'm not a small one either.

- Just come with me.

- Where are we going?

- We're going to dance.

- No, I don't know how to dance.

- Well, look, I am going to show you,

okay? - Okay.

- Yes. One hand here. - Okay.

- This hand goes here. - Okay.

- And then we sway.

- We just sway? - Yeah.

See, it's not that hard.

Um, what was that conversation

that you were having with your mother?

What was that about?

I don't think you wanna know.

- No, I do wanna know.

Absolutely. You can talk to me.

- So it's been a long time

since I've worked as a director.

And it's just because I put my career on hold

to help my ex-husband's business.

And now that we're divorced,

I'm just trying to figure out

what my next steps are.

But I need to prove to myself

that I can still do this, right?

Before I just give up.

That's why I want this play

to be really successful.

- I guess that means I gotta be

the best Ebenezer Scrooge this town has ever seen,

even though some people say that I can't.

- I think you can.

- Ah, you were skeptical.

You were skeptical

on the first conversation on the phone.

- I, um, that's because I was jealous.

- Jealous? Of what?

- It's embarrassing.

I was the one that was voted most likely

to become a household name.

Don't laugh! - That is embarrassing.

- Do you wanna know something

that's even crazier? - What?

- I was voted the guy

who was least likely to leave Dickens.

- Well, I guess the voters were wrong, right?

- They were wrong.

You know, I don't blame you for doubting

whether or not I could play this role,

because even after all this time,

I'm not sure that I have what it takes to,

to do something more serious.

- I know you have what it takes.

I'm gonna help you see it.

- Oh, okay, can...

It's close, but can I make a suggestion?

- Uh, yeah. Yep, of course, you are the director.

What do you got? - So I think

the key here is Scrooge's shock

at feeling afraid for someone else's future

rather than just his own.

- Huh, okay.

- I want you to think about Brandon.

He is your actual nephew.

This is all here for you. Get into it.

- Okay. All right, all right. - Yeah, be great.

- Um, okay.

- Merry Christmas to us all, my dears.

- God bless us, every one.

- Spirit, tell me that Tiny Tim will live.

Oh, kind Spirit, say he will be spared.

- If he be like to die, he had better do it

and decrease the surplus population.

- Yes! - Yeah?

- Yes! Yeah, yeah?

- Thank you.

- Okay. - So much better.

- Possibly. - Right? You're good.

- Okay, just a reminder for everyone

who is delivering pies for Dickens Days of Giving,

we are meeting at the Country Grill at noon.

I'll see you there.

- Hey, I would like to join you. Is that okay?

- I'd like that.

- Good. - Okay.

- Nice work today. Thank you.

- I put the figgy puddings in the back,

the mince meat and the rum cakes on the counter.

- Hey, hey.

Ah, it smells good in here.

- Yeah, that'd be the pies.

- Yeah. This place looks amazing.

- Hey. - Same old vibe.

- Yeah, that's 'cause it's the same old place.

- Hey, wait a minute.

What happened to the second dining room?

Why is it walled off?

- A few years ago, I had to sell the space

to the shop next door.

- Well, why didn't you tell me?

- Well, I didn't think you wanted to know.

- Of course I wanna know.

Hey, if you needed money, Craig-

- No, I didn't need money. I needed the help.

- Cool, I mean, can I help

with the cost of some of these pies at least?

- Jake, we make the pies every year.

I'm happy to do it.

- Hey, I wanna help.

- Yeah, well, Mom passed away about five years ago

and we haven't heard from you much,

so that's news to me.

- Just because I didn't stay

and help you run this restaurant

doesn't mean I don't care.

- I didn't ask you to stay,

and I didn't expect you to.

- You know, what is your problem?

- My problem is, Jake, is that you say you care

about Brandon and the rest of us,

but we hear from you once a year at Christmas

when a bunch of presents show up

that nobody really wants.

- Hey, I'm trying to be generous.

I don't, I don't know what else to do.

- It's not complicate, Jake.

Just check in once in awhile, okay?

Come home for a birthday,

be part of your family, not some celebrity

who occasionally remembers he has one.

- Thanks for the pie, honey.

- Thank you.

- Bye.

- Brr, all right, how about when we're done

delivering the pies,

we go get some dinner?

- Hmm. Yeah, I'd like that.

- Yeah?

Maybe, uh, maybe Craig's?

- I don't know about that.

I saw him earlier, and things were a little tense.

- Well, you're gonna be with me this time, yeah?

And Craig and I are buds.

- Ha ha, what, so you're gonna vouch for my character?

- I don't know.

I think I gotta get to know you a little better first.

- I look forward to that.

- Holy cow.

Wow.

You look amazing.

- Thank you.

Oh, full service. I like it.

Thank you.

- Hi. - Hi.

Have you seen Craig yet?

- I have not, no.

So I don't think that sibling rivalry

will be on the menu tonight.

- There he is. Craig, hi!

- Oh, hi.

- There he is. - Do you need some menus?

There you go.

The specials are on the back.

- So what were your favorites growing up?

- Uh, well, chicken pot pie. - The chicken pot pie.

- And do you still serve it?

- Every night.

- Do you remember when we would just eat the crust,

how mad Mom would get?

- You know, I made a couple of tweaks to that crust.

And I think it's even better,

but you should try it.

- I would, I would love that.

- Yeah, sounds good.

- I'll be right back.

- Okay, what just happened?

- I just helped my actress change the motivation.

- First you get people to stop filming me

and then you give me that advice

about getting into Scrooge's body,

and now this.

- I'm just, you know.

- You're just doing your job extremely well, Cassie.

Don't ever let anybody tell you

that you can't be a director,

because you are an amazing director, Cassie.

You were meant to do this.

- Thank you.

It's, uh, it's really nice of you to say.

- I'm just being honest.

- Well?

- Mm, Craig, my gosh, this was fantastic.

This was like all of our childhood

just wrapped up on a plate.

- And that's why I love what I do.

- Mom would be really proud.

She knew that she was leaving the family legacy

in the right hands.

- Well, thanks for coming in.

Jake, that means a lot.

- Well, look at that.

Well, I would offer to walk you home, but-

- You've got to be kidding me.

Did you plan this?

- I had nothing to do with this, I promise.

But, I mean, we can't let a perfectly good carriage ride

go to waste, can we?

Jump in.

Can we jump in?

We're jumping in.

- All right.

- It really does feel like Victorian London, doesn't it?

- Yeah.

- Okay, smile.

- Ah. You know, I bet Scrooge would have hated selfies.

- Oh, I'm sorry. We don't have to take one.

- No. Tonight, I am not Ebenezer Scrooge.

I'm Jake Dorsey.

- What, who?

Ha ha, ha ha, yeah. - Ha ha, zing.

- And I have, I don't know,

it's been a long time since I've wanted

to take a selfie with somebody.

So, ready? - Okay, yeah.

- One, two, three. - Look cute.

- Got it. All right.

- Aw!

- There.

Are you cold?

- I am, actually.

- Here, let me get a blanket.

Oh, my gosh.

- What?

- This is so weird.

Wow, it's so wild.

It's like, of all the books

this guy could be reading right now.

This is the book that they're turning into the movie.

This is the role that I wanted so badly.

This was my mother's favorite book.

That's, that's why I wanted to do it, you know?

'Cause I just, I just wanted to make her proud.

- Why didn't you tell me that?

- I don't know, I mean, I have to pace myself

about how much I overshare today.

- I had a great time today.

- Yeah? - Yeah.

- Me too.

It kind of makes me wish I'd asked you out in high school.

- You did.

Yeah, you asked me to the prom, remember?

- You remember, you remember the one thing

that I wish you would have forgotten from high school.

It's amazing.

- I regret something too, though.

- What?

- I should've said yes.

- Yeah, it's 'cause I'm famous now.

- No, because I know you now.

- Good morning, Ben.

- Good morning, boss.

You enjoy you're carriage ride last night?

- Ooh, I did.

In fact, you wouldn't happen to know

who arranged that, would you?

- Santa's little helper.

So don't forget,

before rehearsal, we've got the crew

from Cleveland today coming to interview you

at the ice rink.

- Hmm. Okay, but why the ice rink?

- Because it's fun. And Christmas.

You played hockey. - I don't, I don't want

this play to be about me, Ben.

- Isn't that why you came here?

This is about you.

- Not anymore.

I mean, I kind of feel like Uncle Jed

from "Beverly Hillbillies."

- You look cute.

- Cute. Cute on Scrooge.

Isn't that an oxymoron?

- It's a different direction, I'll say that.

But, on show night when your makeup is on

and you're onstage,

no one will think you're cute

or even remotely attractive whatsoever.

- Okay, now you're just hurting my feelings.

Uh, "Cleveland Today" is coming to interview me

at the ice skating rink.

- Are you serious?

- Yeah, do you wanna come with me?

- No, do you have any idea how hard we worked

to get them to come here and do a piece on the play?

But they just kept saying, "You're too far away."

Hmm, I guess that's what they mean by star power.

- Wanna know what they mean by star power?

- Yeah. - Boom, right here.

This is what they mean by star power.

Feel it. Feel it! - You are such a dork.

- Uncle Jake! - Whoa!

Hey buddy. What's up?

My parents wanna know if you and Cassie

can come to dinner tomorrow night.

- Can we?

- We can. - Yes!

- There you go. It's a date.

All right, you two work out the details.

I am gonna go change.

- Your uncle is nuts.

- I know.

- Welcome back to "Cleveland Today."

And as promised, we are live in Dickens

with hometown megastar, Jake Dorsey.

Jake, welcome back to Dickens.

- Well, I'm happy to be here, yeah.

- Now, I have it on good authority

that you didn't come home just to do some skating.

You're here to do community theater,

is that right? - That's right, yeah.

I am going to play Ebenezer Scrooge

in a Dickens production of "A Christmas Carol."

- What made you decide to do that?

- Well, I'm from Dickens, Ohio.

Dickens Days is close to my heart.

And of course, Ray Muller,

who happens to be the best actor out of Dickens

and was also my coach in high school,

he got a little sick so I stepped in.

- Well, that's very heroic of you.

- Yeah.

Also, it's given me a chance

to work with a really incredible director.

- Oh, is it somebody you've made movies with before?

- No, actually, somebody that I've known

for a very long time,

somebody I have a lot of respect for.

In fact, do you mind if we call her over?

- Absolutely!

- Cassie, come on over here.

This is Cassie Pruitt, everybody.

- Isn't she great?

- There she is.

Well, I was hoping we would get

to see you on the ice as well, Jake.

Didn't you use to play hockey?

- I did. - Oh no, no, no, no.

Sorry, I do not need to lose

my lead actor to a broken arm.

He is just fine in this dirty chair.

- Can you imagine Ebenezer Scrooge on crutches?

You'd be like, "Wait, is it Tiny Tim?

Is it Scrooge? (grumbles)"

- Okay, well, Cassie, tell me?

- Yeah? What is it like

directing such a mega star?

I can imagine it's a little daunting.

- Ah, no, no.

Jake's a total pro. We're lucky to have him.

- And between you and I, tell me,

what is your favorite Jake Dorsey movie?

- Ooh, good question.

I actually would like to know

the answer to this too, Cassie.

- Okay, well it's, um,

it's the one where he is,

he is like (imitates whooshing),

like, right onto the car.

- They all have that in them.

- Yeah, right?

That's the joke. - Yeah.

- Just want to let you viewers know that the festival

runs all the way through Christmas Eve.

It's gonna be a step back into Victorian London.

- That's right. It's gonna be a lot of fun.

So come on down to Dickens, Ohio,

and come see a play.

- Well, I think you just convinced

a few thousand people to do just that,

Jake Dorsey. - I hope so.

I'm Carrie Lee Gaffney for "Cleveland Today."

Now I'm going to throw it on back

to you in the studio.

- I can't believe that you haven't seen

any of my movies.

We're doing a marathon.

- Hey, is it cool with you

if I take the rest of the night off?

- Ben.

- I wanna visit a couple of friends in Cleveland.

- Oh, Ben, why don't you take the holidays off?

I'll see you next year.

- Hey, I wanna see you nail this part.

I'm not going anywhere.

I'll see you later.

- It must be nice knowing

someone's got your back like that.

- Yeah. I mean, well, I pay him, so.

So there's that. - Well, right.

No, but I think he actually cares, though.

- He does. He does.

Actually, more than my agent, sadly.

- Well, thanks.

Thanks again for including me in the interview.

- Of course, Cassie.

Hey, what are you doing

for the rest of the afternoon?

- I was actually debating

getting a Christmas tree,

but I'm not sure if I'm up for it.

- Wait, wait a minute.

Hold on, you don't have a Christmas tree yet?

I mean, you know that's like a felony

in this town, right?

- I know. Yeah, it kind of is.

But you know, I just, I've been so busy and...

Okay, the truth is Christmas kind of reminds me

of my ex-husband,

and I just didn't wanna do it alone.

- Well, guess what?

You're not alone.

When I was a kid, my favorite thing

was decorating a huge Christmas tree.

- Yeah? And when I worked here,

I had this knack for finding the perfect tree

for every customer.

- Hmm, what's the secret?

- The secret was finding the tree

that's right for you.

- Oh, so I should look for one

going through a rough patch?

- Well, it's funny, you know,

if a tree has gone through a rough patch,

it makes it the strongest tree on the lot.

- I like the way you think.

I think this is it.

- Yeah? That's the one? - Yeah.

- Jake? - Matt!

Ah, what's up brother?

Oh, look at this guy.

Oh, look at you.

- You wanna work here again?

- It's tempting, actually.

- You're great at drawing in crowds.

- Ah, it's probably just the popcorn.

- It could be.

- It's good to see you, man.

- Have fun, guys. - Bye.

- That's amazing.

Well, this is, this is a lot better

than what I would be doing in LA.

- Yeah? What would you be doing?

- Um, well, I'd probably be watching old movies

in my pajamas, and then be sulking about being alone.

And then I would be spying on my brother,

Craig, and his family via social media.

- Is there a reason you wouldn't

just come home for the holidays?

- Ever since my mother passed away,

I have found it very hard to come back here,

especially at Christmastime,

which I guess makes Craig feel like I don't care.

He doesn't understand it,

which makes my feelings get hurt

and I don't understand him.

And then, we sort of just drift apart,

which I guess is how that happens, so.

- Your home now, right? - Yeah.

- So maybe it's time for new start?

- Yeah. And it's going pretty good.

- Good. - All right.

Should we do the magic three?

- Yes. - Remember that?

- I do. - Okay.

- Okay. Here we go.

- One, two, three.

- Oh!

- It never gets old.

- It works though.

It's beautiful.

You know the only thing that's missing

is a bunch of presents under the tree.

- No, I'm good.

I'm, I'm very content with what I have.

- Okay, I have a confession to make.

- You're married?

- No. - Okay.

- When we were in high school,

I made a present for you,

and I didn't have a courage to give it to you.

- Why?

- Well, because I asked you to the prom

and that took me two weeks

to muster up the courage for that

and then you turned me down.

So, you know, I could only imagine how,

how the gift was just gonna

Right?

- Okay. So what was it?

Do you remember? - Yeah, of course

I remember what it was.

- And? - No, I'm not gonna tell you.

- Jake!

not the man I was.m not, m

I am not the man I.

I am not the man I was.

- Okay.

So this whole, this whole story

is about changing your life

before it's too late.

Now, I know you've had success,

but so has Scrooge, right?

And it's, it's the other things,

the important things,

the things that matter to us at Christmastime

that he still has the power to change.

And I just see that you are so busy up in here.

I need you to get out of your head

and into your body.

- Yeah.

- Spirit! Hear me.

I am not the man I was.

I will not be that man that I have been

for so many years.

Why show me all this

if I am past all hope?

Assure me that I yet may change the shadows

that you have shown me.

Let the boy live!

I will honor Christmas in my heart and keep it,

try to keep it all the year,

in the past and the present and the future.

The spirits of all three shall strive within me.

I will not shut out the lessons that they teach,

the lessons that they teach.

- Brilliant.

Ah, it was so good.

Mm.

Now this is mulled wine.

It's a English Christmas tradition.

- Ooh, it smell spicy.

- One of the vendors made it in his garage.

- Ooh, garage wine. Risky!

- Craig actually tried to make eggnog

a couple of years ago.

It didn't go his way.

- Can I try?

- Sure, son.

No, just kidding. - Uh, maybe in a few years.

- Mm, I got something for you to try. Hang on.

Here you go, buddy.

- Oh, Christmas 'crackers.

- Uh, you got my child explosives?

- I did. Yeah, apologies in advance.

Although Craig and I,

we used to blow those things up every Christmas.

Good times, good memories.

- Blew the place up.

- Speaking of, do you happen to have the stuff

that I left at Mom's?

- Well, as a matter of fact, yes.

It's been collecting dust in the shed.

Walk this way.

- Cheers. - Good thing. Cheers.

- Oh, Dickens League champs,

peewee division.

I remember that.

Do you remember the summer

you taught me how to throw a curve ball?

- You mean I tried

to teach you how to throw a curve ball?

- No, no, you taught me. - No no, it didn't curve much.

- No, it curved!

- That's what big brothers are for.

- Oh, wow.

I'm sorry, I, I have been gone

for the past few years.

And I'm sorry.

- You missed a lot.

But I'm sorry too.

- Why? Why are you sorry?

- You know, when mom got sick

and you were already in LA working,

my life here was,

you know, trying to keep the restaurant open

and taking care of her.

It was hard.

So when she died and you came home

for the funeral, I was angry,

and I said a bunch of things I shouldn't have.

So I'm sorry.

- Yeah. Yeah, I remember.

And I also said a lot of stuff that I regret.

That was rough patch.

- You know, the truth is, I like it here.

I love Dickens, and I love the restaurant.

And I'm happy for you.

Mom would be proud of you.

I'm proud of you.

- I just miss her, man.

- And I know that she would be proud of you.

She really would be.

She would also be really jealous of you,

because the crust, man,

on her chicken pot pie.

'Cause it's, it was better.

Hey, I'm coming home a lot from here on out.

So you're gonna wish that I would leave, actually.

- Love you, man.

- So before we get ready for our dress rehearsal,

I just wanna say that this has been

one of the best weeks of my life.

Thanks to all of you.

Thank you.

- And here's the Cassie for bringing out

the best in all of us.

Oh! Now, before I forget,

all right, here they are.

Okay, a little birdie told me that Ray

used to get you all a present before the show.

- It was me. I'm the bird.

- That's right, he is.

So I know this is just dress rehearsal,

but I wanted to thank you

for your patience with me

and just for making me feel like part of the family.

- Aw, thanks, Jake. - Merry Christmas.

- A pocket watch!

Thanks, Jake.

Thank you! - Thanks, Jake.

- And you, come here.

All right.

- You didn't have to get me something.

- Technically I didn't.

I couldn't believe it,

but when I was going through all my stuff at Craig's,

I found this.

This is the gift that I made you

all those years ago that I never gave you.

- What?

Is this an actual mixed tape?

- It is, yeah, it's the collection

of all my favorite songs.

Old things.

- How am I supposed to play it?

- I don't know.

- Thank you, Jake.

- Thank you, Cassie, for everything.

- And I got something for you too.

- You did? - I did.

- Ah!

- Look here. Aw, man.

This is awesome.

"To my all-time favorite Scrooge.

It's all right, it's all true,

it all happened, Cassie."

Is this the line from the play?

- Have I taught you nothing?

- Thank you.

This is an amazing gift.

- I'm so glad you like it. - I love it.

I love it.

- Jake! - Yes.

- I've been trying to get ahold of you.

- Uh, yeah, 60,000 texts later.

What's going on?

- So don't kill me,

but I may have recorded some of your rehearsals.

- Why?

- Before you get upset,

I may have sent some of the best parts

to some people who may have sent it

to their bosses at the studio

making "Dunes of Eastlynn."

And the producers are considering you for the role.

- The role? - The role.

- Jake, that's amazing!

- Okay, hold on a second.

Why, why hasn't Denise called me yet?

- Oh, I think your agent is still trying

to figure out how to take credit for it.

- Well, we know who the credit belongs to.

It belongs to you, and it belongs to you.

- There is one thing you have to do first though.

- What?

- The producer, Jeff MacQuarrie,

he has this holiday party every year.

- Yeah, okay.

So this party in Hollywood, it's like,

it's infamous.

You have to be in his inner circle to get invited.

- You're invited, Jake.

- Ah, are you kidding me?

- That's amazing.

- He wants to meet you first

before he makes his big decision.

- Of course he does, absolutely.

When is it?

- Tomorrow night.

Christmas Eve.

- Gosh darn it.

Well, that's a no-brainer.

I made a commitment to Cassie, to the play.

I'm not going.

- Jake, I'm sorry,

but you have to play the game here.

If you want a shot at this part,

you have to be there.

- Yeah, well, I'm not gonna be, so.

- Jake, I think you should go.

- Ben, give me just five minutes.

Yeah? Five minutes.

What are you talking about?

- The whole reason you're here

is for this exact career-defining role,

and now you have a shot.

I am not gonna be the one

to stand in the way of your dream part.

- Okay, with all due respect,

I understand that.

But what about the play?

- We'll figure it out.

- Cassie, you needed this to be a success.

- No, what I needed was to remember

why I love directing.

It's not about success,

it's about the whole production,

the whole experience with the cast and the crew

and watching the whole play come together,

helping you find that inner Scrooge.

Yeah, that's the whole thing.

And it all made me realize that, directing,

that is what I am meant to do,

and that's not gonna change.

- You know what else is not gonna change?

Your Scrooge.

I'm staying.

- Then I'm kicking you off the show.

- What are you talking about?

You can't do that.

- I just did.

Jake, you've wanted this for so long,

and you're ready.

You're ready.

- But what about us?

- I, um, I have to figure out

my own future,

you know, before I can have one with someone else.

- Hey.

I am sorry that I have to go.

I hope you're not too disappointed.

- It's okay.

Dad said the movie is about grandma's favorite book.

- How did you know what role it was?

- Cassie.

That's when I understood

why you had to leave again.

And if she didn't make you go, I would have.

- when will I see you again, Uncle Jake?

- Soon, I promise.

I got a lot to come back for.

I got you, I've got your mom, your dad.

- Isn't there another reason, Jake?

- I can't believe he's just gonna leave.

Well, he didn't have a choice, Mom.

- Why?

- Because I kicked him off the show.

Well, I'm not talking about the show, honey.

I'm talking about your heart.

- Right, well, I also-

- If there's one thing

the last few weeks have proven to me,

it's that you are a fabulous director.

And I know you'll figure out

how to put on a great play.

And I'm sorry for ever doubting you.

- Thank you. That means a lot.

- I've also never seen you so happy,

until today, that is.

You know, I understand why you kicked him out of the play.

I doubt he would've left if you hadn't.

But, did you tell him you wanted him to come back?

- No.

- Do you?

- Yes.

- Then he deserves to know.

- Mom, I told him it wasn't the right time.

- And is that the truth?

- No.

- You're just scared.

Plus, the heart doesn't care about timing,

it only knows who makes it beat faster.

- Thank you.

- You okay?

- Ben, you've had my back for a long time.

You're the only person I trust.

Do you think I'm doing the right thing?

- Do you want me to answer that as your assistant

or as your friend?

- How about as my manager?

- Seriously? - Seriously.

I mean, I don't know what took me so long.

- Yeah. - I mean, you've been

in that role for years.

It's about time you get recognized,

and paid for it.

- Well, now I am really glad I came with you

to Dickens instead of Vegas.

Thank you, Jake.

- You guys, he didn't want to leave.

I told him to go.

- What? Why?

- Because this is a role of a lifetime for him,

and we are still gonna put on a great show.

This is community theater.

It's not about any one of us,

it's about all of us.

- So we're not canceling the show?

- Of course not.

You guys have worked way too hard for that.

- So what are we supposed to do now?

We're right back where we were last week.

- We're gonna be fine, trust me.

- Are we?

Because there's a bunch of new stations

coming from Cleveland,

all here to see Jake Dorsey. - That's true.

- What are they going to say

when they find out he's not even here?

- I don't know, but they're gonna see

a great performance.

- Well, who's gonna play Scrooge?

- Me.

- I mean, with the right costume,

I think we could pull it off.

It could be great.

- You guys, we're doing this.

The show must go on.

Get into it. Let's go!

- Whoo! - All right!

Let's go!

Okay, this is it.

Break a leg, everyone.

And I'm gonna need a compound fracture.

- Are you sure you wanna do this?

- Well, I would rather be down here with you,

but I don't really have a choice.

Okay, I gotta get to the stage.

- Okay. Oh, your headset.

- Oh, sorry. Okay.

- Hi!

- What is happening?

Um, hold lights. Hold lights.

- Hey. Sorry, guys.

- What are you doing here?

As much as I would actually love

to see you play Scrooge, and I really would,

I have grown fond of the role,

and of you.

I meant it when I said you could count on me.

- They showed up.

- It's Jake! _ Hey, look, it's Jake!

- All right. - You see? He's back.

- Yeah, we've got a show to do.

All right, let me go, uh-

- Get ready, okay.

♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪

♪ And a happy New Year ♪

♪ Good tidings we bring ♪

♪ To you and your kin ♪

- Bah, humbug!

Merry Christmas, indeed.

Spirit, say that the boy will be spared.

- If he be like to die, he had better do it

and decrease the surplus population.

- No.

- And so I release you with a full heart, Ebenezer.

- Turn around, you fool.

What's wrong with you?

Oh, Spirit, oh, oh.

Spirit!

Merry Christmas, all!

Happy New Year to all the world!

Ah, hello!

There, the window

through which I saw all the wandering spirits!

It's all right.

It's all true.

It all happened.

- Merry Christmas, indeed.

- That's all you need to say, Bob.

Hop up, boy!

Oh! Hey!

- God bless us every one!

- Ray Muller, everybody!

This play would not be possible

without our amazing and brilliant director.

Let's hear it for Cassie Pruitt.

Cassie, come on out.

Good job.

- Thank you.

- Uncle Jake, say the line.

- You want me to say it? - Yeah.

- Hey, do the right thing.

- Or it's the last thing you'll do!

- That's right.

Congratulations.

- And a cheers to you.

- I'm so proud of you.

You guys just nailed it.

There wasn't a dry eye in the house.

- Thank you, Craig.

- Come here.

I love you, buddy.

- Ah, I love you too, little brother.

- And this one

is gonna take Broadway by storm.

Hey. You look happy.

- Yeah, I'm happier than I've been in a really long time.

- Me too.

- You have no idea how relieved I was

to see you standing on that stage.

- It's the easiest, best decision of my life.

- But you miss the party in LA.

Now you're not gonna get the role you wanted.

- Maybe, maybe not.

It's Christmas,

and I need to be with the people that I love.

- How do you feel about long distance relationships?

- Cassie, wherever you are,

that's where I wanna be.

- Mm, good line.

Or was it the delivery?

- It wasn't a line,

and I'm not acting.