Original subtitles

Twilight: Princess Celestia,

I have an idea for your Onesversary!

My...Onesversary?

The one thousand one hundred eleventh year anniversary

of when you first raised the sun.

Good thing Pinkie Pie reminded us,

or we woulda forgot to celebrate!

You're not the only ones.

What did you have in mind?

To commemorate your first sunrise, I've written a play.

We'd like to perform it at my School of Friendship.

If you don't mind.

[excited laugh] Ooh!

Mind?

Oh, of course not!

Oh, I think a play is a fantastic idea!

Did she just... prance?

Oh. Forgive me for getting so excited.

I-it's just...

When I was a filly, my friends often put on plays.

Oh, it was so wonderful; everypony coming together

to create a magical experience to share with others.

I've always believed theatre brings out the best in us,

and forges a special bond of friendship.

[gasp]

I didn't know you used to act.

Oh, not me.

I was always too busy with my magic lessons

to be part of any plays myself.

But still, it's something I always wished

I could experience.

And you still can!

Princess Celestia...

we would be honored if you would be the star of our play!

WE WOULD?

♪ My little pony, my little pony ♪

♪ Aaaahhh ♪

♪ My little Pony ♪

♪ I used to wonder what friendship could be. ♪

♪ My Little Pony ♪

♪ Until you all shared its magic with me. ♪

♪ Big adventure! ♪ ♪ Tons of fun ♪

♪ A beautiful heart! ♪ ♪ Faithful and strong! ♪

♪ Sharing kindness ♪ ♪ it's an easy feat ♪

♪ And magic makes it all complete! ♪

♪ To have my little pony ♪

♪ Do you know you're all my very best friends? ♪

♪♪

You want me to star in your play?

Yeah, when did that happen exactly?

If you'll excuse us for a second...

Don't you see, Spike?

It's perfect!

Princess Celestia has always wanted to be in a play,

and this one's about her!

I guess...

But how are we supposed to give her directions?

She's the ruler of Equestria!

She's also our friend.

Celestia's always kind to everypony.

So if we have a chance to finally do something for her,

we should!

Hmmm.

C'mon, how many times has Celestia helped us?

Guided us.

Been a warm calming voice over our shoulder-

[startled gasps] - Twilight?

Yes, Princess Celestia?

Your invitation is very kind.

But are you certain it's wise?

I have no acting experience at all.

Experience? Pssh!

You'll be playing yourself.

And we'll all help you.

Please?

It'd mean so much to the students

if you were in our show.

Well, if you're sure...

Yeah, what she said.

Then I would be delighted to join your theatre troupe!

Whoo hoo!

Confetti is ready!

Hoo hoo!

Wormy applecores, Pinkie!

How many times have I told ya to keep your special effects

away from my sets?

Three hundred twenty-seven.

Ooh! Unless you just DID.

Then it's three hundred twenty-eight!

Ugh.

I can't believe you've memorized your lines already, Fluttershy.

Once you get past terrifying, paralyzing stage fright,

the rest is easy.

Now I just hope Princess Celestia

says we can do our play.

Oh! As soon as she sees these fabulous costumes,

all she'll be able to say is 'brava!'

Heads up!

Here comes our answer.

Wonderful news, everypony!

Yeeeha!

We get to put on our show?

Even better.

Princess Celestia is gonna be our star!

[gasps]

Yeah, that's how I felt, too.

Celestia? Starring in our play?

This is huge!

Well, she was a little nervous at first,

but I told her not to worry.

With us helping, it'll all go smooth as--

SILK!

[zoom]

I must find the silk!

If Celestia is going to be in our play,

we have to take everything up to the next level!

None of these old ideas will do!

Yeah! Forget my regular party cannon.

For princess-size effects, we're gonna need "Big Bertha!"

[crash]

Applejack: Grrr... PINKIE!

What?

Our play is gonna be AMAZING!

I gotta tell everypony I know!

And even the ones I don't!

[zoom bang]

Why in tarnation are y'all gettin' so star-struck?

We've met Princess Celestia before.

Plenty of times.

Those were formal things, galas, world-saving.

This is different.

Imagine doing sweaty warm-ups with a princess.

Blowing your nose in front of a princess.

Sitting around just... talking with a princess.

I'm a princess. You talk to me.

That's different.

You're not a PRINCESS princess.

Uh... thanks.

Celestia wants to experience the special friendship

that theatre ponies have.

To give her that, you just need to be yourselves.

You...you really think so?

Heh. Aw, quit frettin'.

It's only a coupla pals gettin' together

to put on a Onesversary play.

What could go wrong?

Spike: Places, everypony.

We're here to rehearse "A New Day in Equestria!"

Ahem.

Directed, written, and produced by Twilight Sparkle.

Page 1, Act 1, Scene 1.

ACTION!

Once upon a time, before Celestia,

Equestria was suffering terrible hardship.

Raising the sun every morning was so hard,

it took five great sorcerers

plus Starswirl the Bearded to do it.

[grunts]

[clatter]

And every day, the unicorns helping Starswirl

would use so much magic, they lost their powers...

forever!

Things looked bleak.

Soon, Equestria would lose all its magic-users!

Then, the land would be covered in darkness for eternity.

[clatter]

Even I can't believe how good my play is.

The sets, the props, the outfits, they're all great!

And, here comes the best part.

But then, a student named Celestia discovered she had the

power to raise the sun herself, without draining her magic!

[birds chirping]

Um...that's your cue, Celestia.

Oh! Right! Of course.

Ahe-heh-hem.

[soft and awkward]

It is time for a new day in Equestria.

Um. What?

Oh, uh, I said...

It is time for a new day in Equestria.

And your delivery was...great.

But maybe you should try it a tiny bit louder.

For the ponies in the back row.

Oh, yes, yes.

My Royal Canterlot Voice.

Thank you for the reminder, Twilight.

IT IS TIME FOR A NEW DAY IN EQUESTRIA!

[echo]

Oh, goodness, this theatre does have strong acoustics.

My apologies.

I'm still learning to "hone my craft."

No, no, you're doing...fine.

Why don't we try it one more time?

Just like you're talking to me.

[robotic] It is time for a new day in Equestria.

A bit more energy.

[overdone] It's time for a new day in Equestria!

Uh...How was that?

Honestly...?

[crash]

Great! Wow!

It's hard to believe you've never done this before!

Let's move on to the dance number.

♪♪

Again! Step, buck, leap, touch...

Again!

Step, buck, leap, touch...

Got it?

Movin' on.

Five, six, seven, eight!

Come ON, StarSWIRL!

Throw OFF that musty HAT, and let's have a-a dance!

[clunk]

[scream]

[crash]

[groans]

Oh, dear.

I think we have a problem.

Yeah. Our lead actress is a disaster!

[panicked gasping]

What are we gonna do?

If I tell Celestia she's terrible,

it'll hurt her feelings.

And I'll be a bad friend.

But if I keep her in the show,

she'll be the laughingstock of Equestria.

And I'll be a worse friend!

Ya need to tell Celestia the truth, Twilight.

Any other suggestions?

Why don't we just cancel the show?

Real suggestions?

No, think about it.

Right now, most of Equestria doesn't

even know we're doing a Onesversary play.

If we shut it down...

Nopony will ever miss it!

So they'll never find out Princess Celestia

is a bad actress.

And she won't be embarrassed.

Ah! It's the perfect plan!

Rainbow Dash: All right!

I just finished telling everypony to come to our play!

You...did?

Yeah!

You should've seen how excited they got

when they found out Celestia was in it!

They said they'd tell their friends,

and then their friends'd tell their friends!

Everypony in Equestria is gonna see this thing!

Uh, did I miss something?

Just a bright light of hope being snuffed.

But that's OK.

If we can't cancel the show, I know what I have to do.

Be honest with Celestia and give the lead role to somepony else?

Not a chance.

Twilight, you know truth is a huge part of friendship.

And so is making another pony's dreams come true!

Look, I promised Celestia that this time she could

be a part of the play instead of just watching it.

And I plan to keep that promise.

But...how?

Celestia: You want to give me acting lessons?

No no no no no no!

More like, a special workshop with other actors.

To... take your performance from good to flawless!

Thank you so much, Twilight!

This is what I always knew theatre must be about.

That special stage pony bond of shared trust and honesty.

Yeah. That's what it is.

[door opens]

Princess Celestia? Meet Method Mare performers

On Stage and Raspberry Beret.

Avec pleasure, Your Majesty.

The pleasure is all mine!

If there's anything I can do to become

a better Equestrian thespian, I will!

What do you have planned?

Well, I thought we'd make it up as we go along.

Otherwise known as [bad French accent] "improvisation!"

YES, and we can start as soon as we get out of this box!

What box?

[groan]

[clatter]

How's it going over here?

That sun will never rise again.

That's why I have something even better!

Rarity: It's the perfect substitute!

[pop]

It was the perfect substitute.

[heavy sigh]

[zap]

Please give me something to be happy about.

Let's try visualization!

And...

you're skiing!

Whoosh, whoosh!

Oh, it's so snowy today!

Brrr...I'm getting chilly!

Should I get you a blanket?

All aboard!

The Ponyville Express is leaving the station!

WOO WOO!

CHUGGA CHUGGA CHUGGA CHUGGA!

It is? I don't see anything.

Let's be weeping willows in the wind!

We are strong in adversity, yet supple as we bow to fate.

Well? What do you feel?

Nothing.

Oh! The classroom floor under my hooves.

Does that count?

Do I want to know?

Wait for it...

[whoosh]

PINKIE PIE!

[sploosh]

What? It's realistic!

The sun is just like a burning marshmallow.

Twilight: What are they doing now?

The simplest acting exercise they could think of:

A game of Charades.

Actor: A puppy!

A duck-billed platypus!

Antidisestablishmentarianism!

Oh, I give up! What?

My love for Equestria and all the ponies in it!

Twilight, you felt what I was emoting, didn't you?

...Yeah!

Now that's the best acting we've seen all day.

[crowd chatter]

OK. I tried, and tried, and tried.

But we have to face facts.

We can't make Celestia an actress.

So there's only one thing to do.

Tell her the truth? Finally?

NO!

[groan]

I've re-written the script to give Celestia

a more "artistic" part.

With no lines.

And to make sure the show's a hit,

I've whipped up the biggest, bestest,

flashiest fake sun EVER!

[gasps]

Pinkie, that looks...unsafe.

Why would untested magic fireworks that I bought in a

back alley from Trixie at midnight be unsafe?

[whistles and explosions]

♪♪

[boom]

[coughing]

[splash]

[crash]

AAAAH!

I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!

IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A SIMPLE PLAY!

JUST ONE SIMPLE PLAY!

AND THEN EVERYTHING GOES WRONG!

FROM THE STAGE, TO THE PROPS, RIGHT DOWN

TO THE WORST LEAD ACTRESS IN EQUESTRIA!

[panting]

[horrified gasps]

[gasp]

Twilight.

If you honestly felt I was a bad actress, why didn't you tell me?

I'm so sorry.

I didn't mean to insult your acting.

It's just...I got so stressed.

But that's no excuse for what I said.

You have every right to be upset with me.

I'm not upset because you insulted my acting.

You're not?

I'm upset...

because in all the time we've known each other,

I thought I'd taught you about the importance of friendship,

trust, and honesty.

Celestia! Wait!

No! You can't fly away now!

Look!

Ponies are taking their seats for the show!

Heh heh. Standing room only!

Did I do a good job of advertising

for this thing or what?

Sorry.

We can't put on a show with no lead actress.

You go find Celestia.

We'll figure out a way to stall this thing till you get back.

♪♪

Spike: Good luck.

Nopony's gonna volunteer to try to tame that!

NoPONY indeed.

[gulp]

So... ha ha!

Who likes juggling?

Princess Celestia!

Please wait!

Can we talk?

I'm afraid I haven't much to say, Twilight.

All right then, just listen.

You've guided me since I was a filly.

You've given me knowledge, and advice, and friendship.

Just once...

I wanted to be able to give something back to you.

I know what I did was wrong.

I should've told you the truth.

But I promised you could be in our play!

I had to make it work.

Nothing would make me feel worse than knowing I disappointed you.

You really mean that?

Of course!

I look up to you more than anypony I've ever met.

I'd hate to let you down...

like I did.

Oh. You had good intentions, Twilight.

But you know that the truth is always better

than a well-meant lie.

Didn't Applejack remind you?

[sigh]

About a hundred times.

And now, because I didn't listen to her,

I've ruined your whole Onesversary.

Well, I don't know about that.

Isn't there an old saying, "The show must go on"?

There may be a way for us to save the play yet.

But how?

I mean, if I'm being completely honest...

You're not an actress.

No, but I am a princess.

BOOOO!

Good news, free food.

[munching]

Bad news?

This play is officially a disaster.

Fortunately, I know a thing or two

about how to deal with those.

You came back!

Yes. But let's celebrate later.

Right now, we have a show to do!

But-but-but how?

The audience is about to riot!

We have no backdrop!

And our lead actress is...!

No longer in that role.

Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Twilight, go calm the audience.

Let them know the play will start in just a minute.

Rainbow Dash, bring us some clouds

and place them behind the stage.

♪♪

There. That's our new backdrop.

Starlight, do you have a copy of the script?

Spike, you narrate the play.

Fluttershy will be our new lead.

Oh, my.

Me? Playing you?

While you watch me playing you?

Oh, no, oh no, I think my stage fright is coming back.

[panting]

Visualize with me.

You're a Princess.

Regal, commanding, confident.

Feel the rising sun's warmth.

Equestria needs you.

Spike: Once upon a time, before Celestia,

Equestria was suffering terrible hardship.

Raising the sun every morning was so hard

that it took five Unicorn Sorcerers

plus Starswirl the Bearded to do it.

[hooting laughter]

You call THOSE great sorcerers?

Oh, no. Hecklers!

What should we do?

Spike!

Improvise!

Yes! And... uh...raising the sun each day was super-draining.

But you can see that for yourselves, right?

I mean, do these guys look beat up or what?

Starswirl's so stressed he's got kinks in his horn!

[laughter]

But that's OK.

Cause it turns out, Celestia had the special power

to raise the sun all by herself!

It's time for a new day in Equestria!

[music flourish and then silence]

Agh! In all the commotion, we forgot we don't have a sun!

What do we do?

We play Charades.

♪ [majestic music] ♪

Oooh! Aaah!

Wow!

♪♪

[delighted shrieks]

My goodness!

I had no idea this production

would have such elaborate special effects!

[excited shouts]

Judging by how many flowers the audience threw,

it seems our play was a success.

I just feel bad you never got a chance to actually be in it.

You shouldn't.

I never felt I had to be on stage to be a part of the show.

All I ever wanted was to share an honest bond of creativity,

artistry, and happiness with my friends.

And that's exactly what I got to do.

Thank you for saving our play, Princess Celestia.

You're welcome, Twilight.

But from now on, none of you

will have to call me "Princess" anymore.

Huh?

Wait what?

We don't?

No. I had so much fun tonight, I've decided

to give up my crown, step down from the throne,

and devote all of my time to the theatre!

You...what?

Gotcha.

Maybe I'm not such a bad actress, after all.

[laughter]