Summer of Dreams (2016) - full transcript

Washed-up pop-star has to move back to her hometown and finds a new direction by teaching young music students at the local high school. Romance is not far behind.

Hi.

Um, sound check go okay?

'Cause I feel a little hoarse.

You sounded great, as always.

Security?

Totally secure.

And the crowd's

totally rarin' to go?

They could not be more ready

for you, Miss Taylor.

Let's do it.

♪ Ah, ah-ah ♪

♪ Ah-ah, ah-ah ♪

♪ Every time ♪

♪ I'm telling secrets ♪

♪ I remember ♪

♪ How it used to be ♪

♪ And I realize ♪

♪ How much I miss you ♪

♪ And I realize ♪

♪ How it feels to be free ♪

♪ I see I'm up to no good ♪

♪ No, no, no ♪

♪ And I want to start again ♪

♪ Can't remember ♪

♪ When I felt good ♪

♪ Baby ♪

♪ I can't remember when ♪

♪ No... ♪

♪ Only in my dreams ♪

♪ As real as it may seem ♪

♪ It was only in my dreams ♪

♪ Yeah, yeah ♪

♪ Ooh! ♪

How'd it go?

Fit for a queen.

Or a California King.

Hey. You wanted

to keep your chops up.

Not that far up!

Listen, you've been

a real trooper with this, Deb,

but that's all

behind us after today.

We meet with the label,

we get your advance,

set up

some tour dates,

and you're back!

And not a moment too soon.

Just got my hotel bill

for the month.

Okay.

We'll push for a bigger advance.

I'll see ya soon.

Room service!

Oh! Ahem.

Liam's in town?

Don't lecture me, Ray.

I know you don't like him.

I just don't like him for you.

Good thing you manage my career

and not my social life.

Hey!

I'm not just your manager.

I'm your "work husband".

You know, one day,

I might have a real husband.

Oh! I'd like

to see that.

Just not with him, all right?

Debbie!

- Dylan.

- Hey!

Nice to meet you.

I'm sorry to keep you waiting.

I've been meaning

to meet with you sooner,

but things got a little crazy

after I took over for Lew.

This is Ray Royce.

Royce Management.

We spoke on the phone.

Nice to meet you.

Why don't you guys come on up?

Come on in.

Have a seat.

Somebody offer you

something to drink?

Pellegrino?

Sparkling water?

Yeah. We're...

We're good. Thank you.

Your last record was, what?

Three... Three years ago?

Two.

And I know

sales dropped off a little bit,

but this one

will more than make up for it.

As you know,

the industry's changed.

Things are all about

a social media presence now.

Oh! And here I thought

it was about the music.

Listen. There's really

no easy way to say this,

but, after

careful consideration,

we have decided to go

another direction.

With the music?

With you.

Sorry?

How do I say this?

We're no longer

in the "Debbie Taylor" business.

Are you dropping me?

I am. I'm sorry.

"Sorry"?

I've been at this label

since I was 15 years old.

Debbie Taylor

started this label.

It wouldn't be here without her.

You wouldn't be here!

Well, I am now.

Look, maybe if you're willing

to reconsider the sound...

but, until then,

Taylor Swift is relevant,

you're not.

Taylor Swift.

You used to be Taylor Swift.

We'll find another label.

In the meantime,

we'll start exploring

the other offers.

What other offers?

Okay. I know you said

no more reality shows,

but this one

has no wild animals.

Ray.

Okay, okay, okay.

How do you feel about

singing at a private

birthday party?

Four figures.

High four figures?

Low...

But a first-class round trip.

To where?

Saudi Arabia.

Is that a "no" or a "maybe"?

If you're my work husband,

I want a divorce.

So, happy anniversary, right?

Two years.

Who would have thunk?

Yeah.

Not me.

I got you something.

Me too.

Ta-dah.

Thank you.

You first, you first.

Okay.

"With all my love...

always, Debbie."

Aw.

Wow. Wow. Uh...

That's, uh...

It's amazing.

I had it custom-designed.

It's... It's... It's beautiful.

You like it?

Yeah.

Okay. Me next.

Um...

Uh...

It's a selfie-stick.

I see that.

Yeah.

I mean, that's kind of

our thing, right?

We just... We keep it casual.

When we're together, it's fun.

When we're not...

no pressure.

I mean, that's what

I love about you, Deb.

That's what you love about me?

Look, I...

I'm going back on location.

You're working on your album.

Let's not pretend like

this was ever anything serious.

Let's not make

a big deal out of this.

But-But... But is a big deal.

At least,

I thought it was a big deal.

Hey, you know what?

I bet you can

write a song about it.

"I mean nothing to you."

Oh, it'll top the charts.

Debbie. Debbie, come on.

Keep your stick.

Deb!

D, come on!

"Debbie Taylor...

"platinum albums, world tours,

and international fame

"at 15 years old.

What ever happened

to Debbie Taylor?"

It's open.

Thank you.

There she is!

I've been living

like the party

was never going to end,

and guess what?

It did.

Hey, we've been in the trenches

a long time.

We'll get through this.

Oh, I'm gonna miss

those pillow mints.

You know,

maybe it's time to sell this.

No!

It'll keep you in the hotel

a while.

Ray, I would rather

live in my car.

Look.

Maybe you could stay

with me for a while.

And "for a while," you mean

somewhere between one night

and the rest of my life?

If necessary.

Thanks, Ray, but...

I need a break.

I, uh, I need

to get out of this place.

I need some time.

How much time?

I don't know, enough time

to get my head together.

I need to figure out who I am,

apart from who I was.

Honey, the worst thing

you can do right now

is disappear.

I'm already gone, Ray.

Already gone.

Debbie.

Hey!

W-W-What are you doing here?

Uh, is something wrong?

Does something have to be wrong

for me to visit my sister?

Yes.

I just had some free time,

so I thought... vacay?

"Vacay". In Ohio.

With you and the fam.

Mwah!

Oh, I would've called first,

but I wanted to surprise you.

And you did.

Uh...

Wow! The place looks great!

Thank you.

So, uh, where is everyone?

Tim...

Is... Oh!

Picking up Natalie from soccer.

And, um,

you're not working anymore?

No, I'm working.

School's generally closed

on Sunday.

Yeah, right.

Of course.

So...

Whoo. Uh, how long are you

planning on staying?

Oh, just a few days,

give or take?

Uh, the thing is, um,

our spare room is now an office,

so maybe you might be

more comfortable in a hotel?

Oh! There they are!

Aunt Debbie?

Natalie! Look at you!

All grown-up.

I'm 11 and a half.

I can see the half.

Hey, Deb.

I thought that might be

your car out there.

Hey, Tim. Look at you!

All grown-up, too.

So, are you touring out here

or something?

No! She's vacay-ing.

No kidding? That's great!

You can stay in my room.

I have bunk beds!

Rock-paper-scissors

for the bottom bunk?

Oh! Top bunk.

Cool!

Oh, sweetie, don't touch that.

It's very valuable.

Oh, no, it's okay,

it's meant to be played.

Can you teach me

how to do my hair like yours?

No... she can't.

Your mom's right.

I can't.

I have a glam squad.

What's that?

People I pay

to make me look fabulous.

So, Tim, are you still

at the dealership?

"Kick the tires,

drive it off."

Ooh! Catchy.

Did Denise tell you

she got promoted

to assistant principal?

Oh!

- No.

- It's not a big deal.

Yes, it is.

To the new

Assistant Principal of...

Youngstown High.

- Youngstown High!

- Youngstown High.

You know what?

I brought prezzies!

Okay.

For my niece...

A Debbie Taylor make-up kit

and perfume!

She doesn't wear make-up yet.

No?

She's only in the 6th grade.

Oh. My bad. Just hang onto it

until you're in the 7th grade.

Oh! And... for my sister.

Oh, but...

really, you shouldn't have.

Open it.

A new pair of shoes

can change your life!

Just ask Cinderella.

They're beautiful.

I wear mine all the time.

But don't worry,

don't feel guilty.

They were swag.

Well, honey, I guess we'll just

have to go out now, won't we?

Thank you.

Ah. Oh!

And... for my brother-in-law.

Try it on.

I, uh, custom-designed that,

so, if there are

a few extra links,

just have your jeweler fix it.

My "jeweler."

Uh, sure.

Debbie, really,

this is all too much.

Nah.

No, she's right.

We can't accept this.

You can, and you will.

Why is she even here?

Maybe she wants

to be with her family.

No. That isn't it.

You don't know that.

Well, I know her.

Well, whatever it is,

she's here now,

so maybe it's an opportunity

for you two to get closer.

I suppose...

I can survive anything...

for a few days.

Right.

Do we have a jeweler?

A kid in my class

has 5,500 Instagram followers

and all he did was eat a worm.

I'm not eating a worm.

You just have to

chronicle your life.

I think I'll start

by living my life.

What have you been doing

all this time?

That's a good question.

You're like "Alice".

Alice In Chains?

"Alice in Wonderland."

She fell down the rabbit hole

and everything was new.

So the rabbit hole

leads to Ohio?

Maybe!

You're an interesting kid.

What's your bedtime?

Uh... late. You?

Late, too.

You know, your mom and I

used to stay up

so late every night,

talking.

In the summertime,

when it got dark,

we would go out to the hood

of Grandma and Grandpa's car,

and we would look

up at the stars,

and talk and talk and talk.

So you were BFFs?

The Del Vecchio

girls from Brooklyn!

I am sure you've heard

all the old stories.

Not really.

She never talks about you.

She doesn't?

Well, just about your shadow.

My shadow?

You know, the shadow

she grew up in.

That's why she moved here

and made a normal life,

so she could be herself,

and not just your sister.

Yeah.

Uh-oh.

Pretend you're asleep.

You have a very powerful aura.

It's a school night.

Sorry.

Goodnight!

Goodnight.

Come on in!

Oh, hey!

Why aren't you working?

I've... come back.

It's 3:30. P.M.

You've been here a week.

Wait. A week?

Is that all?

Um...

I've got a PTA meeting,

and I'm hoping

you can help me out.

Oh! I would love to sing

for the PTA.

What about

"Lightning in a Bottle"?

Actually, I thought

you could go to the market

and pick up

some food for dinner.

Butter, milk, pineap...

pineapple! Wait...

I'm making M...

Mom's pineapple

upside-down cake?

Yes.

Yum!

Oh...

Okay.

Ho! Oh, uh, hey.

Do you, uh,

need some help there?

Yeah. Um...

Do you know where

they keep the pineapple?

Uh... canned or fresh?

Um... um, I'm not sure.

I would go with fresh.

And... it's...

Uh, here. Just...

a little...

easier with one cart.

- Thank you.

- Sure.

Uh... follow me.

We have fruits, vegetables...

and... voilà, pineapple.

Perfect!

Mm-hmm.

Whoa!

I'm sorry.

Uh, so...

Now, these are oranges.

Yes, I know.

I've seen a picture

of them, once.

Ah. Yeah, yeah.

Yeah.

Okay.

Are you taking a picture of me?

W-What?

I don't mind posing

for a selfie,

but I really don't want

some weird candid shot

showing up on TMZ okay?

Oh. Uh...

Oatmeal.

It's, uh, for my mom.

I wasn't sure if

this was the right brand, so...

This is really embarrassing.

Yeah. For both of us.

Hello?

Ray! I've changed my mind.

I'm ready to go to Saudi Arabia.

Deb, it's off the table.

They got someone else.

Who?

Tiffany.

Oh!

Listen. Can

I call you back?

Who is that?

Is that a new client

or something?

Hey, I'm working here.

Call me in a couple

of days, okay?

You look good.

I can't do normal things.

I can't do anything.

I-I can't even

write my music anymore.

This isn't

just a "vacay", is it?

My label dropped me.

Oh...

Debbie.

So you're living here now?

No, I wouldn't... I wouldn't

call it living, exactly.

I'm tapped out.

How did that happen?

I was expecting an advance

for the next album.

There's... There's always

been a "next album", you know?

Apparently, I've been

spending money

I didn't know

that I didn't have.

It's okay.

I'll get my things,

I'll be gone.

No, you won't.

You may be a royal pain...

but you're still my sister.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I'll... I'll do my own laundry,

I'll get up earlier.

Yes, you will.

Because you'll be working.

What?

The after-school music teacher

had to leave unexpectedly.

You can fill in

for the end of term.

I don't know

anything about kids.

They're teenagers.

Nobody does.

How long is the term?

Until the end of school.

But that's, like, a month!

Three months.

Come on.

Come on!

Think of this

as your make-under.

Oh. So you're

my anti-glam squad?

Just promise me you'll stop

before you turn me

into Betty Crocker.

'Kay, Betty Crocker

is not even a real person.

Besides, you need to fit in.

Don't people know

that I'm your sister?

I don't really talk about it.

It's just... easier.

I get it.

And you might want to think

about going by your real name.

Debbie Del Vecchio from...?

From...

Brooklyn!

Really?

Looks like I'm

in your shadow now.

Class is from

3:00 until 4:00.

If you find yourself

running over,

they'll need permission slips.

Ah. I don't anticipate

that being a problem.

Well, uh... There you go!

Wait! Aren't...

Aren't you gonna introduce me?

Most of the teachers

just introduce themselves.

Oh, come on!

You cannot be nervous.

You played

Madison Square Garden!

Yeah. This is

far more intimidating.

All right! Everyone!

In your seats, please!

Ladies and gentlemen,

this is your new music teacher,

Miss Del Vecchio.

Hello, Youngstown!

Good to be back. Yeah.

Okay, I can see

I need to warm up the crowd.

That's okay. Uh...

First of all,

call me "Miss Debbie".

Miss Del Vecchio was my mom.

And it is because of her

I am where I am today,

so thank you, Mom.

Yes?

I'm Ashley,

and I'm here for extra credit.

I'm on the honors track

and I'm going to...

An Ivy League.

Hey...

Oliver!

Where did you study?

I studied

in a series of bars,

clubs, bowling alleys,

and an occasional

mattress store.

What?

Yes? The young man

in the cheap seats?

Johnny.

Are you staying the whole term?

Because our last few teachers

left us to get real jobs.

Oh, no, no, no.

I can assure you,

I won't be leaving

to go get a "real job,"

because this is the only job

I've ever had.

You've never had a job?

That's awesome!

So you're not a real teacher?

Well, I...

You're supposed to be

getting us ready for the prom.

The prom?

We're performing,

and we need to pick a song.

And it has to be perfect,

or else everyone

will laugh at us.

Okay.

Oh!

Okay.

I'm thinking power anthem.

The Stones,

Journey, Foreigner...

Zeppelin!

You guys with me?

You feeling it?

You ever heard of them?

What are they teaching you

in this place?

Wait. I... I will demonstrate.

Ahem! Okay.

Two, three, four...

♪ Oh... ♪

Whoo! Yeah!

Goodness.

Hey.

Hey.

What are you doing here?

Oh, well,

I am the guidance counselor.

Of course you are.

This just keeps getting better.

What's this?

It's what I give

all my emotionally-

challenged students.

"Stress, Hormones,

and High-School."

Not helping.

All right, look.

I think we got off

on the wrong foot.

I'm pretty sure

we're still on that foot.

Noah. Burns.

Debbie Tay... Del Vecchio.

Identity crisis?

Because I have

a pamphlet for that, too.

How'd your mother

like the oatmeal?

Oh! Yeah, she didn't.

Uh, it was the wrong brand.

Ooh, back to the cereal

aisle for you.

Yeah.

You know, first day at school

is always the worst.

Yeah, well, what

about the second day?

Uh, second day, usually

that is pretty bad, too.

Great.

Look...

this... this class.

It's, uh, it's

really important to them.

Your... Johnny,

he's in the foster system.

You know,

he's been bounced around a lot.

Music is the one

consistent thing he has.

I mean, truth is,

they're all there

because they love music.

They just need a way

to express it.

Them and me both.

You know,

if you do want to talk,

my office is down the hall.

Thank you, but the only

guidance I need right now

is how to get

to the parking lot.

Got it!

Got it, got it.

Down the hall,

turn right at the lockers,

left at the water fountain.

Okay.

Okay.

Hmm.

Hey! What are you two up to?

Aunt Debbie bombed.

Well...

you've been booed

off stage before.

No, I haven't.

I guess we can just

add "teacher" to the list

of things I'm not good at.

No.

That is not true.

You taught me

how to play the tambourine.

You still have that?

'Course I do!

Keeping it around in case...

Motown makes a comeback.

That was really good.

I think you mean "terrible".

Now, listen.

You want to connect

with those kids?

You just make them feel

what you feel

when you're singing.

Now, come on, you two.

Help me ruin some dinner.

Oh, hi.

Hi.

Johnny, right?

Yeah. What

are you playing?

Oh, have a seat, have a seat.

Uh, it's a new song

that I've been working

on for a while,

uh, a long while.

What's it called?

I'm thinking

"Wonderland."

"Wonderland." Okay.

Okay! I couldn't have

said that better myself,

and I didn't.

Well, thank you.

Hey, thank you.

All right!

It's that time.

All right, everybody,

take a seat, settle down.

Welcome back.

It's okay,

I know that, yesterday,

I tanked.

I speak better through music.

Music can say what words can't.

When I was your age,

I had all these thoughts

and feelings

that I couldn't convey,

and then I found music.

Or should I say music found me?

You know what's

so cool about music?

It never goes out of style.

It never goes through

an awkward phase...

no braces, no glasses,

no bad-hair days.

And when someone breaks

your heart one day...

not that I know anything

about that...

That music, those songs,

will be there for you.

The soundtrack of your life.

Okay. On your feet!

On your feet.

I wanna hear what you got.

Okay? So bring it!

"Star-Spangled Banner."

C-sharp...

♪ Ah ♪

♪ Oh, say can you see ♪

- ♪By the dawn's early light ♪

- Nice! Wow.

But lose the hand

gestures, Mariah.

We ain't directing traffic.

Posture. Stand straight.

Yes.

Okay, project.

Project, let me hear it.

♪ ...At the twilight's last gleaming ♪

♪ Whose broad stripes ♪

♪ and bright stars... ♪

Nice tone.

Shoulders back.

- ♪ Through the perilous fight ♪

- Up and out! Yes!

Yes, yes.

I can't hear you, Johnny.

Oh, I don't sing.

Ever?

I'm just the piano man.

Okay. All right!

And... that's all I need to hear

for today.

We'll save the high note

for next class.

Have a seat.

Have a seat, you guys.

Now, a song

can come out of anything.

It's not just the music

and the lyrics.

It's the beats...

the guy who makes the beats.

Not that I'm getting hired

to do that any time soon.

But that guy, he's a writer.

Oh, the girl who's delivering

the coffee and passes the mic,

going...

♪ "Yeah... yeah, yeah..." ♪

She's a writer.

Both contributed something

to the song

to give it its sound.

So, arrangement, production...

these are all key elements

in creating a hit song.

So maybe you'll want

to be out front,

like this little star over here.

Maybe you find you're good

at another part of the process

and you become

the next Quincy Jones.

The next Pharrell!

Yeah!

Right?

Hey!

Wasn't sure

you were coming back.

Well, it turns out

you were wrong.

The second day is better

than the first.

Oh, hey! There you go.

And my work here is done.

"How To Speak to Your Family."

"What Will I Be When I Grow Up?"

How is it that

all of these apply to me?

So my work here is not done.

Oh!

How'd your mother

like the oatmeal?

Oh, yeah, so I'm...

I'm narrowing down

to steel-cut or Cream of Wheat.

Hmm. Let me know

how that goes.

And in case you're wondering...

I don't live with my mom.

It's okay if you do.

You know, I was just

picking her up a few things.

Okay, okay.

Okay, okay.

Wow, these are amazing.

Really amazing.

Who's the photographer?

Ah, he's some amateur hack.

Ah-ha-ha-ha!

Old-school.

Yep, I'm an old-school guy.

So...

Look, in case I...

I didn't mention it before...

thank you for taking time

out of your life

to help these kids.

Yes! I thought

you looked familiar

on aisle two,

but playing piano

backwards yesterday,

yeah, that

pretty much sealed it.

No, I guess you want

to keep this quiet,

what, with the hair

and the clothes

and the name-change.

No, Del Vecchio

is actually my real name.

Wait. Okay.

So who's "Taylor"?

"Taylor's Burgers" in Brooklyn.

My sister and I used to

hang out there all the time.

Wow, well, it's a good thing

you didn't hang out

at Der Wienerschnitzel.

All right, all right, all right.

So as long as we are...

opening up

the old playbook here...

I danced to your music

at my high school prom.

I actually didn't go

to my high school prom.

Wait, wait, wait.

Don't tell me no one asked you?

Yeah, that,

and I didn't go to high school.

Well, now's your chance.

♪ The first time ♪

♪ In my new life is all right... ♪

Stage presence, you guys.

It's a performance,

not a police line-up.

You guys have to own the stage.

C-3PO, relax!

Yeah, not that relaxed.

I don't know,

it's kind of like a stance.

Like...

Yeah.

Yeah!

Thanks a lot.

I asked for that one.

All right, you guys.

That's it for today.

See you tomorrow!

All right,

don't forget to practice.

Oh, hey, Kacey.

You have got such great style.

Do you mind coming up

with a look for the group?

Uh, yeah! Of course!

All right!

All right!

Darryl?

How are you with lights?

I've got Mega-Lite, Elation,

and Blizzard Pro.

I don't know what

any of those are,

but sounds good to me.

All right.

Cool.

Hey, Ashley...

Check it out.

Thank you.

I'll text you.

Yes, please.

Hey! Hey, hey.

How would you like to be

the DJ for our group?

Me?

Yeah, you.

- I can do that.

- Okay.

Ahem.

You're singing

like I'm grading you.

Newsflash... I'm not!

I should just quit.

My Mom doesn't want me

doing this anyways.

W-W-Wait, wait.

Singing's about joy.

It's about freedom.

If you let the emotion flow,

your voice will follow.

And, while you're at it,

let it pass your heart

on the way up, okay?

Okay.

All right.

Now get outta here!

Hey.

Hey.

So, uh, you know Billy Joel

was a classical pianist,

and he started singing

just to write his songs,

and it turned out

he was really good.

Yeah, that's not me.

Oh, yeah.

Yeah, you don't sing.

Right. Mm-hmm.

You know,

my old foster mom

used to play Billy Joel.

That was a long time ago,

though.

You don't see her anymore?

No, she moved.

I live in a group home now,

and I'm 18 in a few months,

and then I'm out.

Then what happens?

I don't know.

I have a weekend job

at a hardware store,

and I'm trying to get full-time.

Yeah, I've been on the road

since pretty much my whole life,

or holed up, writing.

Can you believe I actually

missed my sister's wedding?

'Cause I was on tour?

I missed my niece being born.

I sent stuff

instead of showing up.

The only real relationship

I've had is with my manager.

Come to think of it,

he's on commission.

Thank you.

Yes. Of course.

Oh! And I thought

I had a boyfriend,

but that's only because

I wasn't around enough

to realize that I meant

absolutely nothing to him.

He got me a selfie stick.

Oh...

Not that anyone

in their right mind

should get involved with me.

Duly noted.

Wow, I've been talking a lot.

How long have I been talking?

Ah, yeah, that's okay.

I'm here until June.

And maybe you're being

too hard on yourself.

I mean, I don't see

any other pop stars

working with kids in Ohio.

Yeah, about that...

that wasn't really my idea.

We do have, um,

patient/guidance counselor

privilege, right?

Generally not.

But I promise,

I won't tell your parents.

You know, I came here

to, um, you know,

hide out

and plan my big comeback.

But what if

there is no coming back?

Oh, there's always a way back.

What if I peaked at 15?

Or maybe you haven't peaked yet.

You know, it's kinda

late for this pep talk.

Like... Like 20 years.

Right. You know, I, uh,

you know what I did before

I was your counselor?

Commodities trader in Chicago.

Had the highrise

on Michigan Avenue,

toys, expense account...

uh, and a wife, too,

also a trader.

What happened?

She loved the life.

I didn't.

And turned out,

she also loved someone else...

my partner.

Ooh! Sorry.

Yeah. Thanks.

Wasn't the best of times,

but it worked out.

And, uh, this... this is you?

Crummy office, no view,

cold coffee... this is me!

Oh!

I feel like

I'm making difference here,

and it's where I grew up.

Today, you're a music teacher,

tomorrow, who knows?

My guess is,

you'll be back on stage,

and this'll all be

a distant memory.

Yeah. I think

I'll remember this.

Trust me.

Mm.

Guess the question is,

are you trying to find

your next hit,

or... yourself?

Wow. You're good.

Yeah. Actually,

that just came to me.

Oh, yeah.

Whoo! Uh...

I'm afraid your time is up.

My next appointment is waiting.

Well, thank you very much.

And! I would say

it seems we're making progress,

don't you think?

Hello.

Hello.

Nice to see you taking advantage

of our Guidance Program.

He's helping me

with a few issues.

Yes. He is

very helpful.

And cute.

I hadn't noticed.

Mm.

And there's nothing going on.

Right, well, that is too bad,

because he is the exact opposite

of your usual type,

which is awful, by the way.

Thanks a lot.

Oh, come on.

Don't you remember?

Your first boyfriend?

The vinyl pants?

Oh!

Oh! And there's

the one with the blue hair...

Oh!

Who drove over

Mom's flowers?

That was a scene.

Should I keep going?

Please don't.

And what about you?

What about your first boyfriend?

Yes. I married him.

Tim's your first boyfriend?

Yeah.

First one that mattered.

So how much did it

cost to fix your car?

Don't ask.

Hey, listen.

Do you have a shopping list?

I'm going to the market.

Um...

I'm making dinner for Natalie

tonight.

Well, Natalie's making dinner

for me tonight,

and you and your first boyfriend

are going out.

That is not necessary.

It is.

And it's all been arranged.

All right.

I'll text you a list.

All-righty.

Oh-ho-ho-ho.

Oh, ho-ho-ho!

It's a work of art!

We have to Instagram this.

Can we eat it first?

If you want to get

your following up,

people love seeing

photos of food. Or cats.

- Why?

- No one knows.

Selfie!

Ohh!

Wow!

Mom, you look fierce!

She does, doesn't she?

And tall!

Stay out past curfew.

We won't wait up!

♪ Don't make me want it ♪

♪ You know you got it ♪

♪ You got me hooked ♪

♪ and you're the key ♪

Oh.

Ray. Hold on.

Hey.

Hey. Why are you whispering?

I was asleep.

Asleep? It's 9:30.

Ray, it's a school night.

Now you're starting to worry me.

You haven't called me in a week.

I've been busy.

I, uh, I cooked dinner, um...

Oh! I totally mastered

the art of laundry.

And I'm driving

the carpool tomorrow!

How exciting is that?

Did I call a wrong number?

Hey, I'm experiencing life.

Because it's good

for your music?

Oh, yeah, that too.

Well, send me your new stuff.

Oh, I will.

I will.

When?

Um, I don't know.

Uh, after the prom.

I don't know when a sentence

has ever disturbed me more.

Oh...

Goodnight, Ray.

♪ Some people ♪

♪ Miss what it's all about ♪

♪ It's what you put in ♪

♪ That equals ♪

♪ What you're gettin' out ♪

♪ And I don't believe ♪

♪ That there was ever any doubt ♪

♪ That no one's getting out for free ♪

♪ So I keep it beautiful inside me ♪

That was seriously good

for a guy who doesn't sing.

Did you write that yourself?

Yeah, I did.

Listen, what you have

is curable,

it's called stage fright.

I, uh, I once

performed at a party, and...

and I froze completely.

That feeling... it's also

what makes it so exciting.

Yeah, I-I just feel better

in the background, you know?

I know.

But when you're ready

to push past that feeling,

I promise you...

something magical awaits.

Hey, guys!

Hey, hey! Oliver...

What's going on?

My first track.

Ooh, let me hear it.

Awesome!

Keep it going.

Keep it going.

All right, guys.

Before we start class...

I realized we have to come up

with a name for the group.

Any ideas?

How about

the "Above-Average Singers"?

Any other ideas?

After-school Music Program?

Ah, there's something there.

Okay...

A.M.P... Amp!

A.M.P... AMP! AMP!

Now, see?

After-School Music Program. AMP.

That's it!

Bring it in, guys, bring it in!

All right!

Two, three, four...

AMP!

Shine brightly, you guys!

Take your seats, guys.

Take your seats.

One sec, one sec.

Be right back.

Ahh. Hey, what's up?

I just met with the principal.

He's canceling the class.

What? W... Why?

He thinks it's too expensive.

I've been juggling funds

to keep it going.

Ultimately, he thinks

there's not enough kids

to justify the expense.

I'm really sorry.

I shouldn't have pushed you

into this.

No. No, you should have.

Can I have till

at least the end of the week?

Please tell me

it's not Thursday.

It's Wednesday.

I heard.

I'm going to need

something stronger.

Okay.

Last month, I was ready to quit.

Now I feel awful.

I was just

making a breakthrough.

I can't leave them.

Hmm.

Then don't.

I won't.

Oh!

Maybe this is my comeback.

Okay.

So, um,

this is a limited edition.

They only made 20.

And it was given to me

personally by Billy Joel

when I performed with him

at Madison Square Garden.

These are the signatures

of all the top acts

in the country.

I'll give you five grand.

No, no, no, no, no.

It's worth, like,

20 times that amount.

Not to me.

I promised I'd never sell this.

Okay, okay. Um...

I will let it go for ten.

Eight is as high as I'll go.

I'll take it.

Hey, Deb!

Hey!

What's up?

Ahem. Listen.

I have a favor to ask you.

All right, am I supposed to

kick the tires or something?

I wouldn't.

"Meet me in the parking lot."

Hey, you guys!

There's been a change of venue.

Come on, hop in!

Come on in, you guys.

Come in.

What is this?

You'll see.

Keep it moving.

Keep it moving.

Come on.

Welcome to...

"AMP Studios"!

Wow. This is yours?

Ours.

Bring it in, you guys!

We are going to rock that prom.

Two, three, four!

AMP! Whoo!

So what are we doing here?

There's something

you need to see.

There's our van.

Um, what do you mean "our"?

Dad gave her a good deal.

Insurance and permission slips,

signed by all the parents.

And yes, electronic signatures

are authorized

by the school board.

Who are you?

The group manager.

Come on.

Well? What

do you think?

Who's paying for all this?

Billy Joel.

You sold your keyboard?

Yeah.

Hey.

You missed

your appointment today.

Had to give your time away

to a sophomore.

Wow. This guidance counselor

thing is really full-service.

Well, one can never get

enough guidance.

Ah! In my case, that actually

happens to be true.

So are you hungry?

Because I was on my way

to the market, and...

How can I turn that down?

Uh, you can't.

Okay, so, produce then cereal?

Yeah. Followed

by Frozen Foods,

Deli Counter,

and Wine and Spirits.

Oh! Oh... let's get

some oatmeal for your mom.

No, she's removed me

from shopping detail, so...

I'm getting her some anyway.

All right, all right,

but you've gotta hop on.

Hop...?

Yeah, yeah.

Here we go.

Oh!

Yeah, you get a ride.

I like this, uh,

"marketing" thing.

Exactly, plus you get

to eat afterwards, right?

Whee!

Lovely night.

Look at this.

Candlelight...

a view of the parking lot.

Oh, wait.

W-Wait, wait, wait.

What, what, what?

This...?

And...

the cheap romance continues.

You shouldn't have.

Oh...

Oh!

I was hoping

for the plastic tiara.

No, I love this.

I am gonna wear it...

at least until it breaks.

Okay, now that is

good quality plastic,

so it could go five minutes.

Well, here's

to the next five minutes.

May it feel like six.

Your kids are, uh...

your kids are lucky to have you.

I'm pretty sure

I'm the lucky one.

They remind me

of someone I used to know.

Who's that?

Me.

Here we are.

Ah. Oh!

Your pineapple.

Thank you.

We'll get this clasp

fixed on this...

Yes, please.

Expensive

watch here.

I had a really good time.

Yeah. Me too.

Me too.

We should do it again.

Tomorrow night?

Salad Bar, Aisle 9?

I was thinking prom night, gym.

Um...

Are you asking me to the prom?

As friends.

I'm... I'm chaperoning.

- Friends?

- Mm-hmm.

Of course.

You said no one

in their right mind should

get involved with you, so...

And you listen to everybody

on your couch?

Always.

I should tell you

that my first prom was awful.

And, uh,

oh, I'm a really bad dancer.

Oh, come on. How bad?

My date left with someone else.

Ooh!

Oh. Now I'm gonna

have to say yes.

That was the plan.

Uh...

Oh!

Goodnight, then.

Goodnight.

Oh, wow!

I really am in high school.

What happened?

Well...

I'm going to the prom.

We're just friends.

Long talks,

dinners at the market...

That's how it starts.

Ooh!

Debbie?

What are you up to?

Thank you.

Okay...

So...

Do either one of these

say...

"prom"?

Uh, no and no.

Those are more me than you.

I've been trying to fit in

and I can't even get that right.

Where's my glam-squad?

I am your new glam squad.

This was supposed to

be a surprise.

What?

All right.

Oh... this is gorgeous!

It's so me...

Thank you!

But, uh...

what are you gonna wear?

I'm a chaperone.

It doesn't matter.

Doesn't matter?

Chaperones are allowed to have

a glamorous night out, too.

What?

Oh, ho, ho!

You are crazy.

And you love it.

♪ Falling, falling ♪

♪ Into the void ♪

♪ Ooh, tryin' ♪

♪ To quiet the noise ♪

♪ And I am just droppin' ♪

♪ Everything ♪

♪ And takin' in all ♪

♪ That this day brings ♪

♪ Wonderland tonight ♪

♪ Shinin' my light ♪

♪ It's wonderful ♪

♪ And I'm shining so bright ♪

♪ For the first time ♪

♪ In my new life ♪

♪ It's all ♪

♪ All right ♪

♪ Wonderland tonight ♪

♪ Wonderland tonight ♪

Yes!

Yes, you guys!

That was so good.

That was so good, you guys.

Yeah.

Good job, Oliver.

How was that?

How did it feel?

Amazing.

Thank you, Miss D.

You got it.

You got it.

Hey there!

Oh, hey!

Hi.

Mr. Burns is here,

everybody,

to take a few pictures.

Yes, so you can just ignore me.

We always do!

That's very funny.

Very funny.

Yeah, very fun...

Oliver, stop by my office later.

I will give you

an application to clown school.

Okay, you guys!

Gather around!

Gimme a... ♪ "C" ♪

♪ C... ♪

Nice.

I didn't know anyone

had a darkroom anymore.

Well, when I bought the place,

this was actually a sewing room,

and I kinda

gave up on that, so...

That's too bad.

I was gonna ask you

to hem my prom dress.

Ooh! You got

a prom dress?

Guilty.

Wait.

What color?

Why do you wanna know?

So I can get you a corsage.

Oh!

Well, in that case...

royal blue.

Well, your majesty,

a royal blue corsage, then.

On its way!

Oh.

They look so happy.

Yeah.

So do you.

Turns out I am.

Mm-hmm.

Here in Youngstown.

In a converted sewing room.

Your career is certainly on

an interesting trajectory.

Let's hope so.

Where's all your stuff?

In storage.

And you never wanted

a place to call home?

No, no, I did.

Long ago.

But it was never the right time

or the right place,

and so here I am, just, uh...

Waiting to get back

into your life?

Yeah. That was the plan.

Huh.

Well, sometimes,

life is what happens

when you're making plans, right?

Yeah.

Yeah. I wonder now

if that picture I had out there

is actually the life

I'm meant to be living,

and I don't know

if it's what I want anymore.

Hmm.

Come on.

Let's, uh...

Let's take a walk.

Show ya how

the non-New Yorkers live.

Quietly!

Very quietly.

Oh, it's just differently.

What's going on?

I was helping my mom

clean out the basement.

Look... at this.

It's Miss D?

She's beautiful.

I can't believe it.

Wait, here she is.

"Debbie Taylor..."

"The youngest

person ever

to write and perform

a number-one single."

She was our age!

What's she doing teaching us?

Oh, no...

The kiss of death.

"Debbie Taylor...

Where Are They Now?"

All right, you guys,

let's run it from the top.

Miss D?

When did you start

writing music?

Ooh, um...

Probably when I was a little bit

younger than you guys, actually.

Before we start rehearsal,

can you sing us

one of your songs?

You don't want to hear that.

- Come on, please?

- Please!

- Come on!

- Come on!

Okay.

Ahem. What should I sing?

Um... oh!

Well, I'll do the first one.

The first one I wrote,

and I'm used to doing it

as, like, an upbeat dance song,

but, um, I guess I'm about

to try something new.

♪ Every time ♪

♪ I'm telling secrets ♪

♪ I remember ♪

♪ How it used to be ♪

♪ And I realize ♪

♪ How much I miss you ♪

♪ And I how it feels ♪

♪ To be free ♪

♪ I see I'm up to no good ♪

♪ And I want to start again ♪

♪ Can't remember ♪

♪ When I felt good ♪

♪ Baby ♪

♪ I can't remember when ♪

♪ No ♪

♪ Only in my dreams ♪

♪ As real as it may seem ♪

♪ It was only in my dreams ♪

It's so good!

Perfect!

You did it!

Smile for Instagram.

I'll get the plates.

Who needs plates?

You're right.

Who does?

Huh. It's Ashley.

She missed two

college prep sessions,

and now I find out

she's been hanging out

in some studio.

I'm sorry,

Mrs. Vance, but...

didn't you sign

a permission slip?

No, and I wouldn't.

Clearly, there's been

a misunderstanding,

and I will get to

the bottom of it.

I signed it.

And just how do you expect

to get into

an Ivy League school,

wasting all your time singing?

Mrs. Vance.

If you could just hear her,

and hear the passion

that she sings with...

You would know it's

not a waste of time.

She's really good.

She may...

look up to you...

but you're hardly a role model,

are you?

And you're exactly

why I won't let her

pin her hopes on music...

a couple of hits

that no one remembers,

and look where you are now.

Mom!

Ashley, it's okay.

She's right.

No, she's not!

In fact, I can't think of

a better role model.

She followed her dream.

She never gave up.

She's performed

in front of 18,000 people

holding lit candles

at Madison Square Garden,

and she will be back there

again one day.

And what are you, her publicist?

No.

I'm her sister.

Keep singing.

You have a wonderful voice.

When was

the last time we did this?

Mm, when we were Natalie's age?

You know, I never

really got to tell you

I'm sorry.

For what?

For ruining your childhood.

Mom was always so focused on me.

You were practically

raised by housekeepers.

I never blamed you for that.

I mean, you were just

doing what you loved.

Maybe I was envious

of the attention,

but that wasn't your fault.

You always included me.

Remember that time you

asked me to play tambourine

in that session?

Even though you knew I had

absolutely no rhythm!

None whatsoever.

You know, I always

envied your life, too.

You did?

Yeah. What you have with Tim

and Natalie is amazing.

You've built a really great life

for yourself, Denise.

Well, you made

a pretty great life, too.

Yeah...

Yeah, but I never

put down roots.

So I have no one

to come home to.

Now you do.

Can we just forget about

the last 10, 15 years?

Mm...

Let's make it 20.

♪ Only in my dreams ♪

♪ As real as it may seem ♪

Why am I seeing this online

instead of from her?

You dropped her, remember?

♪ ...In my dreams ♪

♪ When I felt good ♪

♪ Baby, yeah ♪

Who wrote this?

She did.

This...

I love this.

The simplicity...

it's fresh, it's new.

I think we just got back

in the Debbie Taylor business.

Wake up!

What is it?

Your Instagram is blowing up.

Look at your followers!

Can you believe how many?

Is that more than the kid

who ate the worm?

Like a zillion more!

You officially have

social media presence.

And yet, I feel no different.

Let's just check your Twitter.

No. Let's get you

ready for school.

You sound like my Mom.

Thank you.

You really do.

Does that mean

I get to drive carpool?

Can we take the van?

Anything to get you moving.

Come on.

Are you guys ready

to rock this prom?

Okay, bring it in, bring it in.

Two, three, four!

AMP! Whoo!

All right. Get some rest.

You guys are gonna need it.

All right, big day ahead!

You got it.

You got it, you got it.

Hey.

Hey.

Well done.

Whatcha got there?

For you.

Oh...

This is the best gift

I've ever gotten.

Oh, well,

that's hard to believe.

It's true.

Oh!

Uh...

Is that background music?

Come on.

You really don't dance?

Well...

Does the Chicken Dance count?

No!

Okay. Then

I don't dance.

Oh, boy, here we go.

Okay, okay, wait.

Aren't I supposed to lead?

A minor technicality.

Don't look at the door.

Don't look at your feet.

Well, what should I look at?

Me.

I can do that.

♪ ...This is gonna be hard on me ♪

♪ It's true ♪

♪ I confess when I look in your eyes ♪

♪ There better be ♪

♪ Nobody else ♪

♪ That's no lie ♪

♪ So I give my love to you ♪

♪ Baby, yeah ♪

Look, I can't, uh...

This isn't working

for me. This...

No, no, you're doing great.

This "friends" thing.

It's just...

I know I said

I wanted to be friends,

but I don't.

Okay.

I wasn't supposed to

get involved here,

'cause you're "Debbie Taylor"

and you're just passing through,

but...

truth is, I am involved,

with that Del Vecchio girl,

and I'm pretty sure

she's just passing through, too.

I'm still wearing

your plastic watch.

Yeah. And I'm wearing

my heart on my sleeve.

I don't want

to be friends either.

You don't?

♪ So I give ♪

♪ My love to you ♪

♪ Baby, yeah ♪

Here she is.

You left your phone.

I thought you left me.

I've been calling all day.

What are you guys doing here?

I'm bringing you home.

Wow, I can't believe

they did this.

I didn't even think

they knew who I was.

Sweetie, everyone's gonna

know who you are now.

Dylan loves it.

The label wants to resign.

He's agreed to your advance,

plus a signing bonus.

What?

Aw! Congratulations!

That is fantastic.

Way to go, sis.

You did it, Aunt Debbie!

Okay, I hate to break up

this love-fest here,

but I am the work husband,

and she needs to get packed,

A.S.A.P.

Packed?

The label is flying us back.

They want you

in New York tonight.

You are presenting

at the Manhattan Spirit

Music Awards tomorrow.

No, no. Tomorrow's the prom.

Debbie, come on, this is big.

Ray, I can't just up and leave.

I'll tell the kids.

And I'll fill in

for you backstage.

Yeah. Yeah.

I will, too.

After all, I won't be dancing.

Yeah.

Come on.

Ahem.

I know I'm supposed to feel

happier about all this...

You will,

once you see those pillow mints.

I'm sorry, Noah.

You were always going to leave.

I knew that.

I really thought that...

Me too.

But...

we will always have

the market, right?

You were the best relationship

I never had.

Likewise.

When I was

a little bit older than you,

I went to go see

my very first concert,

and your Aunt Debbie

got me a backstage pass,

and I went to go her sing,

and every person in the audience

was singing with her,

holding a candle.

It was like a sea of lights.

Can I hear another story?

No. Tomorrow night, okay?

It's very late.

Mm...

I miss her.

Me too, sweetie.

Me too.

Welcome

to the Manhattan Spirit

Music Awards.

Would all presenters

please check in?

Hey!

Hey, you.

Hey, hi!

Deb!

Liam.

- Hi!

- Hey.

I heard you were presenting.

Yeah.

Yeah. Me too.

Yeah, they, uh, they've got me

promoting this new film.

Between you and me, it's, uh,

ah, it's not my best work.

You look great.

Thank you. So do you.

Thank you.

You know, I miss you.

I miss what we had.

What did we have?

Well, we had our thing,

you know?

Yeah. "Our thing."

Listen.

Uh, you want to catch up later

for a drink?

No. I don't think so.

I'll call you.

Hello, Liam.

Ooh.

Not him again.

No.

Not him.

Good.

Today...

red carpet at 3:00,

seating at 4:00.

Awards at 5:00,

followed by three

post-award parties.

And tomorrow, you do

the morning shows,

meet with the label,

we get a little advance,

and... and you're back!

Debbie!

It's great to see you.

I love the new song.

When did you write that?

When I was 13.

Right.

Well, I always knew

you had it in you.

Thank you.

You know, you never

would've heard it,

if it weren't for my kids.

I didn't know you had kids.

Eight of them.

"Octomom."

Good for you.

I think you'll like the numbers.

I've decided to go

in a different direction.

I'm sorry?

I'm not signing.

What do you mean?

You're turning us down?

You can't say no to us.

Who do you think you are?

She's Debbie Taylor.

And when you're out of a job

and someone with taste

takes your place,

she'll still be Debbie Taylor.

I'm sorry, Ray.

I couldn't do it.

I mean, why can't I do this

on my terms now?

Have an actual life,

make music,

mentor these kids,

tour on summer breaks,

and...

maybe even help one very

talented kid break my record?

You know what I'm thinking?

Of course I do.

I'm your work husband.

I bet you can still make it.

♪ All the days you die ♪

♪ Just to survive ♪

♪ Never had the chance ♪

♪ To feel alive ♪

♪ Doing what we could ♪

♪ To make it through ♪

♪ Even together ♪

♪ Me and you ♪

♪ We left the cold days ♪

♪ Behind us ♪

♪ Where they'll never find us ♪

Ashley, it's so great

your mom let you come.

Yeah.

Hey! It's

almost show-time!

You kids go out there

and have fun.

Yep.

I can't believe we're actually

doing this without Miss D.

We can do this, right?

We can do this.

And you know what

she always said...

"Shine brightly."

Bring it in.

Two, three, four...

AMP! Whoo!

Do it!

You guys are gonna be great.

♪ ...All the clouds'll be passing by ♪

♪ Be everything you wish to be ♪

♪ Live like you are

young and wild and free ♪

♪ Keep flying high ♪

♪ Keep flying high ♪

♪ Keep flying high ♪

♪ Keep flying high ♪

♪ Keep flying high ♪

All right, everyone.

Please put your hands

together for AMP,

who will be performing

"Wonderland"!

Thanks, uh,

but we're gonna be playing

a different song,

for someone

we wish were here tonight.

We hope you like it.

♪ Every time ♪

♪ I'm telling secrets ♪

♪ I remember ♪

♪ How it used to be ♪

♪ And I realize ♪

♪ How much I miss you ♪

♪ And I realize ♪

♪ How it feels to be free ♪

♪ Now I see I'm up to no good ♪

♪ And I want to start again ♪

♪ Can't remember when I felt good ♪

♪ Baby ♪

♪ I can't remember when ♪

What are you doing here?

Still need a date for the prom?

Well, uh, actually, my last one

did run out on me.

She must have been

out of her mind.

♪ It was only in my dreams ♪

♪ No, no, no, no, ♪

♪ Only in my dreams ♪

♪ As real as it may seem ♪

♪ It was only in my dreams ♪

What are they...

what are you girls doing?

Hey, everybody,

it's Debbie Taylor!

All right, you guys

better back me up.

Back me up!

Whoo! Here we go!

♪ Fallin', fallin' ♪

♪ Into the void ♪

♪ Ooh, trying ♪

♪ To quiet the noise ♪

♪ Let's go on and drop ♪

♪ Everything ♪

♪ And takin' all ♪

♪ That this day brings ♪

♪ Wonderland ♪

♪ Tonight ♪

♪ Shinin' my light ♪

♪ It's wonderful ♪

♪ And I'm ♪

♪ Shinin' so bright ♪

♪ For the first time ♪

♪ In my new life ♪

♪ It's all ♪

♪ All right ♪

♪ Wonderland tonight ♪

♪ Wonderland tonight ♪

Whoo!

♪ Some people ♪

♪ Wanna bring you down ♪

♪ 'Cause their way ♪

♪ Of getting high ♪

♪ Is to push you to the ground ♪

♪ Some people hide behind ♪

♪ How their actions ♪

♪ Speak so loud ♪

♪ But their words are meant ♪

♪ To hurt somehow ♪

♪ And some days ♪

♪ I just wanna disappear ♪

Hey!

Good song, guys?

Ray called.

And don't forget

your 3:30.

Do your homework.

Autograph?

Hall Pass.

Are you coming for dinner?

It's "Taco Tuesday", isn't it?

So... where were we?