Summer of Dreams (2016) - full transcript

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?