Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. Able 2014 # I'm in a new place with the same face. # And nothing is familiar to me. # But there's a storm rush. Then the wind starts. # And it's bringing out the woman in me. # I know that you're out there somewhere. Waiting on a deeper connection. # Now I'm looking to my left, # searching on my right. Cos we could be the greatest adventure. # I'm ready. # Come and find me. # I'm not gonna... I got the sun on my side. # It's heavy cos I'm finally # open for the one. And I'm ready, ready. # I'm ready. # I feel you're out there. # So, baby, beware. # Cos now it's just a matter of time. # Now it's just a matter... # Before I pull us close and the sky falls. # The very moment that I tell you you're mine. # I'm ready. Come and find me. # I'm not gonna... I've got the sun on my side. # It's heavy cos I'm finally # open for the one. And I'm ready, ready. # I'm ready. Come and find me. # I'm not gonna... I've got the sun on my side. # It's heavy cos I'm finally # open for the one. And I'm ready, ready. # I'm ready. Come and find me. # Goodbye, sweetheart. Take good care of yourself. Oh, Mummy, you forgot this. Angel! I worry so about you living alone. Oh, Mother, it's adorable of you to be so concerned but I'm capable of taking care of myself. Come on, girls. Goodbye, my chicken. I'm free! I can live in New York on my own! I can do whatever I want! Yay! Yes! 'I was born and nurtured in New York, the centre of the universe.' 'Unfortunately, my mother is moving me to another planet - New Jersey.' 'Is it any wonder that I couldn't face reality?' 'Can anyone blame me for dreaming she was leaving me in my beloved city?' 'Mary! Mary, let's go!' Goodbye, childhood home, intellectual and spiritual stimulation. Bye, Broadway. Mary, don't be such a drama queen. Lola. My name from this day forward is Lola. I've known since I was five that my true name is Lola. Mary is the name on your birth certificate. It's the name that I'm going to call you. 'In my family, I am a flamingo in a flock of pigeons.' # I trip, I fall, I catch myself # Keep wishing I was someone else # I'm never where I'm supposed to be... 'Goodbye, New York and any chance of becoming a famous actress.' # ..And it hurts # An adventure # Finding the real me # The real me # I'm a reflection # A reflection # Of everything I see, yeah # 'Your parents tell you to have dreams.' 'Then they move you to New Jersey. It makes no sense.' Welcome to Deadwood! Is she allowed to say that? Come on. Hurry, hurry. Let's see the new house. Come on. Oh, Mom! It's just grass. It's all over the place. The sun porch is my bedroom. 'Ordinariness isn't all I have to fight. Gross injustice is another.' 'The only person I can turn to is Stu Wolff, the greatest poet since Shakespeare and the lead singer of Sidarthur.' 'He'd see me through my dark suburban days.' 'In the city, I took two subways and a bus to get to school.' 'It amazes me that I can get to school without it costing $1.50.' Ow! Ooh! Ow. 'Dellwood High. I shall be a bird in a cage in the good school district.' 'There's no point in being negative about things you just can't change.' 'My new town is an empty stage to which I'll bring my own script.' 'I feel that a legend is about to be born. That legend would be me.' # It's all about style # Living with style # I'm living in, living in # Swimming in style # Hello. Hey. I'm Lola Steppe. I'm from New York, originally. Ella Gerard. I'm from right here, originally. Well, hi. Hi. Hi! Hi. Have you ever seen Sidarthur in person? No, but I think Stu Wolff is the greatest poet since Shakespeare. I do, too. I have every CD they ever made. You do? Yeah. That's Stu Wolff dancing. I downloaded some great shots of him. Here he is at the Grammys. This is where he lives. And this is the dress I'll wear when we get married. This is him getting into his limo. That black spot is his head. What a wonderful black spot it is. Hi. Carla Santini. Sidarthur. My father is Stu Wolff's lawyer. Wow, your dad must've been in the same room as him! Many times. Aren't you the girl who just moved into the Swenska house? I didn't know our home had a name. Is that the famous New York sense of humour? New Yorkers learn to laugh at themselves when they're very young. My parents took me to New York for my birthday. It was beautiful. All the lights. I know why they call it the greatest city in the world. You are the sister of my soul! Park Avenue at Christmas is like the Milky Way. Nobody gets mugged in the Milky Way. (BELL RINGS) We'll take our seats now. Er, Miss Baggoli. Yes? We have a new girl from New York City. We do. We do. Miss Steppe. Miss Steppe. Miss Baggoli, I know it must show on your records that my name is Mary but everyone has referred to me as Lola since I was an infant. I mean, I don't even know who this Mary is. I like that name, Lola. Lola. This is Lola. Lola, you're sitting in my favourite seat in history class. I like to be centre. And I didn't think we had anything in common. I've earned the centre seat. If you wanna fit in, don't draw attention to yourself. In case you haven't noticed, I like the attention. Chill! Also, I wouldn't hang out with Ella Never-Had-A-Fella. She doesn't really have your potential. She dresses like a politician's wife with the hair and the shoes. She's so random. Those glasses are so 10 minutes ago. I'll stop myself before I get nasty. If you're careful, you could be chillin' with us. Chillin' with you is what I've always dreamed of(!) Hey, Ella, wait up. Do you mind if I sit with you? That's fine. When you eat outside in New York, your food gets dirty. So, what's with The Great Santini? Er, she's beautiful, she's popular, she's rich. In kindergarten she used to bite the heads off dolls. Ew! Who's that guy smiling at us? That's Sam. Sam! Sam, Lola. Lola, Sam. Hi. Hey. It's your first day here, right? Yeah. Well, it's good to meet you. You, too. I'll see you later. 'I can't possibly have a boyfriend. I have to focus on my acting career.' 'After three weeks, I'm getting used to the rich part of town.' 'Gated, dull, Armani-ridden.' 'I'm the kind of riffraff they try to keep out.' # It's a day in the life # It's a link in the chain # The beginning, the ending # They both look the same # Round and round # No new ground # Oh-oh # Oh-oh, oh-oh # Oh, oh-oh # Oh-oh # Oh-oh # When Stu Wolff sings, there's something in me that always wants more, more moons and stars and music in the wind. It's as though he's just talking to me. I like Steve. I bet Stu is hard to get along with. You can tell he's, sort of, moody. Haunted. All true geniuses are haunted. It's part of what they have to suffer for their art. Popovers, ladies? Wow, this is just like eating in a diner! Thank you. Surely you have popovers at home. I just pop them in the microwave. My mother doesn't approve of microwaves. She has strong opinions. I've never heard of anyone taking a stance on an appliance before. Why doesn't your mother like me? She thinks you're a little strange. I mean, you are a little. Lola. Lola, I'm sorry! It's really your mother she thinks is strange. My mom saw your mother in the supermarket wearing dirty overalls, arguing with with the butcher. It's not important. Not important? She's the woman who gave me life, whose milk fed my fragile body, whose blood flows through my veins. Of course it's important. My parents are square. Neither of them is too happy about the fact that your mother has three children and no husband. Single motherhood is a transitory state. Karen used to be married. It could happen again. I thought you said you were a love child. Well, I was a love child. Mom and Dad were married and passionately in love. My parents were mad for each other as soon as their eyes met. 'Dad was, like, a rock star. Mom was a babe.' 'The rest was destiny.' 'They got married.' 'And then they camped in the desert and counted the stars.' (BOTH) One million and three... My parents went on a cruise but they were afraid to get off the boat! Mine were in love,... deeply, movingly. 'The only thing that could've made their lives better was having me.' Even as an infant, I aspired to have a relationship like theirs. And then the twins were conceived. We couldn't have been more thrilled. 'Upon hearing the news, my father mounted his really cool motorcycle to buy the mother of his child her favourite flowers.' (HORN HONKS) Suddenly... Agh! 'They found him strewn across Ninth Avenue... ..and Tenth.' Lola, I'm so sorry! I had no idea. Ironic, isn't it? Your parents think my mother's the destroyer of our social order. She's merely a victim of fate. (SIGHS) What? Nothing. I like the chopsticks in your hair. # Un-sweet sixteen # Always acting like a beauty queen # Like you're posing in a magazine # 'Carla Santini thinks the universe is interested in everything she says so you can't help overhearing her.' I talked with Miss Baggoli about the production of Pygmalion. I said it's rigid to stick to the original. Not stick to the original? Not stick to the exquisite words of George Bernard Shaw? This isn't the 19th century. I think we should reflect our own times. They're classics because they're classic. I told her to make the location New York and Eliza a checkout girl. So I guess you're playing Eliza? Of course. 'When I moved to Deadwood, I really felt a legend was about to be born.' 'Was Carla going to stand in the way of that birth?' I didn't know Pygmalion had been cast. I would've loved to be Eliza. If I could prove it to you now... Oh, no, Lola, I just put the notice on the board. Auditions are not until Friday. Thank you, Miss Baggoli. George Bernard Shaw is a great playwright. And he is also a vegetarian You're just in time, Lola. Quickly. I'm telling all the others about this idea that I have had for our production of Pygmalion. Now, as you know, Pygmalion is a play which takes place in old time in London. My idea is that we will set our production of Pygmalion in modern-day New York. And Eliza will be a checkout girl at a supermarket. And Professor Higgins will be a professor at NYU. That's a brilliant idea. It'll give the play new resonance and immediacy for today. You mean it was your idea? Yes, Lola, it was my idea. I know I'm just a teacher but I am capable of thought. (GIGGLES) Now, since we're going hip and modern,... ..I have also added contemporary songs. And I am calling it... ..Eliza Rocks! OK, now, each of you will be singing a song for me of your choice. Then you'll read a scene for me. But I haven't rehearsed a song. I'm not prepared. That's fine. You can just wing it. But acting is my chosen career. I mean, I intend to be in theatre. I don't want to do a substandard audition. Then, how can we proceed? I guess I'll try, of course. Perhaps you could try now. You could go first. Take a spot on the stage anywhere you're comfortable. Maybe if we're lucky, she'll fall. I'd like to sing a song by my favourite band, Sidarthur. # Don't move on # Don't move on # Don't move, don't move # Don't move # Don't move on # You brought me to the highest mountain... (PLAYS PIANO IN ACCOMPANIMENT) # ..Out of my deep despair # And you don't know how much # I need you # To stand beside you # To breathe your air # Don't move on # Don't move on # Don't move # Don't move # Don't move # Don't move on # Behind some doors # People are waiting # People are waiting # To sparkle # Don't move on # Don't move on # Don't move # Don't move # Don't move # Don't move on # O-on # (APPLAUSE) # Oh-Oh # Oh-oh # Oh-oh... 'Self-doubt kicked in in the morning.' 'My heart was as heavy as Mount Everest.' 'It was the day the cast list went up.' 'Why had I been certain I'd get the lead?' 'Miss Baggoli didn't say anything encouraging. Carla smiled.' #..Oh-oh # Oh-oh # Well, look what the wind blew in. Look what the cat dragged in. After you. Right, after me. # Na-na, na, na-na # That's all I'm gonna say # Na-na, na, na-na # Made up your mind, anyway # Can't we be friends? # Why does it end # Before a word is even heard? # I look at you # Your attitude # Why can't you see # That it's not me? # La, la, la-la, la # Next time I won't let it stew # La-la, la, la-la # (BOTH) Ow! Well, once again I got the part that I wanted. There are no small parts, only small actors. You can quote me. I'm your new Eliza! (SHRIEKS) Amazing! I didn't think I'd get it but I did. (BOTH SHRIEK EXCITEDLY) Actually, my part, as Mrs Higgins, is more interesting than Eliza's in many ways. Even though she's not the female lead, it has contemporary resonance. And it's the one that I wanted. Good, cos it's the one you got. I'll show you what it's like to be in my school. Is that a threat? Absolutely. (GIRLS GIGGLE) To Eliza Rocks! To Eliza Rocks! Oh, man, congratulations! This is the best day ever! Beautiful! (RADIO) "Hey, Sidarthur fans, how about some big news?" "The band is breaking up." What?! "Yep, Sidarthur is no more. I repeat, no more." "Stu Wolff says, 'Never will I work with them again.' "In memory of the band, let's hear a track from Always Morning." (SCREAMS) It can't be! It just can't be! (SHRIEKS) What, what, what's the matter? Can't breathe. Mom, I can't breathe. I heard. Thanks for being here at a time like this. Yeah. I don't wanna believe it. I made these flyers to hand out to fans, urging them to protest. As these balloons go to the heavens, so do the stars of our Sidarthur mix among the stars of our universe. Symbolically, of course. Can you believe this? A catastrophic event has just occurred and everyone's acting as if nothing's happened. Me again, of course. So, who's next? Me! Are you crazy? Carla's the all time champion. So there's gonna be a new all time champion. I think you've peaked. Hop on. (COMPUTER) "Round one." My father, who is the lawyer for Sidarthur, just told me what he found out about the band. Oh, really? It isn't available to the public. Sidarthur's having a farewell concert in New York City next month. Daddy has VIP seats but that's not the best part. I didn't think so. There's gonna be a party afterwards for Sidarthur's closest friends. So I've heard. Guess who has an invitation? It just so happens that Ella and I do. Oh, really? Yeah, really. How did you manage that? Parental connections. What connections, the phone? "Winner!" Me again. "Loser!" Game's not over yet. "Round two." My mother has the connections. Marsh Foreman bought a piece from her. Marshy, as I call him, is their manager. I know who he is. He remembered I was crazy about Sidarthur so he invited us. Wow. Your mom must be some potter. "Winner!" Me, Lola Steppe. Remember that name. "Loser! Awesome!" Why did you say we were invited to his party? You would've done the same thing. I wouldn't have lied. I would've thought. I can't imagine being you! Carla drives me insane. Two of her nannies were institutionalised. Not to worry. You handed her exactly what she needs to ridicule you for the rest of your life, and me, too! It depends. Depends on what? On whether we go. To the concert in New York? And the party. We're not invited. You don't have to be invited to a party like that. Some New Yorkers don't go out unless it's to crash a celebrity bash. My mother would never let me go. We can work around your mother. Tell the truth. Are you partially insane? You know, we have to go. It's a matter of pride. Is there something wrong with the salmon? No, just not very hungry. I'm in too much pain I'm in pain. My tooth's coming out. Oh! It's not that kind of pain. It's pain of the heart. Sidarthur's broken up. They're having one last concert in New York. (SIGHS) Good night, sweet princes. May choirs of rock angels sing you to sleep. I have no reason to live! Wild guess - you wanna go to the concert. If I could just see them play live, I'd have the memory to get me through the long, empty years that lie ahead. Like a road in Kansas. Kids and rock concerts aren't a great mix. How can you treat me like this? (TWINS SNIGGER) I'm your first born. You made sure was breathing. That's why I want to keep you alive. She wouldn't stop for the tiniest second to consider my fragile dreams. And Ella's mother? She didn't ask. She said her mom would bite off a $10 acrylic nail if she brought it up. So I guess that's that. No, I'm not exactly a que-sera-sera kind of person. Right. I like your necklace. Thanks. I've had it since I was six. It's practically an antique. I like your boots. Thanks. I like your smile. (HUMS) (HUMS) Dinner, Mary, now! I'm on a hunger strike, like Gandhi. 'Driven to desperate measures by the government.' Nothing will pass my lips until I can go see Sidarthur. You've got two minutes to get here or the government will take the door off its hinges and drag you out. (PHONE RINGS) Hello. (HUMS) Come in, if you must. Yeah. OK, but the thing is the drama queen has been Gandhi for two days now. I'll try it. Your dad wants to know if he can take you to the concert. Hi, Dad. Yeah, thanks, but I couldn't possibly go with my father. I mean, I'd die of shame. OK. Alright. Love you, too. Bye. Hello. Yeah. Uh-huh. OK. (HUMS) I'll try it. OK, how about this? Daddy drops you off at the concert. Like a little kid being picked up from a day-care centre?! Is there no end to the humiliation you wanna heap upon me, Mom? We're heaping humiliation. Yeah. Ok, bye. Alright, tonight you are eating. Is Mary going to die? No, she's not going to but it smells like something has died in here. What is that smell? (GASPS) Ok, that's it. No allowance for one month. Then you're going to have a parole hearing. I could really use the money now. Can't you take it away next month? No. So cool! (GIRLS GIGGLE) I have been looking all over for you two. I knew you'd want to see these. See, they just came in the mail. They've just been printed. Please, you're blocking my view. So, did you get yours yet? Mine came in the mail yesterday but I'm nice enough not to flaunt them. Why don't you just admit you don't have tickets or an invite? There'll be a lot of photographers there. Maybe we can get our pictures taken together. That's a deal. Oh, you can be in the shot too, Ella. Absolutely, I'll be there. Really? I guess. I have enough. I'll pay you back the second I get my allowance reinstated. OK. When I get my first starring role, I'll take you to Europe. Great! (BOTH GASP) Oh, no, company. Well, look who's here. I'd stay and chat but I don't wanna stay and chat. She was so mean to Kali Stevenson her family had to move to Cleveland. Catch you at the concert! That would be a good line if we were going. I don't think something as small as tickets should stop us. Scalpers, Ella. Part of the fun of going to New York is the scalpers. Something will go wrong. I'm gonna die and my parents will find out. Then Mrs Higgins says, "What will you do now, dear?" Hi. Hey, Mom. There's a cast party at Carla The Bad Santini's house after the show. I mean, it's my big night and I wanna look absolutely perfect. The car broke down today. That cost me $600. Plus, I have to buy a kiln. Could you look absolutely perfect in something you already own? Sure, I'll try and find something. Yeah. Can you believe 64 hours from now we'll be within touching distance from the man who wrote so many great songs and I have nothing to wear? # "Any Other Girl" - NU 'What I needed for the concert was a drop-dead gorgeous dress to make me look sophisticated enough to have a perfume named after me.' 'It had to be special. It had to be glamorous and make a statement.' 'If I wanted Stu Wolff to notice me, that is.' I might as well wear this to see Stu. Nothing else to wear anyway. I'll be the dowdy redhead who doesn't know how to dress. (SOBS) Don't worry, I'll find something to wear. Accessories are good, too. They'll help me. (SOBS) Don't cry. (SOBBING) I-I can't lie. I can't say I'm sleeping over at your house. I can't go to New York behind my parents' backs. We're not going behind their backs. They're gonna be in the city, too. I'm not going. I'm not going. I'm not going. Ella, we're supposed to do this. 15-year-olds in other cultures are grandmothers. No-one gave permission. It's not our fault that our parents won't let us fly away from the nest. Nature is telling us to go. Our parents are good people. Yes. They love us. Yeah, they love us, right? Really love us. I'm sure they'd hate if anything happened to us and... (SOBS) Wait here one second, OK? Don't cry. It's gonna work out. We'll go and it'll be fun. (SOBS) I can't lie. Your reward points can be a passport to travel, but when you try to use them, you may find they don't all go the distance. For example, the same number of membership rewards points from American Express that will get you to a ball game in LA... ..may only gets you part way with other cards. Just part of the altogether more rewarding service we deliver daily. American Express. Mom, it's amazing how sometimes I come to your conclusions. Ella and I could use, as you say, adult supervision. Uh-huh. So here's the plan. You drive us to the train in broad, broad daylight. Ella's parents are in New York. They'll pick us up at Grand Central. They'll drop us off at the concert and we'll stay at their hotel. I can't believe it came out of my head. I'll talk with Ella's mom and dad. Of course, but do it gently cos they know nothing about this. Mary! And remember we're in suburbia. Yeah. It wouldn't hurt if you threw in that microwaves aren't that bad. Well, see, Mary feels she really must, must, must see the concert. Is that how you feel, sweetie, that you must see these Sidarthur people? It's their last performance. Why didn't you just ask, pumpkin? I didn't know I could. Alright, we're going into the city on Thursday for a long weekend. We'll pick them up and they can stay at the Hilton. Down the street from the concert. Great! It's as if the heavens wanted this. Miss Baggoli? Yes? Someone broke the heel. No! Girls, put... Everybody, listen up. General announcement, everyone! Costumes are sacred. Costumes are sacred. Please! What does one wear to Stu Wolff's party? There's gonna be so many famous people there. I just wanna look hot. One wears what one usually wears to these soirees. # I wanna be loved by you # Just you # Nobody else but you # I wanna be loved by you... # ..alone # Poo, poo, pi-doo # I wanna be kissed by you # Just you # Nobody else but you # I wanna be kissed by you... # ..alone # I couldn't aspire # To anything higher # Than to fill the desire # To make you my own # Ba-doo, ba-doo, doo-bi-doo # I wanna be loved by you # Just you # And nobody else but you # I wanna be loved by you # Please, Lola! Lola! Oh, my gosh, Lola! 'Crime isn't appealing but a girl has to do what a girl has to do.' 'I needed Eliza's dress.' You don't have to do this. You said you'd do me a favour but this is too big. I'll be in and out of the drama room in seconds. Five, six, seven, eight and... 'OK, I know it's not like me to be unprofessional but how can I concentrate when Sam is risking his life for me and in hours I'll be standing in front of Stu Wolff?' Wait a minute. No, no. Everybody, that's ENOUGH! Excuse me, PLEASE! I'm sorry. Maybe you're messing up cos you're excited about the concert tonight. No, I'm used to those things. Lola and Carla, do you have to talk? Opening night is in one week! I would think that we could just have ONE decent rehearsal by now! (CROAKS) Alright. What I think we'll do now is we'll just breathe deep and try and relax. (ALL INHALE / YELL) And another one. (ALL YELL) Shake it. Shake it. Shake it. Shake and shake and shake. Y'all keep shaking and relaxing. I'm going to get something I need out of the drama room. Oh! No, I'll get it for you. It's OK, Lola. What I need is locked up in the drama room. No, but, erm, on page 42ish of the script... Lola, get out of my way. Can't we just go back onto the stage, Miss Baggoli? Please get out of... Lola, would you please get out of my way! That's odd. Why isn't this locked? Oh, my goodness! I always lock this door. You probably did. We have that lock at home. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. You never know what's gonna happen. OK, nothing seems to be missing. Why would anything be missing? Well, I have no idea, do I? I want to talk to you about my lines. I don't really know them that well. What, you don't know your lines? I don't even want to discuss this. No, I'm not gonna discuss this. (GASPS) Lola! You're just making me so nervous. I need to show you something. Know what I think? I think that you've just been working so hard, entirely too hard, and that you should just really try and take the weekend off and relax. I've never relaxed. There's no reason I can't try. I think you should. I just think you should. Oh, my gosh, I was so terrified. I was just about to grab the dress when she came in. Thanks for trying. Trying? Take a look under the hood. (GASPS) Are you kidding me? Hurry, quick! I don't want to miss the train. Wait for me! I don't believe it. I don't believe you stole Eliza's dress. I didn't steal it. I borrowed it. Borrowed? You asked if it was OK? Not exactly. Sam - You got Sam to steal it?! Sam borrowed it! It'll be in the closet by Monday. I'm getting off. I can't go through with this. Ella, don't back out now! Let me have one night of pure joy if I'm gonna spend my youth behind bars. This better be one great concert. That's a given. I don't want to get near a scalper. You take the money, OK? OK. # Oh, yeah # Come on, come on, come on, come on # Come on in, hang your coats # Eat our chips, come on, we've got loads # Shake your coconuts # Coco boys # Until the nut comes out, come on # Coco girls # Just keep on dancing now, just keep on getting down # Just keep on having fun, the party's just begun # All dressed up and dressed-to-kill # Doctor says, come on, eat your pills # Shake your coconuts # Coco boys # Until the milk comes out # Coco girls # Just keep on having fun # The party's just begun # Just keep on dancing... # Dancing now # Keep on getting... # Getting down # Keep on dancing... # Dancing now # Keep on getting... # Getting now # Just keep on having fun # Having fun # The party's just begun # Just begun # Whoo! # Well! Wow, you,... you look beautiful! You too, Lola. Thanks. Yes, you do, both of you. The hotel is just a few blocks from the theatre. I know my New York. We'll be back in the hotel room at 12:00. You have your tickets and money? We have the money. Here. Oh, here. Thank you. We'll drop you off. Everything is gonna be fine. It's just a quiet little concert. (CROWD YELLS) OK, Ella, heads up, march forward. Get ready to rock 'n' roll Girls. Our tickets are at the door. OK. 'Look for someone selling tickets.' Isn't there a stall? No, they're just ordinary people scalping. (BOTH GASP) Watch this. We have to be strict with these people. How much? 165 in orchestra. You won't do better than that. We'll take 'em. 165 doesn't leave us very much for incidentals. You don't need incidentals. It's in your makeup bag. Oh, right. W-What's wrong? Ella, it's not here. My makeup bag's not here! It must be. It has to be. When did you last see it? In the train. I mean, I left it behind the... sink. Oh, no! Oh, maybe it's karma. All we have to do is go in with a group of people. You mean sneak in? Sneaking would be beneath us but I can't think of a better word. I have never snuck,... ever. I can't do it. I'm terrified just being here. Stage fright, it'll pass. This is a little tricky so just follow my lead. I wonder what song they'll do. I'm so excited. I've been waiting for this forever. Just a minute. Can I have another look at your ticket, please? Sure. You know, it's not here. I must have dropped it or something. No ticket,... no concert. I demand to see your supervisor. Yeah? You can see him outside. But... Come to the door. Come... to... the... door. OK, go see Stu. Go... see... Stu. Go see Stu! OK, stay there and don't move, I'm coming in. I just have to be with my cousin. She has a disease that makes you gag and you can't breathe and then you die! Look! Look, she's alone. I have to be with her at all times. OK. Good plan(!) (MUSIC PLAYS / PEOPLE SCREAM) Maybe we should just go to the hotel. What, and miss the concert? I don't think so. We're not actually at the concert. Stu Wolff's only a few yards away. Then he'll be at the after party. Your belief system amazes me. Ella, where are you going? Don't leave me! Come back! Ella! > Ella, what are you doing? I'm going back to the hotel. Giving up? What if everyone gave up? There'd be no America, no electricity, no TiVo! We'd have to watch our shows at scheduled times. We'd never get to see the work of Christina Aguilera. If everyone gave up, we'd be in sitting in huts in Europe! I didn't say stop progress. I said go back to the hotel. Don't you want to see the look on Carla's face? Yeah, I do. Great, then, let's go to Soho. Where? We don't even know where Stu lives. Sure, we do. I have this. A picture of a door? It's not just a door. It's a black door with windows. Have some faith, Ella. Soho is New York's artistic soul and it's just around the corner. # Get ready or not cos here I come # Dance, dance, dance, have some fun # Six, five, four, three, two, one # Get up, get up # Get up, up, up # Oh, whoa-oa # Up, up, up... 67 blocks is around the corner? # ..Rain falls down on their parade # Lemons into lemonade # Can't slow me down # No way, no way, no way... Ready? Yeah. # ..Yesterday is in the past # Tomorrow's coming fast # All you got is now # Get up, get up # Get ready or not cos here I come # Dance, dance, dance, have some fun # Six, five, four, three, two, one # Captions were made possible q q There's a man following us. Don't be silly, Ella. The crime rate in New York is going down. There's a man and a dog following us. OK, I'll handle this. New Yorkers know how to handle trouble. Watch this. Hey! Hey! Dad, what are you doing here? Your mom asked me to keep an eye on you. She got nervous. Mom was born nervous. So, where are you going? To a party. Like that? You're all wet. Daddy, nothing can rain on my parade. I like parties. If you show up, Stu will never think I'm cool. Can't you wait outside? Outside, but if I see something even slightly wrong, I'm coming in. I really like parties. Thanks, Dad. Lay low. You're scaring my friend. Right. I'll be watching. He won't bother us anymore. Ready to have fun? I hope so. OK, good. # (BOTH) We're gonna party with Sidarthur # Yeah! # Oh-oh... That was the Santini car. # ..Oh-oh # Oh-oh # Oh-oh # Oh-oh # Oh-oh # Oh-oh # Hi. Lola Steppe, Ella Gerard. Nice to see you again. I have to see your invitations. We left them at the concert. Our names should be on the list. There they are. Doctor and Mrs Lawrence? Yeah, my mom and my dad. They couldn't make it. Mom has a rash and Dad's in surgery. I thought your name was Steppe. Could I use your phone? I have to call my parents. Please? It's a private residence, not Grand Central Station. Use a public phone. (DOG BARKS) Whoa, whoa, whoa! You're driving me to this. It's your own party! Don't tell me what to do anymore. Don't you remember? It's over. Come inside before you embarrass - (SLURS) You touch me and... Let the idiot go. He's always been trouble. Thank God he's not our problem anymore. Steve! Steve! I love you. Wait, let me just... Except for the garbage, it's like following Heathcliff. We shouldn't. Would you please relax? I'd rather lose him than my life. Where do you think he's going? Some place great. (MUTTERS) This, for you, is great? I'm getting really scared being out here alone. We're not alone. We're with an adult. He isn't with us and he isn't actually an adult. He's a rock star. (GROANING) (GROANS) Mr Wolff? What... Come with me. (GIBBERS NERVOUSLY) Help me get him out. < He smells like a backed-up drain. Ella, Ella, Ella, I mean, see the beauty. Oh, my God, he's crying. Do you believe how lucky we are? I can almost hear them praying that we don't sit near them. Get him into a booth before anyone smells him. (GRUNTS) (SLURS) Everybody wants something from me. You think I'm a regular guy. I'm not a regular guy! Do you think anybody really knows who I am? I don't even know who I am. Once we get some coffee in him, he'll become the man of truth I know him to be. So, what will it be? Do you think I have any real friends? We'll just have coffee. Not me! I'll have a deluxe hamburger platter, well-done and a large side of onion rings. You could just give him coffee. He's not really up to a meal right now. I-I want a deluxe hamburger platter! Is that too difficult? Keep him in line. The boss won't stand for nonsense. What do you want? Autographs, money, a record deal? Hey, girls, do you want something from me? This is the poet who lit your darkest days? He's a tortured soul. Stu, do you have any cash on you? We, sort of, left ours on the train. I knew you wanted money. Look. Nothin'. That's not onion rings. Can you believe this? We're actually having coffee with Stu Wolff! I have so much to ask you about your work. (GROANS) It's impossible to talk to someone who has had that much to drink. You don't understand the artistic soul. He drinks to numb the intensity of his feelings. All geniuses do. I want onion rings! This is a doughnut! I want onion rings now. What is wrong with the service around here? Are we together? Who are you? The fates have, sort of, brought us together. This is Ella. Ella, what? Ella Gerard, 58 Birch Hallow Road, Dellwood, New Jersey. 201 555 0199. But tonight my parents are staying at the New York Hilton. I don't want to worry them by being incarcerated. It's my mother's birthday. I bought her a rug. Be quiet, Mr Wolff. You? Lola Steppe. My father's name is Calum Steppe. Address is 512 Bleeker Street. 212 555 0125. Three of you, sit over there while I make some calls. What's wrong with you? Why did you lie like that to the police? Your father is dead. Excuse me but what's going on? Who are you two? Aren't you afraid of what your parents will say? I'm resigned to what life may bring. Why did you give a false address? I think your true soul and spirit are finally beginning to emerge. Why did you lie? I didn't lie. My father lives on Bleeker Street. He has a dog named Negus. You told me your father died in a motorcycle accident. So I exaggerated a little. A little? Exaggerating a little is saying you're a little taller. Saying your father is dead is lying beyond comprehension. Don't you think we should tell Stu what happened? Why did you say your father was dead? He died? When? I had a reason. And what was that? The truth? No, a lie will do(!) Yes, the truth! Do you remember what that is? Weren't we at a diner? I have an image of "Merry Xmas". Give me a moment. Right now I'm talking to her. Alright, the total truth. I lied because I wanted to make myself seem more interesting. More interesting? We're 1,000 miles from home in a police station with a drunken rock star waiting for your dead father to show up? More interesting than what? You know, you just don't understand. It was a new town and a new school - I understand. And I lied for my mom. I had to protect her against suburbia. So, you killed your father? Ella! I would appreciate it if you would just stop talking! Ella, come on. Just... What's going on? Arrest that man. He's a stalker. Ella, Dad. Dad, Ella. What happened? That's what I've been asking. 'As the night continued to fall on the dark heartless streets, we gathered around and I told our tale.' We wanted to go to his concert, the greatest poet since Shakespeare. We lost our money and couldn't pay a scalper. We tried to crash his party but he stormed out. We followed him to make sure he didn't come to harm. I have memory flashes. I was passed out in the rubbish. They helped me. I know I should be furious but it's too late for fury. I'm glad nothing worse happened. He looks like the dog in The Dog Years. He is the dog in The Dog Years. He's the dog in The Dog Years? My niece loves those books. You're famous! Not as famous as you. Aw, Molly's not gonna believe I've actually met you, Negus. Right? And Calum Steppe, right? Right. We checked your story. You're free to go. Uh, excuse me, Mr Wolff? Hmmm? Can I have your autograph? Oh, yeah, sure. Sure. To... ..Sergeant Rose. Stu Wolff. Now that's settled. Would anyone like to come to a party with me? I would. You can't stay mad at me forever. Forgive me, please? I am in no way ready to forgive you. This is the party of the century. I'm not really in a party mood. Look, I'm sorry. I really am. I'm sorry. You just want to save the evening. No, I'm not. I honestly don't know what I'd do without you. Why are you still out here? We just don't feel like going in right now. Well, then, let me get you back to the hotel. Maybe we can go in for a little while. # "Feel Alright - Zoegirl Hi! There you are. How about we get you guys something dry to wear? I'll have those dresses cleaned and sent to your dad's, who's brilliant. I think he and I are gonna be pals. # Celebrity and superstition # Whatever it takes to get some recognition # Just up the stairs upstairs. I don't see her, do you? No. Can you believe this? I mean, we're in his clothes. And in his bedroom. Come on, Ella, celebrate with me, please? I want everything to be OK between us. I do, too. Promise that you'll never lie to me again. I do. I promise. I swear, Ella, I do. You promise? I do. OK. OK, then. Come on, we're in his room. What do you wanna do? I don't know. # We're not done yet # Not going quietly into the night # Not me and my friends # We're not done yet, not going quietly into the night # Not me and my friends # We're not done yet, don't take it too seriously # It's just life, we'll win in the end # We're not done yet # Not going quietly into the night # Not me and my friends # We're not done yet # Carla. Hey, Carla! We've been looking for you. Did you see her face? She looks really angry. I know that look. Life can be so randomly beautiful. # This is your night tonight # C'mon girls # Girls, we've all got one # A night that's special everywhere # From New York # To Hollywood # It's ladies night and, girl, the feeling's good # Yes, it's ladies night # And the feeling's right # Oh, yes, it's ladies night # Oh, what a night # Oh, what a night # Oh, yes, it's ladies night # And the feeling's right # (SLURS) My saviours! (BOTH) Oh, my God! Oh, it's Steve. It's Steve! Hang on. I was wondering if I could talk to you for a second. Why not? Be my guest. I can't believe I met you. I'm sitting with the man who wrote the songs that made my spirit soar. What did you mean by, "Behind some doors people are waiting to sparkle"? I have no idea. But you wrote it. Life's a little foggy, a little soggy. That really said something to me and, I'm sure, to a million other girls. But especially to me. I'm happy to oblige a fan. No, no, I'm not just a fan. I sat at your feet, metaphorically. When I listened to Always Morning, I wore a grey jacket because you did. You wore grey because it was ambiguous. Am I right? No,... I'm right. You look disappointed. Well, I am. In me? Yeah. I still think you're the greatest thing since Shakespeare but it's just too bad I'll never be able to discuss your poetry with you. Why? Because, Mr Wolff, you're a drunk. Captions were made possible q I hope getting this thing back is easier than getting it out. Yeah. Guess what! I've been grounded. Me too! I'm so proud of you. This is the day I've been waiting for since my first summer camp when Carla told all the kids if they played with me, they'd die. She's smiling. She's bluffing. (BELL RINGS) I've got to get to class. Tell me how it goes. Come on, let's watch her sink. Yeah, this one. Look at this one. Hey, Carla. Did you have fun? It's the great pretender! Come to hear what the party was like? Why would we? Ella and I were there, remember? Did you hear that? Lying won't help. Everybody knows you didn't go. Don't pretend you didn't see us. You did. Ella and I got in because of Stu Wolff himself, after we practically saved his life. I don't have anything to prove to them. Ella, this is no time for your newfound personality. Like to see some pictures, Lola? I know you're fond of Stu Wolff. We spent the whole night with Stu. He left his party to be with you? You won't get away with this. We were at that party. My dad was there, too. What dad? You don't have a dad. You said he died before you moved here. What do you do, just make all this up as you go along? Just because we're not from New York means we're stupid? You saw us. No, I didn't, liar. You know, that's what you are. You're a liar. Your name isn't even Lola, Mary. (GIRLS SNIGGER) Ella's right. I don't have to prove anything to you people. You know we were there. (MOCKINGLY) Aw! Oh, no, she's crying! Oh! The baby. (GIRLS LAUGH NASTILY) Yo, you got no right to write down what... I'm sorry, Miss Baggoli, I can't go on. There's something I have to say. Quickly, Lola. I have a confession to make. I borrowed Eliza's dress for the weekend. I'm really sorry. I felt I had no other choice. No choice? Why? I had to wear it to the Sidarthur party. When are you gonna give it up, Mary? You couldn't possibly have because I keep that dress locked up safe in the drama room. There are ways, Miss Baggoli. There are ways. Where is it now? It's back, safe and sound. It looks the same but somehow different. Can you believe her? She takes the dress, then she puts it back, then she goes to this party where no-one saw her. The dress got all wet and Stu Wolff made me change into something dry. He said it was important. On the night of his farewell concert Stu Wolff had nothing better to do than see Mary Steppe dry. Girls! He sent it back in a limousine. A dress in a limousine. Picture it. He's also a big fan of my dad and my dad's dog. Then your dog gave him his autograph? But I did take the dress. See, Stu Wolff gave me this himself. It's his roadie T-shirt. Where else would I have gotten it? In a junk store. But this is the tissue I used to wipe his tears. We'll send it for DNA testing. I also left my bottle-cap necklace at his house. A dress riding in a limousine! (LAUGHS) I guess that's a good thing or it would've had to catch a cab! You could be a comedian, Lola. But can we please go back to work now?! We have so much to do before Wednesday night. You believe me, don't you? Carla's the one who's lying. We've worked so hard for this production. I... I am not gonna let you ruin it for me. We have all had enough. Have you? Have you finally had enough? (ALL LAUGH) # I lost it all # Nothing lasts forever # Sorry I can't be... # ..perfect # 'I sunk into a depression only Hamlet would recognize.' 'The one story that was probable and possible was the one that was true.' 'And yet no one believed me.' 'Maybe you can't win against Carla Santini.' 'I had never felt so totally defeated.' 'I felt more like a pigeon than a flamingo.' Mary, Ella's here. Go ahead. I want to talk to you. I don't really feel too well. Cut the crap. What happened to the most polite girl in all of New Jersey? What does it matter? We went to the party. We know who we met and what we did. Get up! I can't. I just can't. Has anyone seen Lola Steppe? Has anyone seen Lola Steppe? Lola? I really am sick. Ask my mom. You're bailing out of the play. Here I am so sick this could turn into pneumonia and you're being accusatory. You can't do this. Everyone's depending on you. What about your parents and Sam? Sam has never been to a school function. He's going because of you. Lola! Lola Steppe, my Eliza. Get out of my way. < One hour till curtain. What about me? I was miserable until you came to Dellwood. I thought everyone's life was like mine, just doing everything you're supposed to do, never questioning anything. The only thing that I could expect when I grew up was a life like my parents'. And then I met you. You gave me courage, Lola. Because of you, I'm brave enough to be different. Don't touch me! You're a sham. Carla can't do anything about you being Eliza. And you're gonna hand it to her. (KNOCK AT DOOR) 'I left word with Dad. Should I call Miss Baggoli?' No, I've had a miraculous recovery. I need to be sure. Are you up to this? Up to it? I was born to play Eliza. Alright, then. Get into costume. Knock 'em dead. It even amazes me that I get everything I want. # Oh-oh Get out of my dress. As of now, I'm Eliza - Get out of my dress! Enjoy the show. Thanks, I will. Oh, and get out of my first costume. 'Five minutes till curtain, people.' Get out of my dress. No. Get out of my dress! No! (BOTH) Get out of that dress! Ow! Ow! Sorry, Miss Baggoli. Oh! I'm so glad to see you. (AUDIENCE CHATTERS) Do you want an ice cream? Hey. You're gonna be great. I'm scared, I'll admit it. But I'm excited too. Don't be afraid. You're gonna be wonderful, Lola. You called me Lola. You are a Lola. Good luck. (APPLAUSE) (CHEERING / WHISTLING) Press your bars, children. (ELECTRONIC FANFARE PLAYS) You got no rights to write down what I say. Those are my personal words. # Living just enough # Just enough # For the city # This girl she works in downtown New York City # Surrounded by four walls that ain't so pretty # Her parents get her love and affection # To keep her strong, moving in the right direction # Living just enough, just enough # For the city, yeah, yeah # Living just enough... # ..for the city # Living just enough # Living for the city Now, say New York. New Yowk. (ENUNCIATES CLEARLY) New York with an R. New Rork. (AUDIENCE LAUGHS) You can't talk. Let's see if you can walk. # So I turned myself to face me # Though I've never caught a glimpse # Of how the others must see the faker # I must choose fast to take the test # Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes # Turn and face the strain # Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes # Just gonna have to be a different girl # Time may change me # But I can't trace time # (APPLAUSE) They all accepted her because of me. All because of you?! I was there, too! I worked hard to make you look good! Well, what will you do now, dear? I will be a teacher because being a teacher is the most worthy thing a person can be. (APPLAUSE) # Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes # Turn and face the strain # Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes # Just gonna have to be a different girl # Time may change me # But I can't change time... (WILD APPLAUSE) # ..I can't change time # Bravo! (WILD APPLAUSE) # That girl was a wild-child dreamer # But she'll find herself # Cos she believes in nothing else # But she'll have changed her destiny # Now, she's a somebody # That girl was a one time teenage drama queen # A hyped-up everyday wannabe # Then you'll look back and you won't believe # That girl was me... (RECORD SCRATCHES) # ..Life is a work of art # You've got to paint it colourful # You can make it anything you want # Don't have to stick to any rules # You don't need a high IQ # To succeed in what you do # You just gotta have no doubt # Just believe in yourself # That girl was a wild-child dreamer # But she'll find herself # Cos she believes in nothing else # Then you'll look back and you won't believe # That girl was me # (WILD APPLAUSE) # I am the best there is # I'm Fan 3 and I handle my biz # I'm not universally known... (DOORBELL RINGS) # ..See, I gotta get it pumpin', you know how we do it # My parents be like, "Turn down that rap music" # Gotta feel the bass vibrate # My pops be I-rated # If the house don't shake, the beat don't break # Stu Wolff? I don't... I don't believe this. Erm... D-Did my father i-invite you here? Er, no. May I come in, anyway? Yes, sure, of course. I don't believe this. This is crazy. Lola's father said she would be here. You're here in my house because of Lola? Why don't you stay here? You stay and, erm, I'm gonna go get her. I'm gonna go get her. You stay. So, I can't come in? Er, look who came to see me. Hey, guys, look who's here. Is that Stu Wolff? Look who came to my house. Hey, Ella, I just wanted to say... Lola. Erm,... ..you left this at my place. 'I had pictured this moment in my craziest, wildest dreams.' 'I guess if you don't dream crazy and wild, people like Stu Wolff don't return your jewellery personally.' Agh! (ALL LAUGH) Come on, it's just a hand. Thanks for showing up. So, how have you been? Sober. I'm in recovery... (COUGHS) again. Someone very sweet told me I was a drunk, and I didn't like it. Sounds kind of harsh. Mm,... but it woke me up. So maybe sometime soon we can talk about your amazing music. Just say when. I can say when? Within reason. Would you like to dance? Absolutely. # Yeah, yeah, yeah. # So you want to change the world. # What are you waiting for? # Say you're gonna start right now. # What are you waiting for?... 'Here's what I learned. When you're happy, the whole world's New York. 'And that dreams are important. 'Someday, when you're not even looking, they find you. 'And then there's Sam. You know, he'd been there all along. 'But when I opened my heart to him, I thought, "Now my career is launched, 'maybe I could have a boyfriend.' # Say you're gonna start right now. # What are you waiting for? # It only takes one voice. # Come on, now, and shout it out. # Give a little more... 'I realised absolute reality could be so much more fun than fantasy. 'And can you believe all of this happened in Dellwood, New Jersey, of all places?' # ..What are you waiting for? # So you wanna change the world. # What are you waiting for? # Say you're gonna start right now. # What are you waiting for? # # And you'll realise # that girl was a one-time teenage drama queen, # a hyped-up everyday wannabe. # But she'll have changed her destiny. # Now she's a somebody. # That girl was a wild-child dreamer # before she found herself. Cos she believes in nothing else. # And you'll look back, and you won't believe # that girl was me. # Underneath her attitude # that she knows how to use she's gonna get there any way she can. Now she knows what she wants. # No one is gonna stop her. # Nothing's ever gonna hold her back. For all the doubters, # non-believers, # the cynical that once were dreamers. # One of these days you'll know that you were wrong. # What now? That girl was a one-time teenage drama queen, # a hyped-up everyday wannabe. # Cos she'll have changed her destiny. # Now she's a somebody. # That girl was a wild-child dreamer # before she found herself cos she believes in nothing else. # Then you'll look back, and you won't believe that girl was me. # Life is a work of art. # You've got to paint it colourful. You can make it anything you want. Don't ever stick to any rules. # You don't need a high IQ to succeed in what you do. You've just got to have no doubt. # Just believe in yourself. Doubters, non-believers # that once were dreamers. # One of these days you'll open up your eyes, # and you'll realise that girl was a one-time teenage drama queen, # a hyped-up everyday wannabe, # but she'll have changed her destiny. # Now she's a somebody. # That girl was a wild-child dreamer # before she found herself. She believes in nothing else. # Then you'll look back, and you won't believe # that girl was me. # # Behind some doors, # people are waiting. # People are waiting # to sparkle. # Don't move on. # Don't move on. # Don't move, don't move. # Don't move, don't move on. # I'm holding on # while you're slipping away. # The rainbow fades # to an end. # There's something in me # that always wants more, # more moons and stars, # the music in the wind. # Don't move on. # Don't move on. # Don't move, don't move. # Don't move, don't move on. # Behind some doors, # people are waiting. # People are waiting # to sparkle. # Oh, no, no, no, no, no. # Don't move on. # Yeah. # Don't move on. # Don't move on. # Don't move. # Don't move, don't move. # Don't move on. Don't move on. # Don't move on. # Don't move, don't move. # Don't move, don't move on. # Don't move on. # IMS Subtitles www.able.co.nz Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. Able 2014