Episode 1: "The Casting Call"

>> One, two, three, four.

>> One, two, three, four.

(music starts)

>> ANNOUNCER: They're the best

>> ANNOUNCER: They're the best in the country.

>> ANNOUNCER: They're the best in the country.

But are they good enough to make

in the country.

But are they good enough to make it on Broadway?

But are they good enough to make it on Broadway?

From a nationwide casting call

it on Broadway?

From a nationwide casting call of 50,000, just 60 high school

From a nationwide casting call of 50,000, just 60 high school musical performers will compete

of 50,000, just 60 high school musical performers will compete for their big break in the

musical performers will compete for their big break in the highly coveted Jimmy Awards.

for their big break in the highly coveted Jimmy Awards.

>> Woo!

highly coveted Jimmy Awards.

>> Woo!

NYC, baby!

>> Woo!

NYC, baby!

>> Hello, New York!

NYC, baby!

>> Hello, New York!

>> Five, six, seven, eight.

>> Hello, New York!

>> Five, six, seven, eight.

Gee, I'd like to be...

>> Five, six, seven, eight.

Gee, I'd like to be... >> Stop!

Gee, I'd like to be... >> Stop!

>> ANNOUNCER: If they can endure

>> Stop!

>> ANNOUNCER: If they can endure days of grueling boot camp.

>> ANNOUNCER: If they can endure days of grueling boot camp.

>> You just can't line up

days of grueling boot camp.

>> You just can't line up wherever you feel like standing.

>> You just can't line up wherever you feel like standing.

>> That's not good.

wherever you feel like standing.

>> That's not good.

>> I'm pushing you because I

>> That's not good.

>> I'm pushing you because I know you can.

>> I'm pushing you because I know you can.

>> Five, six, seven, eight.

know you can.

>> Five, six, seven, eight.

>> I was shaking and my knees

>> Five, six, seven, eight.

>> I was shaking and my knees were shaking.

>> I was shaking and my knees were shaking.

Just the longest week of my

were shaking.

Just the longest week of my life.

Just the longest week of my life.

>> ANNOUNCER: And then put on a

life.

>> ANNOUNCER: And then put on a show in just five days.

>> ANNOUNCER: And then put on a show in just five days.

Stand back, New York City

show in just five days.

Stand back, New York City because you ought to know

Stand back, New York City because you ought to know What you're going to get

because you ought to know What you're going to get in me...

What you're going to get in me... >> ANNOUNCER: Only two will make

in me... >> ANNOUNCER: Only two will make the final cut.

>> ANNOUNCER: Only two will make the final cut.

Circle of life...

the final cut.

Circle of life... Say you need me

Circle of life... Say you need me with you, here beside you...

Say you need me with you, here beside you... With all the love

with you, here beside you... With all the love alive in me...

With all the love alive in me... Oh, gods, oh, god

alive in me... Oh, gods, oh, god let me fly...

Oh, gods, oh, god let me fly...

I'll stay...

>> ANNOUNCER: It's

>> ANNOUNCER: It's Broadway or Bust.

>> This one?

>> This one?

>> No.

>> This one?

>> No.

>> This one?

>> No.

>> This one?

>> No, Brittany!

>> This one?

>> No, Brittany!

I said no.

>> No, Brittany!

I said no.

You cannot go to New York with

I said no.

You cannot go to New York with these things right here.

You cannot go to New York with these things right here.

>> Ma!

these things right here.

>> Ma!

>> No!

>> Ma!

>> No!

This is New York-- fashion

>> No!

This is New York-- fashion state, fashion city--

This is New York-- fashion state, fashion city-- so you have to look pretty.

state, fashion city-- so you have to look pretty.

>> My name is Brittany Dankwa.

I am a Junior at Tri-Cities High

I am a Junior at Tri-Cities High School, and I'm the best leading

School, and I'm the best leading actress, and I'm going to New

actress, and I'm going to New York.

I believe I have inside of me

I believe I have inside of me everything that I need

I believe I have inside of me everything that I need To live a

everything that I need To live a bountiful life...

To live a bountiful life...

There was always people who

bountiful life...

There was always people who said, you know, you wouldn't be

There was always people who said, you know, you wouldn't be able to do it.

said, you know, you wouldn't be able to do it.

You know, just having the

able to do it.

You know, just having the confidence and letting yourself

You know, just having the confidence and letting yourself know they put this in front of

confidence and letting yourself know they put this in front of you because they saw that you

know they put this in front of you because they saw that you could do it.

you because they saw that you could do it.

So obviously somebody has faith

could do it.

So obviously somebody has faith in you enough to say that you

So obviously somebody has faith in you enough to say that you can do it.

in you enough to say that you can do it.

>> I know you're going to win

can do it.

>> I know you're going to win nationals.

>> I know you're going to win nationals.

>> Okay.

nationals.

>> Okay.

(laughing)

>> I love you so much.

>> I love you so much.

>> Love you more.

>> I don't stop her because this

>> I don't stop her because this is what she really wants to do.

(singing in

(singing in an African language)

>> My father was born in

>> My father was born in Columbia,.

>> My father was born in Columbia,.

So was my mother.

Columbia,.

So was my mother.

I was, too.

And then we moved to New York

And then we moved to New York City and I lived there for about

City and I lived there for about nine years, and then I moved

nine years, and then I moved down to Florida.

>> Before we eat, I'd like to

>> Before we eat, I'd like to say a couple words really

>> Before we eat, I'd like to say a couple words really quickly.

say a couple words really quickly.

Congratulations, Josh,

quickly.

Congratulations, Josh, with as far as you've come.

Congratulations, Josh, with as far as you've come.

You've impressed us all.

with as far as you've come.

You've impressed us all.

Good luck, Josh.

You've impressed us all.

Good luck, Josh.

>> To Josh!

Good luck, Josh.

>> To Josh!

(cheers)

>> To Josh!

(cheers) >> Will you think of me when

(cheers) >> Will you think of me when you're on the stage?

>> Will you think of me when you're on the stage?

>> Definitely not.

you're on the stage?

>> Definitely not.

(laughing)

>> Definitely not.

(laughing) >> I think he will be a star

(laughing) >> I think he will be a star because he just has so much

>> I think he will be a star because he just has so much talent.

because he just has so much talent.

>> There's just something in his

talent.

>> There's just something in his talent that makes you not even

>> There's just something in his talent that makes you not even look away.

talent that makes you not even look away.

>> I called my parents when I

look away.

>> I called my parents when I received the news that I was

>> I called my parents when I received the news that I was going to go to New York, and my

received the news that I was going to go to New York, and my mom was ecstatic.

going to go to New York, and my mom was ecstatic.

She was like, "I knew there had

mom was ecstatic.

She was like, "I knew there had to be a way.

She was like, "I knew there had to be a way.

I told you!"

to be a way.

I told you!"

I truly believe everything

I told you!"

I truly believe everything happens for a reason.

I truly believe everything happens for a reason.

It's exciting.

happens for a reason.

It's exciting.

It's exciting.

Whenever I see someone

Whenever I see someone less fortunate than I

And let's face it

And let's face it who isn't less fortunate than I

And let's face it who isn't less fortunate than I My tender heart

who isn't less fortunate than I My tender heart tends to start to bleed...

My tender heart tends to start to bleed...

I've never been to New York.

tends to start to bleed...

I've never been to New York.

So the first time I'm going to

I've never been to New York.

So the first time I'm going to be there, I'm going to be on a

So the first time I'm going to be there, I'm going to be on a Broadway stage, which is...

be there, I'm going to be on a Broadway stage, which is... it's like a dream.

Broadway stage, which is... it's like a dream.

Celebrated heads of state

it's like a dream.

Celebrated heads of state Or especially great

Celebrated heads of state Or especially great communicators

Or especially great communicators Did they have

communicators Did they have brains or knowledge

Did they have brains or knowledge don't make me laugh

brains or knowledge don't make me laugh They were popular, please,

don't make me laugh They were popular, please, it's all about popular...

>> She deserves every bit of

>> She deserves every bit of recognition that she got,

recognition that she got, because she worked so hard for

because she worked so hard for it by herself, you know.

So I was so proud.

So I was so proud.

I was so proud

So I was so proud.

I was so proud and I'm going to cry.

I was so proud and I'm going to cry.

I'm going to cry.

and I'm going to cry.

I'm going to cry.

Just not--

I'm going to cry.

Just not-- can't hit this note--

Just not-- can't hit this note-- popular as me.

>> Are they going to pick you up

>> Are they going to pick you up from the airport?

from the airport?

>> I don't know, but I'm flying

>> I don't know, but I'm flying by myself though.

by myself though.

>> Ooh!

>> My main concern about New

>> My main concern about New York is my singing.

>> My main concern about New York is my singing.

I'm not concerned about with my

York is my singing.

I'm not concerned about with my acting because I'm...

I'm not concerned about with my acting because I'm...

I have...

acting because I'm...

I have...

I'm pretty confident in my

I have...

I'm pretty confident in my abilities.

I'm pretty confident in my abilities.

I mean, I think I'm definitely

abilities.

I mean, I think I'm definitely gonna get better, being around

I mean, I think I'm definitely gonna get better, being around people that are, like, at this

gonna get better, being around people that are, like, at this level, but I'm just kind of

people that are, like, at this level, but I'm just kind of going on, like, pure kind of

level, but I'm just kind of going on, like, pure kind of talent which definitely...

I

going on, like, pure kind of talent which definitely...

I don't think that will be enough

talent which definitely...

I don't think that will be enough for New York.

don't think that will be enough for New York.

Like, the night before, I'll be

for New York.

Like, the night before, I'll be like, "Ah, I'm freaking out!

Like, the night before, I'll be like, "Ah, I'm freaking out!

Going to New York!"

>> I'm really excited because

>> I'm really excited because I'm going to New York, and we

I'm going to New York, and we get to perform on Broadway.

get to perform on Broadway.

My uncle's coming, my mom's

My uncle's coming, my mom's coming, it's going to be great.

This is definitely a big moment.

This is definitely a big moment.

Since my family is Indian, we

This is definitely a big moment.

Since my family is Indian, we are focused on science and

Since my family is Indian, we are focused on science and academics, and so I have a huge

are focused on science and academics, and so I have a huge extended family, and all of

academics, and so I have a huge extended family, and all of their kids are becoming doctors

extended family, and all of their kids are becoming doctors or engineers, but my personality

their kids are becoming doctors or engineers, but my personality is very strong in the arts, so

or engineers, but my personality is very strong in the arts, so the hard work for 12, 13 years

is very strong in the arts, so the hard work for 12, 13 years has paid off.

the hard work for 12, 13 years has paid off.

This is my dream.

has paid off.

This is my dream.

This is all I've ever wanted to

This is my dream.

This is all I've ever wanted to do.

>> Elizabeth?

>> Elizabeth?

>> Yeah?

>> Yeah?

>> How's it coming, honey?

>> How's it coming, honey?

>> It's good.

I wanted to talk to you about

I wanted to talk to you about the dresses really quick,

I wanted to talk to you about the dresses really quick, though.

the dresses really quick, though.

>> Okay.

though.

>> Okay.

>> I have the one I wore last

>> Okay.

>> I have the one I wore last year, which worked really well.

>> I have the one I wore last year, which worked really well.

I am so excited to be returning

year, which worked really well.

I am so excited to be returning to New York, because I was

I am so excited to be returning to New York, because I was fortunate enough to go last year

to New York, because I was fortunate enough to go last year as well, so I'll be the first

fortunate enough to go last year as well, so I'll be the first ever returning.

as well, so I'll be the first ever returning.

I need to pass on this one

ever returning.

I need to pass on this one because I already wore it.

I need to pass on this one because I already wore it.

That's what I think.

because I already wore it.

That's what I think.

>> So you want this to be a

That's what I think.

>> So you want this to be a whole new experience.

>> So you want this to be a whole new experience.

>> Yeah.

whole new experience.

>> Yeah.

Being on stage, I think, is when

>> Yeah.

Being on stage, I think, is when I feel most alive.

Being on stage, I think, is when I feel most alive.

But I'm definitely going to be

I feel most alive.

But I'm definitely going to be really nervous because, I mean,

But I'm definitely going to be really nervous because, I mean, it's not one of those things

really nervous because, I mean, it's not one of those things were you walk in and you're

it's not one of those things were you walk in and you're like, "Oh, I've got this,"

were you walk in and you're like, "Oh, I've got this," because once everyone opens up

like, "Oh, I've got this," because once everyone opens up their mouths it's just like,

because once everyone opens up their mouths it's just like, "Oh, my gosh."

their mouths it's just like, "Oh, my gosh."

So, I mean, I'm excited to have

"Oh, my gosh."

So, I mean, I'm excited to have that moment again.

So, I mean, I'm excited to have that moment again.

>> Don't forget your gold shoes.

that moment again.

>> Don't forget your gold shoes.

>> Right, okay.

>> Don't forget your gold shoes.

>> Right, okay.

>> I'm excited for you!

>> Right, okay.

>> I'm excited for you!

Oh, I love you.

>> I'm excited for you!

Oh, I love you.

>> I do too.

Oh, I love you.

>> I do too.

>> Have a great time.

>> I do too.

>> Have a great time.

>> I mean, how often do you get

>> Have a great time.

>> I mean, how often do you get to do this kind of opportunity

>> I mean, how often do you get to do this kind of opportunity twice?

>> Look.

>> Look.

See it?

>> Look.

See it?

>> Yeah!

See it?

>> Yeah!

Whoa.

>> See all these taxis and,

>> See all these taxis and, like, all these different types

>> See all these taxis and, like, all these different types of people?

like, all these different types of people?

I just want to live here.

of people?

I just want to live here.

It's wonderful.

>> I want to be on one of the

>> I want to be on one of the screens one day.

>> I want to be on one of the screens one day.

>> I know, on the billboards?

screens one day.

>> I know, on the billboards?

>> Yeah.

>> Thank you very much!

>> Thank you very much!

>> Have a good day.

>> I'm in New York City!

>> I'm in New York City!

I am really exited.

>> It's amazing!

>> It's amazing!

It's beyond gorgeous.

>> It's amazing!

It's beyond gorgeous.

It's how life should be.

It's beyond gorgeous.

It's how life should be.

>> Yes!

It's how life should be.

>> Yes!

I'm going to Broadway.

>> Yes!

I'm going to Broadway.

>> We're here with Taylor Neal,

I'm going to Broadway.

>> We're here with Taylor Neal, the Blumey winner from

>> We're here with Taylor Neal, the Blumey winner from Charlotte, North Carolina.

the Blumey winner from Charlotte, North Carolina.

>> Let me show you around.

Charlotte, North Carolina.

>> Let me show you around.

I own this place.

>> Let me show you around.

I own this place.

It's called New York City,

I own this place.

It's called New York City, and I own it.

It's called New York City, and I own it.

>> That's fantastic.

and I own it.

>> That's fantastic.

>> Where are you guys from?

>> That's fantastic.

>> Where are you guys from?

>> I'm from Sayersville, New

>> Where are you guys from?

>> I'm from Sayersville, New Jersey.

I absolutely believe that the

I absolutely believe that the time here could end up being

time here could end up being life-altering.

life-altering.

I'm hoping it's life-changing.

>> 1207 room B and A

>> 1207 room B and A representing right here.

>> 1207 room B and A representing right here.

>> Say hello!

representing right here.

>> Say hello!

>> I just got to my dorm

>> Say hello!

>> I just got to my dorm and the view is amazing.

>> I just got to my dorm and the view is amazing.

I'm feeling a little nervous,

and the view is amazing.

I'm feeling a little nervous, but really exited to meet

I'm feeling a little nervous, but really exited to meet everyone.

but really exited to meet everyone.

>> When we bring these kids to

everyone.

>> When we bring these kids to New York, it's a five-day boot

>> When we bring these kids to New York, it's a five-day boot camp.

New York, it's a five-day boot camp.

You know, it's taken them three

camp.

You know, it's taken them three or four months to rehearse their

You know, it's taken them three or four months to rehearse their high school musical.

Here we have four days.

It's very grueling.

It's very grueling.

It's very intensive.

(applause)

(applause) >> Hi everyone,

(applause) >> Hi everyone, I'm Nicholas Weatherbee.

>> Hi everyone, I'm Nicholas Weatherbee.

>> Hi everyone,

I'm Nicholas Weatherbee.

>> Hi everyone, I'm Sabaa Sharma.

>> Hi everyone, I'm Sabaa Sharma.

>> I'm Evan Greenberg.

I'm Sabaa Sharma.

>> I'm Evan Greenberg.

>> Hey, guys.

>> I'm Evan Greenberg.

>> Hey, guys.

>> Throughout the week, we teach

>> Hey, guys.

>> Throughout the week, we teach them an opening and closing

>> Throughout the week, we teach them an opening and closing number.

them an opening and closing number.

Gee, I'd like to be

number.

Gee, I'd like to be on some marquee...

Gee, I'd like to be on some marquee... And then they work with their

on some marquee... And then they work with their coaches on their solo pieces.

And then they work with their coaches on their solo pieces.

>> What's going on?

coaches on their solo pieces.

>> What's going on?

>> So just go from

>> What's going on?

>> So just go from Master of the house

>> So just go from Master of the house at letter K.

Master of the house at letter K. Master of the house...

at letter K. Master of the house... >> And then we work on the

Master of the house... >> And then we work on the medley pieces.

>> And that fifth day,

>> And that fifth day, they're in front of judges.

>> And that fifth day, they're in front of judges.

And this is going to be their

they're in front of judges.

And this is going to be their Broadway debut.

And this is going to be their Broadway debut.

They're going to end up on stage

Broadway debut.

They're going to end up on stage in a Broadway theater.

They're going to end up on stage in a Broadway theater.

I'm the king...

in a Broadway theater.

I'm the king...

So we've got a big job to do in

I'm the king...

So we've got a big job to do in a very short period of time,

So we've got a big job to do in a very short period of time, but a life in the theater is not

a very short period of time, but a life in the theater is not an easy thing.

Hey, hey, hey.

Hey, hey, hey.

Welcome, everybody.

Hey, hey, hey.

Welcome, everybody.

You made it!

Welcome, everybody.

You made it!

(applause)

You made it!

(applause) Okay, enough from me.

(applause) Okay, enough from me.

Now Keisha, you're on.

Okay, enough from me.

Now Keisha, you're on.

>> I'm on!

Now Keisha, you're on.

>> I'm on!

So, I'm Keisha.

>> I'm on!

So, I'm Keisha.

I'm the choreographer.

So, I'm Keisha.

I'm the choreographer.

You get to deal with me a lot

I'm the choreographer.

You get to deal with me a lot this week.

You get to deal with me a lot this week.

I'm sure you've heard stories.

Getting the show together is

Getting the show together is really, really, really fast.

You know, we arrive on Wednesday

You know, we arrive on Wednesday night, they start learning the

You know, we arrive on Wednesday night, they start learning the music.

night, they start learning the music.

Thursday is really still about

music.

Thursday is really still about learning music.

Thursday is really still about learning music.

I'll keep my word...

learning music.

I'll keep my word... Two is better than one.

I'll keep my word... Two is better than one.

Dais by dais...

Two is better than one.

Dais by dais... >> And I have Friday to get the

Dais by dais... >> And I have Friday to get the entire show up on its feet.

Saturday we tweak things.

Saturday we tweak things.

Why are you arching your back?

Saturday we tweak things.

Why are you arching your back?

Stop, stop.

Why are you arching your back?

Stop, stop.

I need you to screw your heads

Stop, stop.

I need you to screw your heads on right now.

I need you to screw your heads on right now.

It's fast.

on right now.

It's fast.

It's really fast.

It's fast.

It's really fast.

We got a great big show

It's really fast.

We got a great big show with a T...

We got a great big show with a T... >> We have to put an entire two

with a T... >> We have to put an entire two and half hours of entertainment

>> We have to put an entire two and half hours of entertainment together in three days.

and half hours of entertainment together in three days.

Right.

together in three days.

Right.

Oh my goodness.

Right.

Oh my goodness.

As soon as we are done with this

Oh my goodness.

As soon as we are done with this little talk tonight, you start

As soon as we are done with this little talk tonight, you start rehearsing.

little talk tonight, you start rehearsing.

You learn the vocals for the

rehearsing.

You learn the vocals for the opening and closing tonight.

>> E, F...

We're going to put a little tiny

We're going to put a little tiny H in front of each one of those.

We're going to put a little tiny H in front of each one of those.

Okay, so...

H in front of each one of those.

Okay, so... E, E, E, E

Okay, so... E, E, E, E F, F, F, F

E, E, E, E F, F, F, F O, O, O, O, O.

F, F, F, F O, O, O, O, O.

>> Very good.

O, O, O, O, O.

>> Very good.

E, E, E, E....

>> Very good.

E, E, E, E.... >> They're coming to us as

E, E, E, E.... >> They're coming to us as winners of their local

>> They're coming to us as winners of their local competitions, and they've been

winners of their local competitions, and they've been the star of their high school

competitions, and they've been the star of their high school musical, and now we've

the star of their high school musical, and now we've surrounded them by 59 other

musical, and now we've surrounded them by 59 other students that are every bit as

surrounded them by 59 other students that are every bit as talented.

students that are every bit as talented.

>> Let's just sing a really

talented.

>> Let's just sing a really lovely "ooo," and I mean an

>> Let's just sing a really lovely "ooo," and I mean an "ooo."

lovely "ooo," and I mean an "ooo."

So you've got "O" on the inside,

"ooo."

So you've got "O" on the inside, and then you wrap your lips

So you've got "O" on the inside, and then you wrap your lips around the front.

and then you wrap your lips around the front.

Ooo, ooo, ooo, ooo, ooo.

around the front.

Ooo, ooo, ooo, ooo, ooo.

>> When you walk in, it's so

Ooo, ooo, ooo, ooo, ooo.

>> When you walk in, it's so overwhelming, all the talent and

>> When you walk in, it's so overwhelming, all the talent and all the different styles.

overwhelming, all the talent and all the different styles.

I'm very nerdy.

all the different styles.

I'm very nerdy.

I'm very shy and quiet outside

I'm very nerdy.

I'm very shy and quiet outside of the theater world.

So then, I mean, it's really

So then, I mean, it's really hard, definitely, at first to

hard, definitely, at first to try to find a way to fit in

try to find a way to fit in because you feel so small amidst

because you feel so small amidst all this huge group.

But then it really... it's a

But then it really... it's a huge bonding experience at the

But then it really... it's a huge bonding experience at the same time.

huge bonding experience at the same time.

Now is the time

same time.

Now is the time to seize the day...

Now is the time to seize the day... >> The opening number, everyone

to seize the day... >> The opening number, everyone is in that number.

And it's usually sort of an

And it's usually sort of an amalgam of current shows that

amalgam of current shows that are running on Broadway, and

are running on Broadway, and then sometimes other classic

then sometimes other classic Broadway tunes.

I try to use songs where when

I try to use songs where when the kids are singing the lyrics,

I try to use songs where when the kids are singing the lyrics, they mean something about them

the kids are singing the lyrics, they mean something about them being on stage.

they mean something about them being on stage.

So let's talk through the

being on stage.

So let's talk through the lyrics, in rhythm, without notes

So let's talk through the lyrics, in rhythm, without notes to begin with, and we will add

lyrics, in rhythm, without notes to begin with, and we will add notes to it.

to begin with, and we will add notes to it.

Five, six, seven, eight.

notes to it.

Five, six, seven, eight.

Look at me

Five, six, seven, eight.

Look at me I'm the king of New York

Look at me I'm the king of New York >> All right, so let's put notes

I'm the king of New York >> All right, so let's put notes to it, starting with first

>> All right, so let's put notes to it, starting with first sopranos.

to it, starting with first sopranos.

Look at me

sopranos.

Look at me I'm the king of New York

Look at me I'm the king of New York Look at me

I'm the king of New York Look at me I'm the king of New York.

Look at me I'm the king of New York.

>> Good.

I'm the king of New York.

>> Good.

>> Altos, bravely, your part.

>> Good.

>> Altos, bravely, your part.

Two, three, four.

>> Altos, bravely, your part.

Two, three, four.

Look at me

Two, three, four.

Look at me I'm the king of New York.

Look at me I'm the king of New York.

>> Good.

I'm the king of New York.

>> Good.

So guys, all together.

>> Good.

So guys, all together.

Two, three, four.

So guys, all together.

Two, three, four.

Look at me

Two, three, four.

Look at me I'm the king of New York

Look at me I'm the king of New York Suddenly

I'm the king of New York Suddenly I'm the king of New York.

Suddenly I'm the king of New York.

>> It's fun when you're in a

I'm the king of New York.

>> It's fun when you're in a competition.

Like, when I first got here, I

Like, when I first got here, I was like, "Oh, I heard he's

was like, "Oh, I heard he's really good, he's my

really good, he's my competition."

But there are so many amazing

But there are so many amazing people here that, like, anyone

But there are so many amazing people here that, like, anyone could get it.

people here that, like, anyone could get it.

We will find a way...

could get it.

We will find a way... >> Like, if I didn't get it I

We will find a way... >> Like, if I didn't get it I wouldn't be, like, "Wow, like,

>> Like, if I didn't get it I wouldn't be, like, "Wow, like, really?"

wouldn't be, like, "Wow, like, really?"

I'd be like, "Yeah."

really?"

I'd be like, "Yeah."

There's so many amazing people

I'd be like, "Yeah."

There's so many amazing people here, it's incredible.

There's so many amazing people here, it's incredible.

Can you feel

here, it's incredible.

Can you feel can you feel...

Can you feel can you feel... >> When you have such intense

can you feel... >> When you have such intense competition around you, it

>> When you have such intense competition around you, it really humbles you.

I'm like, "And I thought I was

I'm like, "And I thought I was good?"

good?"

Like, are you serious?

There's talent everywhere you

There's talent everywhere you look.

There's talent everywhere you look.

It really makes you want to

look.

It really makes you want to improve and be the best you can

It really makes you want to improve and be the best you can really be.

improve and be the best you can really be.

I know I heard all them sing

really be.

I know I heard all them sing now, so I'm like, "Okay, now I

I know I heard all them sing now, so I'm like, "Okay, now I know what I have to do to get to

now, so I'm like, "Okay, now I know what I have to do to get to their level," and it really

know what I have to do to get to their level," and it really forces you to work harder.

their level," and it really forces you to work harder.

It sounds truly crazy

forces you to work harder.

It sounds truly crazy and true the vision's hazy

It sounds truly crazy and true the vision's hazy But I swear someday I'll be

and true the vision's hazy But I swear someday I'll be in NYC

But I swear someday I'll be in NYC I'm the king

in NYC I'm the king I'm the king of New York

I'm the king I'm the king of New York Can you feel the love

I'm the king of New York Can you feel the love tonight?

>> I mean, it sounds good, like,

>> I mean, it sounds good, like, we sound like a really good,

>> I mean, it sounds good, like, we sound like a really good, like, ensemble.

That's probably the best people

That's probably the best people I've ever rehearsed with in my

I've ever rehearsed with in my life.

life.

No, I can't hit the single...

No, I can't hit the single... like, the note.

like, the note.

It's too hard, and he's going so

It's too hard, and he's going so fast.

fast.

>> We're trying to help each

>> We're trying to help each other out.

>> We're the loud tenors, so we

>> We're the loud tenors, so we were trying to make sure that we

>> We're the loud tenors, so we were trying to make sure that we were, like, on pitch the entire

were trying to make sure that we were, like, on pitch the entire time.

were, like, on pitch the entire time.

>> Yeah.

time.

>> Yeah.

>> What do you think of each

>> Yeah.

>> What do you think of each other's voice?

>> What do you think of each other's voice?

>> I love his voice.

other's voice?

>> I love his voice.

>> I love his voice.

>> I love his voice.

>> I love his voice.

I wish, like, I had him in

>> I love his voice.

I wish, like, I had him in school with me because like...

I wish, like, I had him in school with me because like... >> We'd help each other out.

school with me because like... >> We'd help each other out.

>> We'd be, like... yeah, the

>> We'd help each other out.

>> We'd be, like... yeah, the tenor duo.

>> We'd be, like... yeah, the tenor duo.

>> His is really powerful and

tenor duo.

>> His is really powerful and very belty and then, you know,

>> His is really powerful and very belty and then, you know, mine is a little quiter, so it's

very belty and then, you know, mine is a little quiter, so it's kind of a really good mix.

mine is a little quiter, so it's kind of a really good mix.

>> It's kind of like, I don't

kind of a really good mix.

>> It's kind of like, I don't know, kind of next to me in that

>> It's kind of like, I don't know, kind of next to me in that range.

know, kind of next to me in that range.

I don't know, we're kind of

range.

I don't know, we're kind of pushing each other.

I don't know, we're kind of pushing each other.

>> It's a really good mesh,

pushing each other.

>> It's a really good mesh, I think.

>> It's a really good mesh, I think.

>> Yeah.

I think.

>> Yeah.

>> I'm a little nervous.

Seeing what happened tonight has

Seeing what happened tonight has opened my eyes to what's to

opened my eyes to what's to come.

If this is just the first night,

If this is just the first night, there is definitely a lot in

If this is just the first night, there is definitely a lot in store for me.

there is definitely a lot in store for me.

But it also solidified how

store for me.

But it also solidified how amazing this is.

But it also solidified how amazing this is.

>> I'm so ready to hit the

amazing this is.

>> I'm so ready to hit the pillow right now.

It's been a really long day.

It's been a really long day.

Take a shower, get back,

Take a shower, get back, check Facebook, go to bed.

>> Okay, so this is day one.

>> Okay, so this is day one.

I think New York is awesome.

>> Okay, so this is day one.

I think New York is awesome.

It's... it doesn't care

I think New York is awesome.

It's... it doesn't care what you think of it, though.

I...

I don't know.

I...

I don't know.

I just...

I like the people

I just...

I like the people here, I like the way that people

here, I like the way that people dress, I like the buildings,

dress, I like the buildings, and I want to live here.

I love it.

I love it.

But once I get on this stage,

I love it.

But once I get on this stage, and once we start to rehearse, I

But once I get on this stage, and once we start to rehearse, I think I'm going to...

and once we start to rehearse, I think I'm going to...

I think I'm just going to be so

think I'm going to...

I think I'm just going to be so excited, and I think that's when

I think I'm just going to be so excited, and I think that's when everything is going to hit me

excited, and I think that's when everything is going to hit me and I'll probably break down and

everything is going to hit me and I'll probably break down and cry, in a good way, because,

and I'll probably break down and cry, in a good way, because, yeah...

cry, in a good way, because, yeah...

But I really like it, so...

>> Well, good morning.

>> Well, good morning.

>> Hey, good morning!

>> Well, good morning.

>> Hey, good morning!

>> That's Nicolette, my

>> Hey, good morning!

>> That's Nicolette, my roommate.

>> That's Nicolette, my roommate.

I've got to go to rehearsal, so

roommate.

I've got to go to rehearsal, so see you later.

I've got to go to rehearsal, so see you later.

>> Good morning.

see you later.

>> Good morning.

Good morning, New York,

>> Good morning.

Good morning, New York, everyone wake up.

Good morning, New York, everyone wake up.

I'm a little nervous to be

everyone wake up.

I'm a little nervous to be singing this early, but we don't

I'm a little nervous to be singing this early, but we don't have a choice.

Ma lei non puo amarmi

Ma lei non puo amarmi non cosi

Non amera un raggazino

Non amera un raggazino Non puo amare un raggazino

Non amera un raggazino Non puo amare un raggazino Dio

ah, Clara, Clara, Clara

ah, Clara, Clara, Clara Mia luce, mio cor

l'essenza che mi mancava sei tu

l'essenza che mi mancava sei tu Sei tu, Clara, Clara, Clara

l'essenza che mi mancava sei tu Sei tu, Clara, Clara, Clara mia luce, mio cor

Sei tu, Clara, Clara, Clara mia luce, mio cor L'esssenza che mi mancava

mia luce, mio cor L'esssenza che mi mancava sei tu

L'esssenza che mi mancava sei tu Sei tu...

sei tu Sei tu... Is that the right note?

Sei tu... Is that the right note?

>> No, you jumped.

Is that the right note?

>> No, you jumped.

I think you jumped to a

>> No, you jumped.

I think you jumped to a different place.

I think you jumped to a different place.

>> Okay, where is it?

different place.

>> Okay, where is it?

Because that cut is so weird.

>> Okay, where is it?

Because that cut is so weird.

>> You went there

Because that cut is so weird.

>> You went there instead of down here.

>> My very first coaching

>> My very first coaching session, I mean, we were all

session, I mean, we were all kind of anxious to perform in

kind of anxious to perform in front of each other, just

front of each other, just because it's always, I think,

because it's always, I think, harder to perform in front of

harder to perform in front of eight people in a small room

eight people in a small room than thousands that you can't

than thousands that you can't see in a big theater.

Clara, Clara, Clara

mio luce, mio cor

mio luce, mio cor L'essenza che mi mancava

sei tu...

sei tu...

There's 59 other people there,

sei tu...

There's 59 other people there, you know, that can sing better

There's 59 other people there, you know, that can sing better than you and act better than you

you know, that can sing better than you and act better than you and dance better than you.

than you and act better than you and dance better than you.

You just...

and dance better than you.

You just... you kind of feel undermined.

You just... you kind of feel undermined.

M'inonda.

>> Why did you just go, "Ugh!"

>> Why did you just go, "Ugh!"

at the end?

>> Why did you just go, "Ugh!"

at the end?

>> No, well... lyrically it's...

at the end?

>> No, well... lyrically it's... it doesn't really matter.

>> No, well... lyrically it's... it doesn't really matter.

It's just musically, since it

it doesn't really matter.

It's just musically, since it goes up, it goes, like, step

It's just musically, since it goes up, it goes, like, step by step by step, so I just...

goes up, it goes, like, step by step by step, so I just... it just was that weird...

I feel like the underdog here

I feel like the underdog here just because of the fact that,

I feel like the underdog here just because of the fact that, you know, I did not win my

just because of the fact that, you know, I did not win my regional competition.

you know, I did not win my regional competition.

The previous winner was not able

regional competition.

The previous winner was not able to attend due to conflicts.

The previous winner was not able to attend due to conflicts.

So going to New York

to attend due to conflicts.

So going to New York is being the runner-up.

So going to New York is being the runner-up.

Mentally, yes, it did affect me,

is being the runner-up.

Mentally, yes, it did affect me, just because you can't help

Mentally, yes, it did affect me, just because you can't help thinking "I'm not really

just because you can't help thinking "I'm not really supposed to be here."

thinking "I'm not really supposed to be here."

I'm here by sheer luck,

supposed to be here."

I'm here by sheer luck, by sheer accident, basically.

I'm here by sheer luck, by sheer accident, basically.

If I could let

by sheer accident, basically.

If I could let myself believe

I know just where I'd be

Right on the next bus

Right on the next bus to paradise

Right on the next bus to paradise Sal Tlay Ka Siti

to paradise Sal Tlay Ka Siti And I'll bet the people

Sal Tlay Ka Siti And I'll bet the people are open minded

And I'll bet the people are open minded And don't care

are open minded And don't care who you've been

And don't care who you've been And all I hope

who you've been And all I hope is that when I find it

And all I hope is that when I find it I'm able to fit in

is that when I find it I'm able to fit in will I fit in

I'm able to fit in will I fit in Sal Tlay Ka Siti

will I fit in Sal Tlay Ka Siti land of hope and joy...

Sal Tlay Ka Siti land of hope and joy... >> These kids look very serious.

They look like they're here to

They look like they're here to work, and they're here to do a

work, and they're here to do a good job.

And so I've got to step up my

And so I've got to step up my game, too.

And so I've got to step up my game, too.

>> So you're going to go from

game, too.

>> So you're going to go from the reset, starting at that

>> So you're going to go from the reset, starting at that part.

the reset, starting at that part.

Front page.

part.

Front page.

>> My pages are a little off.

I don't have the best voice,

I don't have the best voice, and I know that.

I don't have the best voice, and I know that.

I can hit notes, but I'm not a

and I know that.

I can hit notes, but I'm not a singer.

I can hit notes, but I'm not a singer.

Like, these people have been

singer.

Like, these people have been training all their lives.

Like, these people have been training all their lives.

I've only taken chorus one year,

training all their lives.

I've only taken chorus one year, and never had a singing lesson

I've only taken chorus one year, and never had a singing lesson in my life.

and never had a singing lesson in my life.

>> You want to hold the music?

in my life.

>> You want to hold the music?

>> Yeah, I'm probably going to

>> You want to hold the music?

>> Yeah, I'm probably going to hold the music.

>> Yeah, I'm probably going to hold the music.

I'm trying to come in with

hold the music.

I'm trying to come in with something else that shows my

I'm trying to come in with something else that shows my strength, and my strength is

something else that shows my strength, and my strength is comedy and comedic timing.

strength, and my strength is comedy and comedic timing.

We can do a stumble-through,

comedy and comedic timing.

We can do a stumble-through, I guess.

We can do a stumble-through, I guess.

I'm a mess, sorry, guys.

I guess.

I'm a mess, sorry, guys.

>> Oh, no, not you!

>> Wait, what's the starting

>> Wait, what's the starting note?

>> Wait, what's the starting note?

I'm sorry.

note?

I'm sorry.

Yeah, got you.

I'm sorry.

Yeah, got you.

>> Breathe.

Yeah, got you.

>> Breathe.

>> I'm so sorry.

>> Breathe.

>> I'm so sorry.

>> No apologies.

>> I'm so sorry.

>> No apologies.

>> I have not done this for a

>> No apologies.

>> I have not done this for a long time.

>> I have not done this for a long time.

>> It's okay.

long time.

>> It's okay.

>> Okay.

>> It's okay.

>> Okay.

You make me feel a lot better.

>> Okay.

You make me feel a lot better.

>> Take a breath.

You make me feel a lot better.

>> Take a breath.

>> When I was up there, I had to

>> Take a breath.

>> When I was up there, I had to have my book along with me

>> When I was up there, I had to have my book along with me because I forgot the lyrics.

have my book along with me because I forgot the lyrics.

So when I started singing, I was

because I forgot the lyrics.

So when I started singing, I was shaking and my knees were

So when I started singing, I was shaking and my knees were shaking and the folder was

shaking and my knees were shaking and the folder was shaking and it was just really

shaking and the folder was shaking and it was just really bad.

shaking and it was just really bad.

Just a totally bad experience.

>> Just go from

>> Just go from Master of the House

Master of the House at letter K, the last "Master of

at letter K, the last "Master of the house."

the house."

>> Also, we can take it a little

>> Also, we can take it a little faster.

Yeah, it's no problem.

Yeah, it's no problem.

>> "Master of the House," ready?

Master of the house

Master of the house quick to catch your eye

quick to catch your eye I forgot the page

I forgot the page but it's okay, because...

Servant to the poor

Servant to the poor butler to the great

Servant to the poor butler to the great Comforter, philosopher

butler to the great Comforter, philosopher and lifelong mate

Comforter, philosopher and lifelong mate Everybody bless the landlord

and lifelong mate Everybody bless the landlord everybody bless his spouse

Everybody bless the landlord everybody bless his spouse Everybody raise a glass

everybody bless his spouse Everybody raise a glass to the master of the house.

(applause)

(applause) I wasn't prepared.

(applause) I wasn't prepared.

That was my fault, obviously.

I wasn't prepared.

That was my fault, obviously.

And I knew that everyone here

That was my fault, obviously.

And I knew that everyone here was amazing, so it lowered my

And I knew that everyone here was amazing, so it lowered my confidence a lot.

was amazing, so it lowered my confidence a lot.

I've realized that the talent

confidence a lot.

I've realized that the talent here, people know what they're

I've realized that the talent here, people know what they're doing.

To dim the sun

To dim the sun before the summer ends

before the summer ends To burn the castle down

before the princess is awake

before the princess is awake To kill our love

before the princess is awake To kill our love when it's still so alive

To kill our love when it's still so alive I could not do it

when it's still so alive I could not do it my heart would break

I could not do it my heart would break I've given her my word

my heart would break I've given her my word and if the time should come

I've given her my word and if the time should come I will do what I must

and if the time should come I will do what I must how could I

I will do what I must how could I To dim the sun

how could I To dim the sun before the summer ends

To dim the sun before the summer ends To burn the castle down

before the summer ends To burn the castle down before the princess is awake

To burn the castle down before the princess is awake To kill our love

before the princess is awake To kill our love when it's still so alive

To kill our love when it's still so alive I'll keep my word

when it's still so alive I'll keep my word and my heart will break.

>> So far, the experience has

>> So far, the experience has been incredible, just working

>> So far, the experience has been incredible, just working with all these people.

It's cool, because we come from

It's cool, because we come from our schools, and hearing these

our schools, and hearing these same people sing every single

same people sing every single day, like our home towns, and

day, like our home towns, and then you come here and hear all

then you come here and hear all these different, amazing people

these different, amazing people you've never heard before.

you've never heard before.

I'm not living without you

I'm not living without you I don't want to be free

I don't want to be free I'm staying, I'm staying

I'm staying, I'm staying and you, and you

and you, and you You're going to love me

You're going to love me you're going to love me

you're going to love me And I am telling you

And I am telling you I'm not going

I'm not going Even though the rough times

Even though the rough times are showing

are showing There's just no way...

I was kind of nervous, just

I was kind of nervous, just because I haven't done the song

because I haven't done the song fully.

So normally when I don't have a

So normally when I don't have a lot of confidence, I tend to,

So normally when I don't have a lot of confidence, I tend to, like, you know, be all over the

lot of confidence, I tend to, like, you know, be all over the place and stuff.

like, you know, be all over the place and stuff.

I get really jittery.

place and stuff.

I get really jittery.

So I was really like, "Oh, I

I get really jittery.

So I was really like, "Oh, I haven't done it with a piano, I

So I was really like, "Oh, I haven't done it with a piano, I don't know how it sounds, I

haven't done it with a piano, I don't know how it sounds, I don't know how it is, like, here

don't know how it sounds, I don't know how it is, like, here and there."

don't know how it is, like, here and there."

So I was like, "Woo..."

and there."

So I was like, "Woo..." Yeah.

So I was like, "Woo..." Yeah.

And I am

Yeah.

And I am telling...

And I am telling...

It was almost as if I didn't

telling...

It was almost as if I didn't come prepared, and that is never

It was almost as if I didn't come prepared, and that is never a good thing.

come prepared, and that is never a good thing.

You know, as a person I feel

a good thing.

You know, as a person I feel like you can't let other people

You know, as a person I feel like you can't let other people see your weaknesses.

like you can't let other people see your weaknesses.

You have to be strong.

see your weaknesses.

You have to be strong.

There's no way I could ever

You have to be strong.

There's no way I could ever go

There's no way I could ever go no, no, darling

go no, no, darling There's no way...

no, no, darling There's no way... My summer of my ninth-grade

There's no way... My summer of my ninth-grade year, my father left.

My summer of my ninth-grade year, my father left.

He left us with $45 and what was

year, my father left.

He left us with $45 and what was soon to be a foreclosed home.

He left us with $45 and what was soon to be a foreclosed home.

And so for two years we were

soon to be a foreclosed home.

And so for two years we were going house to house, living in

And so for two years we were going house to house, living in the car, you know, driving

going house to house, living in the car, you know, driving around all night, always asking

the car, you know, driving around all night, always asking people for money.

around all night, always asking people for money.

>> All right, talk to me.

people for money.

>> All right, talk to me.

What's going on?

>> All right, talk to me.

What's going on?

>> It was definitely a very

What's going on?

>> It was definitely a very scary experience.

>> It was definitely a very scary experience.

You never know where your next

scary experience.

You never know where your next daily bread is going to come

You never know where your next daily bread is going to come from, when the next time you're

daily bread is going to come from, when the next time you're going to smile.

from, when the next time you're going to smile.

I am not going...

going to smile.

I am not going...

I knew that there was so much

I am not going...

I knew that there was so much that I wanted to get off my

I knew that there was so much that I wanted to get off my chest, but I couldn't do it.

that I wanted to get off my chest, but I couldn't do it.

That's why performing was so

chest, but I couldn't do it.

That's why performing was so important to me, because

That's why performing was so important to me, because I thought that if I was on

important to me, because I thought that if I was on stage, I could express that and

I thought that if I was on stage, I could express that and let it go instead of keeping it

stage, I could express that and let it go instead of keeping it in.

let it go instead of keeping it in.

>> The hard work comes from,

in.

>> The hard work comes from, "Wow, I have to really invest

>> The hard work comes from, "Wow, I have to really invest myself in it and find what this

"Wow, I have to really invest myself in it and find what this song means to me."

myself in it and find what this song means to me."

Find licks that are comfortable

song means to me."

Find licks that are comfortable for you.

Find licks that are comfortable for you.

>> I was never expecting

for you.

>> I was never expecting anything like that to happen.

>> I was never expecting anything like that to happen.

So it was kind of like a wakeup

anything like that to happen.

So it was kind of like a wakeup call for me.

So it was kind of like a wakeup call for me.

At the same time, it helped me

call for me.

At the same time, it helped me in the end to become a stronger

At the same time, it helped me in the end to become a stronger person.

No, this isn't over

No, this isn't over hell, it's just begun

Hail the resurrection

Hail the resurrection of the South's

Hail the resurrection of the South's least favorite son

of the South's least favorite son It means I made a vow

least favorite son It means I made a vow for better

It means I made a vow for better Two is better than one

for better Two is better than one It means a man

Two is better than one It means a man who isn't guilty

It means a man who isn't guilty Doesn't have

who isn't guilty Doesn't have to walk the plank...

At this point, I'm feeling

At this point, I'm feeling really nervous and slightly

really nervous and slightly uncomfortable because there's so

uncomfortable because there's so much to do and so much to

much to do and so much to remember.

And there's pressure.

And there's pressure.

There is a lot pressure to be

And there's pressure.

There is a lot pressure to be here.

There is a lot pressure to be here.

So I do need to remind myself

here.

So I do need to remind myself that I am equally as deserving

So I do need to remind myself that I am equally as deserving as everyone else who's here.

I was a different kid.

I was a different kid.

I was very introverted, which

I was a different kid.

I was very introverted, which I'm not at all now, until my

I was very introverted, which I'm not at all now, until my first musical.

I'm not at all now, until my first musical.

Up until this point, there was

first musical.

Up until this point, there was nothing that I did that was

Up until this point, there was nothing that I did that was wonderful or exciting or

nothing that I did that was wonderful or exciting or different.

wonderful or exciting or different.

But what I didn't really notice

different.

But what I didn't really notice right away was that the kids

But what I didn't really notice right away was that the kids were calling me, like, a suck-up

right away was that the kids were calling me, like, a suck-up or teacher's pet, which I was

were calling me, like, a suck-up or teacher's pet, which I was fine with.

or teacher's pet, which I was fine with.

That's how it started,

fine with.

That's how it started, and then it escalated.

That's how it started, and then it escalated.

I was called a faggot or a pussy

and then it escalated.

I was called a faggot or a pussy or a queer, and it was from

I was called a faggot or a pussy or a queer, and it was from there that I would start hiding

or a queer, and it was from there that I would start hiding at school.

there that I would start hiding at school.

I was scared to go out at lunch

at school.

I was scared to go out at lunch because who wants everyone

I was scared to go out at lunch because who wants everyone laughing at you while you're

because who wants everyone laughing at you while you're tripped on the floor?

laughing at you while you're tripped on the floor?

So I would eat lunch in the

tripped on the floor?

So I would eat lunch in the bathroom.

So I would eat lunch in the bathroom.

At one point I said I was

bathroom.

At one point I said I was allergic to the sun.

At one point I said I was allergic to the sun.

Then that's when I knew that I

allergic to the sun.

Then that's when I knew that I could not stay at that school.

Then that's when I knew that I could not stay at that school.

So I found the Orange County

could not stay at that school.

So I found the Orange County High School for the Arts, the

So I found the Orange County High School for the Arts, the school I just graduated from,

High School for the Arts, the school I just graduated from, and it was nothing short of a

school I just graduated from, and it was nothing short of a dream.

and it was nothing short of a dream.

I had this whole new sense of

dream.

I had this whole new sense of myself that I'd never had

I had this whole new sense of myself that I'd never had before.

myself that I'd never had before.

It's about what's in your heart,

before.

It's about what's in your heart, and the fact that I was able to

It's about what's in your heart, and the fact that I was able to find that, still in high school,

and the fact that I was able to find that, still in high school, is something really special,

find that, still in high school, is something really special, I think, and I tell myself every

is something really special, I think, and I tell myself every day to remember that when I meet

I think, and I tell myself every day to remember that when I meet other people.

>> The only thing that I want

>> The only thing that I want any of these kids to walk away

any of these kids to walk away with is being true to themselves

with is being true to themselves and believing in themselves.

So when that happens, you know,

So when that happens, you know, it's just a great feeling.

So when that happens, you know, it's just a great feeling.

Oh, gods, oh, gods

it's just a great feeling.

Oh, gods, oh, gods please be there

Don't you remember

Don't you remember your little Ti Moune

your little Ti Moune from the tree

Wake up, look down

Wake up, look down hear my prayer...

Wake up, look down hear my prayer... >> Sabaa, she's only been doing

hear my prayer... >> Sabaa, she's only been doing this for one year.

>> Sabaa, she's only been doing this for one year.

Then she auditioned for a high

this for one year.

Then she auditioned for a high school musical, got it, the

Then she auditioned for a high school musical, got it, the lead, she won, and then she ends

school musical, got it, the lead, she won, and then she ends up at the National High School

lead, she won, and then she ends up at the National High School Musical Theater Awards with the

up at the National High School Musical Theater Awards with the top talent in the country, with

Musical Theater Awards with the top talent in the country, with a professional director,

top talent in the country, with a professional director, professional choreographer.

a professional director, professional choreographer.

She's completely overwhelmed.

professional choreographer.

She's completely overwhelmed.

And I looked at her and I said,

She's completely overwhelmed.

And I looked at her and I said, "But you're here for a reason."

And I looked at her and I said, "But you're here for a reason."

Just stand and deliver.

"But you're here for a reason."

Just stand and deliver.

Go for it.

Just stand and deliver.

Go for it.

You have a voice and a half.

Go for it.

You have a voice and a half.

Use it.

You have a voice and a half.

Use it.

Just breathe, yeah?

Use it.

Just breathe, yeah?

One more time from the segue.

Just breathe, yeah?

One more time from the segue.

In her medley today, when she

One more time from the segue.

In her medley today, when she sang this afternoon, she was a

In her medley today, when she sang this afternoon, she was a completely different person.

sang this afternoon, she was a completely different person.

Wake up, look down

completely different person.

Wake up, look down hear my prayer

Wake up, look down hear my prayer Don't single me out

hear my prayer Don't single me out and then forget me

Don't single me out and then forget me Oh, gods, oh, gods

and then forget me Oh, gods, oh, gods let me fly

Oh, gods, oh, gods let me fly Send me to places

let me fly Send me to places where no one before me

Send me to places where no one before me has been

where no one before me has been You spared my life

has been You spared my life show me why...

I learned to contain my fear,

I learned to contain my fear, because all the people around me

because all the people around me didn't show their fear, so, I

didn't show their fear, so, I mean, obviously everybody's

mean, obviously everybody's scared, but I think there's a

scared, but I think there's a point where if you're too

point where if you're too scared, that sometimes will mess

scared, that sometimes will mess up your performance, and that

up your performance, and that can lead you in a negative path.

>> I am really hungry, so, of

>> I am really hungry, so, of course, despite all the

>> I am really hungry, so, of course, despite all the wonderful food in New York

course, despite all the wonderful food in New York City...

wonderful food in New York City... >> Are you the Broadway

City... >> Are you the Broadway or the Bust?

>> Are you the Broadway or the Bust?

>> Broadway, absolutely!

And it moves us all

And it moves us all through despair and hope

And it moves us all through despair and hope Faith and love

through despair and hope Faith and love 'til we find our...

Faith and love 'til we find our... >> Hey guys, I've got a surprise

'til we find our... >> Hey guys, I've got a surprise for you.

>> Hey guys, I've got a surprise for you.

(cheering)

for you.

(cheering) This is a celebrity that just

(cheering) This is a celebrity that just happened to be coming by and

This is a celebrity that just happened to be coming by and wanted to say hi.

happened to be coming by and wanted to say hi.

This is Michael Feinstein.

wanted to say hi.

This is Michael Feinstein.

(cheering)

This is Michael Feinstein.

(cheering) >> Oh my gosh.

(cheering) >> Oh my gosh.

I am obsessed with Michael

>> Oh my gosh.

I am obsessed with Michael Feinstein.

I have this little CD.

I have this little CD.

My Mom actually, like, played

My Mom actually, like, played when I was really little so I,

when I was really little so I, like, know all the songs.

So when I saw him in person,

So when I saw him in person, I was like "Oh my gosh, it's

So when I saw him in person, I was like "Oh my gosh, it's Michael Feinstein."

I was like "Oh my gosh, it's Michael Feinstein."

That was really cool, and that's

Michael Feinstein."

That was really cool, and that's not something that you get to

That was really cool, and that's not something that you get to have very often, so it was

not something that you get to have very often, so it was really exciting.

>> You've appeared on a Broadway

>> You've appeared on a Broadway stage a number of times.

stage a number of times.

>> Many, many.

>> Many, many.

And I've been asked to leave a

And I've been asked to leave a couple of them.

(laughter)

(laughter) >> So any advice to these

(laughter) >> So any advice to these budding stars?

>> So any advice to these budding stars?

>> Well, one of the valuable

budding stars?

>> Well, one of the valuable things for me was learning how

>> Well, one of the valuable things for me was learning how to connect with an audience

things for me was learning how to connect with an audience through a song.

to connect with an audience through a song.

Many people have extraordinary

through a song.

Many people have extraordinary voices, but to be able to

Many people have extraordinary voices, but to be able to communicate something that is

voices, but to be able to communicate something that is about the human spirit, that

communicate something that is about the human spirit, that people will see you and they

about the human spirit, that people will see you and they relate to you and they feel

people will see you and they relate to you and they feel something in their own lives

relate to you and they feel something in their own lives that they resonate with, that's

something in their own lives that they resonate with, that's what it's about.

that they resonate with, that's what it's about.

And I'll demonstrate a little

what it's about.

And I'll demonstrate a little bit of that if you like.

And I'll demonstrate a little bit of that if you like.

>> We won't stop you.

bit of that if you like.

>> We won't stop you.

>> Okay.

>> We won't stop you.

>> Okay.

Well, let's take a Gershwin

>> Okay.

Well, let's take a Gershwin song.

Well, let's take a Gershwin song.

>> "They Can't Take That Away

song.

>> "They Can't Take That Away From Me"!

>> "They Can't Take That Away From Me"!

(laughing)

From Me"!

(laughing) >> But they can!

(laughing) >> But they can!

>> That's an audition song?

>> But they can!

>> That's an audition song?

>> That's what I'm doing for my

>> That's an audition song?

>> That's what I'm doing for my audition.

Well, do you want to sing it?

Well, do you want to sing it?

And I'll, um...

And I'll, um... (cheering)

What is your name?

What is your name?

>> I'm Nicholas.

What is your name?

>> I'm Nicholas.

>> Nicholas, hi.

>> I'm Nicholas.

>> Nicholas, hi.

Nice to meet you.

>> Nicholas, hi.

Nice to meet you.

>> Oh my god.

Nice to meet you.

>> Oh my god.

(laughing)

>> Oh my god.

(laughing) >> Now, Ira Gershwin, who wrote

(laughing) >> Now, Ira Gershwin, who wrote that song, I worked for for six

>> Now, Ira Gershwin, who wrote that song, I worked for for six years.

that song, I worked for for six years.

>> Oh, my god!

years.

>> Oh, my god!

>> So I knew the author of the

>> Oh, my god!

>> So I knew the author of the words of the song.

>> So I knew the author of the words of the song.

>> And one of the things that he

words of the song.

>> And one of the things that he always told me is that the

>> And one of the things that he always told me is that the verses were as important to him

always told me is that the verses were as important to him as the chorus, because they tell

verses were as important to him as the chorus, because they tell you more, dramatically, about

as the chorus, because they tell you more, dramatically, about the character.

you more, dramatically, about the character.

Because anytime we sing a song,

the character.

Because anytime we sing a song, it's about a character.

Because anytime we sing a song, it's about a character.

So, okay, the song was

it's about a character.

So, okay, the song was originally published in E flat,

So, okay, the song was originally published in E flat, so let's try it in E flat.

originally published in E flat, so let's try it in E flat.

>> Okay, let's try it.

so let's try it in E flat.

>> Okay, let's try it.

>> And if that doesn't work,

>> Okay, let's try it.

>> And if that doesn't work, I'll modulate in the middle of

>> And if that doesn't work, I'll modulate in the middle of your phrases and... all right.

Our romance won't end

Our romance won't end on a sorrowful note

on a sorrowful note Though by tomorrow

Though by tomorrow you're gone

The song is ended

The song is ended but as the songwriter wrote

The song is ended but as the songwriter wrote The melody lingers on

but as the songwriter wrote The melody lingers on They may take you from me

The melody lingers on They may take you from me I'll miss your fond caress

They may take you from me I'll miss your fond caress But though they take you

I'll miss your fond caress But though they take you from me

But though they take you from me I'll still possess

from me I'll still possess The way you wear your hat

I'll still possess The way you wear your hat they way you sip your tea...

The way you wear your hat they way you sip your tea... >> Give me an idea of what tempo

they way you sip your tea... >> Give me an idea of what tempo you do it in.

>> Give me an idea of what tempo you do it in.

The memory of all that

you do it in.

The memory of all that No, no, they can't take that

The memory of all that No, no, they can't take that away from me

No, no, they can't take that away from me The way your smile just beams

away from me The way your smile just beams the way you sing off-key

The way your smile just beams the way you sing off-key The way you haunt my dreams

the way you sing off-key The way you haunt my dreams no, no

The way you haunt my dreams no, no They can't take

no, no They can't take that away from me

They can't take that away from me We may never, ever meet again

that away from me We may never, ever meet again on that bumpy road to love

We may never, ever meet again on that bumpy road to love But I'll always, always

on that bumpy road to love But I'll always, always keep the memory of

But I'll always, always keep the memory of The way you hold your knife

keep the memory of The way you hold your knife they way we danced 'til three

The way you hold your knife they way we danced 'til three The way you've changed my

they way we danced 'til three The way you've changed my life

The way you've changed my life no, no

life no, no They can't take that away

no, no They can't take that away from me

They can't take that away from me No, they can't take that away

from me No, they can't take that away from me.

(applause)

(applause) >> Can I, can I...

(applause) >> Can I, can I... >> Do whatever you want!

>> Can I, can I... >> Do whatever you want!

(laughing)

>> Do whatever you want!

(laughing) >> Okay.

(laughing) >> Okay.

One thing:-- you sang a wrong

>> Okay.

One thing:-- you sang a wrong word.

One thing:-- you sang a wrong word.

>> Oh, which one was that?

word.

>> Oh, which one was that?

>> You sang a wrong lyric.

>> Oh, which one was that?

>> You sang a wrong lyric.

And what you did was take it...

>> You sang a wrong lyric.

And what you did was take it... that came from a Sinatra version

And what you did was take it... that came from a Sinatra version that Sinatra did later.

that came from a Sinatra version that Sinatra did later.

It's a little word, but it drove

that Sinatra did later.

It's a little word, but it drove Ira Gershwin crazy.

It's a little word, but it drove Ira Gershwin crazy.

And it was, "We may never, never

Ira Gershwin crazy.

And it was, "We may never, never meet again on the bumpy road to

And it was, "We may never, never meet again on the bumpy road to love."

meet again on the bumpy road to love."

It was not, "That bumpy road."

love."

It was not, "That bumpy road."

Because Sinatra would always

It was not, "That bumpy road."

Because Sinatra would always sing "that" and he would make it

Because Sinatra would always sing "that" and he would make it hip, but he did it for emphasis.

sing "that" and he would make it hip, but he did it for emphasis.

And if somebody is nitpicking,

hip, but he did it for emphasis.

And if somebody is nitpicking, that may bother him.

And if somebody is nitpicking, that may bother him.

If you did that for Richard

that may bother him.

If you did that for Richard Rodgers, with one of his songs,

If you did that for Richard Rodgers, with one of his songs, he would probably have a

Rodgers, with one of his songs, he would probably have a meltdown.

he would probably have a meltdown.

>> Okay, I'll keep that in mind.

meltdown.

>> Okay, I'll keep that in mind.

>> And the other thing is that

>> Okay, I'll keep that in mind.

>> And the other thing is that you sang a wrong note that is

>> And the other thing is that you sang a wrong note that is very, very important.

you sang a wrong note that is very, very important.

>> Which one was that?

very, very important.

>> Which one was that?

>> Well, that's because the way

>> Which one was that?

>> Well, that's because the way the song is constructed is it

>> Well, that's because the way the song is constructed is it goes like this.

the song is constructed is it goes like this.

The way you wear your hat

goes like this.

The way you wear your hat the way you sip your tea

The way you wear your hat the way you sip your tea The memory of all that...

the way you sip your tea The memory of all that...

It's repeated twice, but when it

The memory of all that...

It's repeated twice, but when it gets to the end, it's a step

It's repeated twice, but when it gets to the end, it's a step higher, because what Gershwin

gets to the end, it's a step higher, because what Gershwin wrote musically was something

higher, because what Gershwin wrote musically was something that would give it a lift.

wrote musically was something that would give it a lift.

The way you've changed my

that would give it a lift.

The way you've changed my life

The way you've changed my life no, no

life no, no They can't take that

no, no They can't take that away from me.

They can't take that away from me.

Because it's a song about

away from me.

Because it's a song about contrast.

Because it's a song about contrast.

Because when you get to the end,

contrast.

Because when you get to the end, you're going,

Because when you get to the end, you're going, Oh, no, they ca...

you're going, Oh, no, they ca...

But the end, it's got to be,

Oh, no, they ca...

But the end, it's got to be, No, no,

But the end, it's got to be, No, no, they can't take that a...

No, no, they can't take that a...

I mean, that's like... that's

they can't take that a...

I mean, that's like... that's the heavens opening up, and

I mean, that's like... that's the heavens opening up, and that's what that's about.

the heavens opening up, and that's what that's about.

And you're short-changing

that's what that's about.

And you're short-changing yourself if you just...

And you're short-changing yourself if you just... if you don't go a step higher.

yourself if you just... if you don't go a step higher.

>> All right, thank you so much.

if you don't go a step higher.

>> All right, thank you so much.

>> Great, great.

>> All right, thank you so much.

>> Great, great.

(cheers and applause)

>> So today Nicholas was lucky

>> So today Nicholas was lucky enough to get sort of a vocal

>> So today Nicholas was lucky enough to get sort of a vocal lesson as he sang "Can't Take

enough to get sort of a vocal lesson as he sang "Can't Take That Away" with Michael

lesson as he sang "Can't Take That Away" with Michael Feinstein.

That Away" with Michael Feinstein.

And I just want to ask you, Nic,

Feinstein.

And I just want to ask you, Nic, how was that experience for you?

And I just want to ask you, Nic, how was that experience for you?

>> It was crazy.

how was that experience for you?

>> It was crazy.

Eventually I've been able to get

>> It was crazy.

Eventually I've been able to get over it a little, but I felt

Eventually I've been able to get over it a little, but I felt like I was going to have a heart

over it a little, but I felt like I was going to have a heart attack.

like I was going to have a heart attack.

>> What will you take from that

attack.

>> What will you take from that experience moving forward?

>> What will you take from that experience moving forward?

>> He talked a lot about

experience moving forward?

>> He talked a lot about connecting with the accompanist,

>> He talked a lot about connecting with the accompanist, which is really cool, because

connecting with the accompanist, which is really cool, because the entire time he was playing

which is really cool, because the entire time he was playing he was, like, making, like, eye

the entire time he was playing he was, like, making, like, eye contact with me, which I'm not

he was, like, making, like, eye contact with me, which I'm not used to.

contact with me, which I'm not used to.

So it, like, forced me to be

used to.

So it, like, forced me to be engaged with him, which was just

So it, like, forced me to be engaged with him, which was just awesome.

engaged with him, which was just awesome.

It was really cool.

awesome.

It was really cool.

>> Thanks for sharing, Nic.

It was really cool.

>> Thanks for sharing, Nic.

Ladies and gentleman, Nic.

>> What we want to do is kind of

>> What we want to do is kind of rehearse that solo presentation

>> What we want to do is kind of rehearse that solo presentation for the judges, so you can

rehearse that solo presentation for the judges, so you can prepare, and you feel

for the judges, so you can prepare, and you feel comfortable with 100 people in

prepare, and you feel comfortable with 100 people in the room.

comfortable with 100 people in the room.

You're really auditioning from

the room.

You're really auditioning from the moment you step into the

You're really auditioning from the moment you step into the room.

the moment you step into the room.

So there's so many people that

room.

So there's so many people that kind of, you know, come to

So there's so many people that kind of, you know, come to the... "Hi, I'm..." you know.

kind of, you know, come to the... "Hi, I'm..." you know.

It's the way you're presenting

the... "Hi, I'm..." you know.

It's the way you're presenting yourself that's important,

It's the way you're presenting yourself that's important, right?

There are two times that the

There are two times that the kids will be judged over this

kids will be judged over this weeklong process.

The first is Sunday night at the

The first is Sunday night at the judge's showcase.

The first is Sunday night at the judge's showcase.

They come before the judges and

judge's showcase.

They come before the judges and they do their solos for the very

They come before the judges and they do their solos for the very first time.

they do their solos for the very first time.

If we've done our job right,

first time.

If we've done our job right, we've prepared them so that they

If we've done our job right, we've prepared them so that they have the right tools to do their

we've prepared them so that they have the right tools to do their best.

have the right tools to do their best.

All right, so it's time to

best.

All right, so it's time to begin.

All right, so it's time to begin.

Let's begin.

>> My name is Brooke Tate.

>> My name is Brooke Tate.

I will be...

>> My name is Brooke Tate.

I will be...

I will be singing "Whatever

I will be...

I will be singing "Whatever Happened to My Part"

I will be singing "Whatever Happened to My Part" Spamalot.

Happened to My Part" Spamalot.

>> You know, I just...

Spamalot.

>> You know, I just...

I have a personal thing about

>> You know, I just...

I have a personal thing about this, but maybe you don't want

I have a personal thing about this, but maybe you don't want it to...

this, but maybe you don't want it to...

It's really up to you.

it to...

It's really up to you.

>> Okay.

It's really up to you.

>> Okay.

>> I think when you say your

>> Okay.

>> I think when you say your name, you're Brooke.

>> I think when you say your name, you're Brooke.

>> Oh, okay.

name, you're Brooke.

>> Oh, okay.

>> You're not the character of

>> Oh, okay.

>> You're not the character of the song.

>> You're not the character of the song.

>> Okay.

the song.

>> Okay.

>> Because you were in the

>> Okay.

>> Because you were in the character when you were telling

>> Because you were in the character when you were telling me who you were and what you

character when you were telling me who you were and what you were going to sing.

me who you were and what you were going to sing.

>> Yeah.

were going to sing.

>> Yeah.

>> Do you know what I mean?

>> Yeah.

>> Do you know what I mean?

Don't do that.

>> Do you know what I mean?

Don't do that.

>> Okay, don't do that.

Don't do that.

>> Okay, don't do that.

>> That's not good.

>> Okay, don't do that.

>> That's not good.

I want to know you, and then I

>> That's not good.

I want to know you, and then I want to see the character.

I want to know you, and then I want to see the character.

>> Okay.

want to see the character.

>> Okay.

>> Does that make sense?

>> Okay.

>> Does that make sense?

And use the music to transition

>> Does that make sense?

And use the music to transition from you, Brooke, to the

And use the music to transition from you, Brooke, to the character.

from you, Brooke, to the character.

>> Okay.

character.

>> Okay.

>> Does that make sense?

>> Okay.

>> Does that make sense?

>> Yes.

>> Does that make sense?

>> Yes.

>> You don't have to walk, just

>> Yes.

>> You don't have to walk, just do that.

>> You don't have to walk, just do that.

>> Hi, I'm Brooke Tate and I'm

do that.

>> Hi, I'm Brooke Tate and I'm going to be singing "Whatever

>> Hi, I'm Brooke Tate and I'm going to be singing "Whatever Happened to My Part" from

going to be singing "Whatever Happened to My Part" from Spamalot.

Happened to My Part" from Spamalot.

>> Yeah, let's do that again.

Spamalot.

>> Yeah, let's do that again.

(mock stammering)

>> Yeah, let's do that again.

(mock stammering) It's a little nerve-wracking.

(mock stammering) It's a little nerve-wracking.

I'm trying to hide it.

It's a little nerve-wracking.

I'm trying to hide it.

>> All right.

I'm trying to hide it.

>> All right.

>> Hi, I'm Brooke Tate, and I'm

>> All right.

>> Hi, I'm Brooke Tate, and I'm going to be singing "Whatever

>> Hi, I'm Brooke Tate, and I'm going to be singing "Whatever Happened to My Part" from

going to be singing "Whatever Happened to My Part" from Spamalot.

>> There you go.

>> There you go.

There you go, that's it.

Whatever happened to my part

Whatever happened to my part it was exciting at the start

Whatever happened to my part it was exciting at the start Now we're halfway

it was exciting at the start Now we're halfway through act two

Now we're halfway through act two And I've had nothing yet

through act two And I've had nothing yet to do

And I've had nothing yet to do I've been offstage

to do I've been offstage for far too long...

I've been offstage for far too long... At first, I always get

for far too long... At first, I always get intimidated for a second.

And once I get the jitters out,

And once I get the jitters out, then I'm ready to work, and I

then I'm ready to work, and I get really excited.

And to me, this is something

And to me, this is something that I'm just going to eat up

And to me, this is something that I'm just going to eat up and just try to get and gain as

that I'm just going to eat up and just try to get and gain as much knowledge as I can.

and just try to get and gain as much knowledge as I can.

I'll call my agent, damn it

much knowledge as I can.

I'll call my agent, damn it whatever happened to my...

I'll call my agent, damn it whatever happened to my... Not yours, not yours.

whatever happened to my... Not yours, not yours.

But my

Not yours, not yours.

But my part.

>> Okay, good.

>> Okay, good.

>> Hi, I'm Alli Kramer and I'll

>> Okay, good.

>> Hi, I'm Alli Kramer and I'll be singing "The Life of the

>> Hi, I'm Alli Kramer and I'll be singing "The Life of the the

be singing "The Life of the the musical.

(piano starts)

(piano starts) >> You want to do that again?

(piano starts) >> You want to do that again?

Just say your name again and...

>> You want to do that again?

Just say your name again and... Are you going to do that with

Just say your name again and... Are you going to do that with your hair?

Are you going to do that with your hair?

>> Yes, is that okay?

your hair?

>> Yes, is that okay?

>> Do it during the music.

>> Yes, is that okay?

>> Do it during the music.

>> Yeah, wait 'til the music

>> Do it during the music.

>> Yeah, wait 'til the music starts.

>> Yeah, wait 'til the music starts.

>> Okay.

starts.

>> Okay.

Hi, my name's Alli Kramer and

>> Okay.

Hi, my name's Alli Kramer and I'll be singing "The Life of the

Hi, my name's Alli Kramer and I'll be singing "The Life of the the

I'll be singing "The Life of the the musical.

Who needs money

Who needs money not me

Who needs money not me Who needs fortune

not me Who needs fortune or fame

Who needs fortune or fame I don't need a new career

or fame I don't need a new career a sympathetic ear or a name

I don't need a new career a sympathetic ear or a name All I need

a sympathetic ear or a name All I need is time to play

All I need is time to play Only want the game...

is time to play Only want the game... My acting is pretty strong

Only want the game... My acting is pretty strong I'd say, and my songs...

I like

My acting is pretty strong I'd say, and my songs...

I like to get in character a lot.

But I'm not used to reading the

But I'm not used to reading the music, so I'm nervous about

music, so I'm nervous about singing in front of a group of

singing in front of a group of judges who are all professionals

judges who are all professionals in the business already.

Don't you want to be

Don't you want to be the life of the party

Don't you want to be the life of the party Don't you want to be

the life of the party Don't you want to be the cream of the crop

Don't you want to be the cream of the crop Don't you want to feel

the cream of the crop Don't you want to feel those shivering fits

Don't you want to feel those shivering fits 'Til someone calls it quits

those shivering fits 'Til someone calls it quits someone calls a cop?

Shh.

Shh.

Don't you want to land

Shh.

Don't you want to land the role of a lifetime...

Don't you want to land the role of a lifetime... >> They're so full of talent,

the role of a lifetime... >> They're so full of talent, and they're so exuberant.

>> They're so full of talent, and they're so exuberant.

And working in theater, in your

and they're so exuberant.

And working in theater, in your high school production or in a

And working in theater, in your high school production or in a professional production builds

high school production or in a professional production builds self-confidence.

professional production builds self-confidence.

And it's almost impossible to

self-confidence.

And it's almost impossible to work on a song without learning

And it's almost impossible to work on a song without learning something about yourself.

work on a song without learning something about yourself.

And don't you want to be

something about yourself.

And don't you want to be somebody to envy

And don't you want to be somebody to envy And don't you want to be

somebody to envy And don't you want to be footloose and free

And don't you want to be footloose and free Well, you could be

footloose and free Well, you could be the life of the party

Well, you could be the life of the party If you were more

the life of the party If you were more like me.

(applause)

>> Hello.

>> Hello.

My name is Brittany Dankwa, and

>> Hello.

My name is Brittany Dankwa, and I will be performing "And I'm

My name is Brittany Dankwa, and I will be performing "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" from

I will be performing "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" from Dreamgirls.

And I am telling you

And I am telling you I'm not going

And I am telling you I'm not going You're the best man

I'm not going You're the best man I've ever known

You're the best man I've ever known There's no way

I've ever known There's no way I could ever go

There's no way I could ever go Darling, there's no way

I could ever go Darling, there's no way no, no, no, no way

Darling, there's no way no, no, no, no way I'm living without you

no, no, no, no way I'm living without you I'm not living without you

I'm living without you I'm not living without you I don't want to be free

I'm not living without you I don't want to be free I'm staying, I'm staying

I don't want to be free I'm staying, I'm staying and you, and you

I'm staying, I'm staying and you, and you you're going to love me

and you, and you you're going to love me Oh, you're going to love me

And I am telling you

And I am telling you I'm not going

And I am telling you I'm not going Even though the rough times

I'm not going Even though the rough times are showing

Even though the rough times are showing There's just no way

are showing There's just no way there's no way

There's just no way there's no way Tear down the mountains

there's no way Tear down the mountains yell, scream and shout

Tear down the mountains yell, scream and shout You can say what you want

yell, scream and shout You can say what you want I'm not walking out

You can say what you want I'm not walking out Stop all the rivers

I'm not walking out Stop all the rivers push, strike, and kill

Stop all the rivers push, strike, and kill I'm not going to leave you

push, strike, and kill I'm not going to leave you there's no way I will

I'm not going to leave you there's no way I will And I am...

there's no way I will And I am... >> I think that some of the

And I am... >> I think that some of the participants come to us with a

>> I think that some of the participants come to us with a quality, a star quality if you

participants come to us with a quality, a star quality if you will.

quality, a star quality if you will.

And it's just, you know, you

will.

And it's just, you know, you can't deny that that particular

And it's just, you know, you can't deny that that particular person is special or different.

can't deny that that particular person is special or different.

Some people shine more than

person is special or different.

Some people shine more than others.

Some people shine more than others.

Some people haven't been given

others.

Some people haven't been given those tools yet to find their

Some people haven't been given those tools yet to find their own inner quality or

those tools yet to find their own inner quality or self-confidence or self-esteem

own inner quality or self-confidence or self-esteem in that way so that they can

self-confidence or self-esteem in that way so that they can shine.

in that way so that they can shine.

You're going to love...

shine.

You're going to love... (voice cracks)

You're going to love... (voice cracks) >> Oh, damn...

(voice cracks) >> Oh, damn... (laughter)

>> Oh, damn... (laughter) (applause)

(laughter) (applause) >> It's all right, it's all

(applause) >> It's all right, it's all right.

>> It's all right, it's all right.

There's so much pressure.

right.

There's so much pressure.

It's okay.

There's so much pressure.

It's okay.

You know what?

It's okay.

You know what?

The great thing is you have a

You know what?

The great thing is you have a kick-ass voice.

The great thing is you have a kick-ass voice.

It's fabulous.

kick-ass voice.

It's fabulous.

You know, one thing that will

It's fabulous.

You know, one thing that will help you aside from all this

You know, one thing that will help you aside from all this other jazz is...

help you aside from all this other jazz is... Just think about this

other jazz is... Just think about this for a second.

Just think about this for a second.

This will make you laugh.

for a second.

This will make you laugh.

Stand right here.

This will make you laugh.

Stand right here.

"And I am telling you,

Stand right here.

"And I am telling you, I'm not leavin'..."

"And I am telling you, I'm not leavin'..." And all you're doing is moving,

I'm not leavin'..." And all you're doing is moving, like you're going to leave!

And all you're doing is moving, like you're going to leave!

(laughing)

like you're going to leave!

(laughing) You know what I'm saying?

(laughing) You know what I'm saying?

You know exactly what I'm

You know what I'm saying?

You know exactly what I'm saying.

You know exactly what I'm saying.

That will help all the other

saying.

That will help all the other stuff going on--

That will help all the other stuff going on-- the fear, the anxiety, because

stuff going on-- the fear, the anxiety, because this is happening, all of that--

the fear, the anxiety, because this is happening, all of that-- when you get yourself centered

this is happening, all of that-- when you get yourself centered here and thinking and connecting

when you get yourself centered here and thinking and connecting to what you're saying.

here and thinking and connecting to what you're saying.

Right?

to what you're saying.

Right?

What you're saying is,

Right?

What you're saying is, "I'm not leavin'!"

What you're saying is, "I'm not leavin'!"

I'm not leavin'!"

"I'm not leavin'!"

I'm not leavin'!"

Right?

I'm not leavin'!"

Right?

Ground yourself, so when you

Right?

Ground yourself, so when you rehearse this tonight in the

Ground yourself, so when you rehearse this tonight in the dorm, because I know you will, I

rehearse this tonight in the dorm, because I know you will, I want you to get yourself

dorm, because I know you will, I want you to get yourself centered, right?

want you to get yourself centered, right?

That's what the song's about.

centered, right?

That's what the song's about.

"I'm planting myself right here,

That's what the song's about.

"I'm planting myself right here, and I'm not going anywhere."

"I'm planting myself right here, and I'm not going anywhere."

Right?

and I'm not going anywhere."

Right?

There's a bit of a disconnect

Right?

There's a bit of a disconnect there.

There's a bit of a disconnect there.

That's why the rest of the stuff

there.

That's why the rest of the stuff is coming into your head and

That's why the rest of the stuff is coming into your head and you're not focused.

is coming into your head and you're not focused.

Okay?

you're not focused.

Okay?

It's great, it's great.

Okay?

It's great, it's great.

Trust it.

It's great, it's great.

Trust it.

Trust yourself.

Trust it.

Trust yourself.

>> Okay.

Trust yourself.

>> Okay.

>> All right, good work.

>> Okay.

>> All right, good work.

(applause)

>> All right, good work.

(applause) >> Man, that was not how I

(applause) >> Man, that was not how I wanted it to go.

My voice wasn't ready to,

My voice wasn't ready to, you know, dig.

I wasn't ready to dig that deep

I wasn't ready to dig that deep just yet.

>> All right, guys!

>> All right, guys!

Here we go!

I'm sure some of you have heard

I'm sure some of you have heard one of my biggest pet peeve in

I'm sure some of you have heard one of my biggest pet peeve in the entire world is if you yawn

one of my biggest pet peeve in the entire world is if you yawn in my face.

the entire world is if you yawn in my face.

Don't do it.

in my face.

Don't do it.

Cover your mouth.

Don't do it.

Cover your mouth.

Turn your face to the side.

Cover your mouth.

Turn your face to the side.

You don't know what tired is,

Turn your face to the side.

You don't know what tired is, okay?

You don't know what tired is, okay?

Trust me, you don't.

okay?

Trust me, you don't.

Okay, five, six, seven, and...

Trust me, you don't.

Okay, five, six, seven, and... Gee I'd like to be

Okay, five, six, seven, and... Gee I'd like to be on some marquee

Gee I'd like to be on some marquee all twinkling lights

on some marquee all twinkling lights And a spark to light the dark

all twinkling lights And a spark to light the dark from Battery Park...

And a spark to light the dark from Battery Park... >> Are we in our spots?

from Battery Park... >> Are we in our spots?

Stop!

>> Are we in our spots?

Stop!

Why are you talking?

Stop!

Why are you talking?

So where's your windows, though,

Why are you talking?

So where's your windows, though, right?

So where's your windows, though, right?

You just can't line up wherever

right?

You just can't line up wherever you feel like standing.

You just can't line up wherever you feel like standing.

You have to have spatial

you feel like standing.

You have to have spatial awareness.

You have to have spatial awareness.

Where is your spot?

I feel like the most important

I feel like the most important moment is learning the staging

moment is learning the staging of the opening number.

Look at "park."

Look at "park."

I think its really important

Look at "park."

I think its really important that we start them working

I think its really important that we start them working together as one unit so they

that we start them working together as one unit so they understand that it's a cast, an

together as one unit so they understand that it's a cast, an ensemble, putting on an entire

understand that it's a cast, an ensemble, putting on an entire three-hour show on Broadway.

ensemble, putting on an entire three-hour show on Broadway.

Ready?

three-hour show on Broadway.

Ready?

Five, six, seven...

Ready?

Five, six, seven...

Spark to light the dark

Five, six, seven...

Spark to light the dark from Battery Park

Spark to light the dark from Battery Park Way out to

from Battery Park Way out to Washington Heights.

>> My first impression of was,

>> My first impression of was, "This is going to be a long

"This is going to be a long rehearsal."

>> Here we go.

>> Here we go.

Five, six, seven, and...

>> Here we go.

Five, six, seven, and...

Spark to light the...

Five, six, seven, and...

Spark to light the... >> She pushed us from the very

Spark to light the... >> She pushed us from the very beginning.

>> She pushed us from the very beginning.

She warned us there will be

beginning.

She warned us there will be blood and there will be tears.

She warned us there will be blood and there will be tears.

And it was true, you know.

blood and there will be tears.

And it was true, you know.

It was exhausting.

And it was true, you know.

It was exhausting.

But what made it so special was

It was exhausting.

But what made it so special was that she wants you to succeed.

But what made it so special was that she wants you to succeed.

So she pushes you to your limits

that she wants you to succeed.

So she pushes you to your limits out of love, you know, as ironic

So she pushes you to your limits out of love, you know, as ironic as that sounds.

out of love, you know, as ironic as that sounds.

>> Again.

as that sounds.

>> Again.

Go.

>> Again.

Go.

Five, six, seven, and...

Go.

Five, six, seven, and... Stop!

Five, six, seven, and... Stop!

Going from "Gee."

Stop!

Going from "Gee."

Ready?

Going from "Gee."

Ready?

Five, six, seven, and...

Ready?

Five, six, seven, and... Gee, I'd like to be

Five, six, seven, and... Gee, I'd like to be on some marquee

Gee, I'd like to be on some marquee all twinkling nice

on some marquee all twinkling nice A spark to light the dark

all twinkling nice A spark to light the dark from Battery Park

A spark to light the dark from Battery Park Way out to

from Battery Park Way out to Washington Heights.

Way out to Washington Heights.

Good.

Washington Heights.

Good.

I'm moving on.

Good.

I'm moving on.

Are we good?

I'm moving on.

Are we good?

Ready?

Are we good?

Ready?

Stand up.

Ready?

Stand up.

Stop talking.

Stand up.

Stop talking.

Go.

Stop talking.

Go.

Can.

Go.

Can.

You... stop.

Can.

You... stop.

You guys can't get up until the

You... stop.

You guys can't get up until the word "feel."

You guys can't get up until the word "feel."

You cannot anticipate.

word "feel."

You cannot anticipate.

First group.

You cannot anticipate.

First group.

Ready?

First group.

Ready?

Go.

Ready?

Go.

Can.

Go.

Can.

You.

Can.

You.

Feel.

You.

Feel.

Can.

Feel.

Can.

You.

Can.

You.

Feel.

You.

Feel.

Can.

Feel.

Can.

You.

Can.

You.

Feel.

You.

Feel.

Brilliant!

Feel.

Brilliant!

Again.

Brilliant!

Again.

Can you feel

Again.

Can you feel can you feel

Can you feel can you feel can you feel the love...

can you feel can you feel the love... >> Absolutely not even close.

can you feel the love... >> Absolutely not even close.

Go back.

>> Absolutely not even close.

Go back.

Let's go!

Go back.

Let's go!

>> We're changing stuff all the

Let's go!

>> We're changing stuff all the time.

It's always like,

It's always like, "Stop, start, like, no, wait!

"Stop, start, like, no, wait!

I don't like that.

I don't like that.

Let's change that.

Let's change that.

Oh, move your arm here."

It's so much.

It's so much.

Stand back, New York City

It's so much.

Stand back, New York City because you ought to know

Stand back, New York City because you ought to know What you're going to

because you ought to know What you're going to get in me

What you're going to get in me Just a little touch

get in me Just a little touch of star quality.

Just a little touch of star quality.

>> I know I am in particular

of star quality.

>> I know I am in particular really worried about losing my

>> I know I am in particular really worried about losing my voice.

really worried about losing my voice.

Just because, I mean, we're

voice.

Just because, I mean, we're constantly singing the opening

Just because, I mean, we're constantly singing the opening number.

constantly singing the opening number.

I got really tired, and there

number.

I got really tired, and there was some times where I was just,

I got really tired, and there was some times where I was just, like, "I don't know if I can do

was some times where I was just, like, "I don't know if I can do this anymore."

>> Look at my hand, and!

>> Look at my hand, and!

Look at me

>> Look at my hand, and!

Look at me I'm the king of New York

Look at me I'm the king of New York Suddenly

I'm the king of New York Suddenly I'm the king of New York

Suddenly I'm the king of New York Now is the time

I'm the king of New York Now is the time to seize the day

Now is the time to seize the day Stare down the odds

to seize the day Stare down the odds and seize the day

Stare down the odds and seize the day Minute by minute

and seize the day Minute by minute that's how you'll win it

Minute by minute that's how you'll win it We will find a way

that's how you'll win it We will find a way now let us seize the day.

>> It's not about motion.

>> It's not about motion.

It's not about being, you know,

>> It's not about motion.

It's not about being, you know, manipulated.

It's not about being, you know, manipulated.

It's about their soul.

manipulated.

It's about their soul.

It's about them putting

It's about their soul.

It's about them putting themselves into it.

It's about them putting themselves into it.

We talked about that defining

themselves into it.

We talked about that defining moment.

We talked about that defining moment.

Starts right now.

moment.

Starts right now.

Right?

Starts right now.

Right?

So, if it comes from here, from

Right?

So, if it comes from here, from your soul, then it matters.

So, if it comes from here, from your soul, then it matters.

It's not just words.

your soul, then it matters.

It's not just words.

It's not just lyrics that

It's not just words.

It's not just lyrics that someone wrote.

It's not just lyrics that someone wrote.

It's something that you can

someone wrote.

It's something that you can actually interpret and present.

It's something that you can actually interpret and present.

It starts now.

actually interpret and present.

It starts now.

Okay?

It starts now.

Okay?

It's about putting it together,

Okay?

It's about putting it together, right?

It's about putting it together, right?

You teach it in pieces.

right?

You teach it in pieces.

It's about putting it together.

You teach it in pieces.

It's about putting it together.

So just trust us

It's about putting it together.

So just trust us and go with it.

So just trust us and go with it.

>> Tomorrow's going to be a

and go with it.

>> Tomorrow's going to be a very, very long day.

>> Tomorrow's going to be a very, very long day.

You must protect yourselves.

very, very long day.

You must protect yourselves.

Protect your voices.

You must protect yourselves.

Protect your voices.

Get sleep.

Protect your voices.

Get sleep.

Go home.

Get sleep.

Go home.

Go to your room.

Go home.

Go to your room.

Walk through your dance steps.

Go to your room.

Walk through your dance steps.

Remember, remember everything

Walk through your dance steps.

Remember, remember everything you've learned today.

Remember, remember everything you've learned today.

Really, really important.

>> I've seen the kids just

>> I've seen the kids just completely crumble.

>> I've seen the kids just completely crumble.

Some of them realize that they

completely crumble.

Some of them realize that they can't handle the pressure and

Some of them realize that they can't handle the pressure and maybe this isn't for them.

can't handle the pressure and maybe this isn't for them.

You know, I feel bad for them.

maybe this isn't for them.

You know, I feel bad for them.

I wish they could step up.

You know, I feel bad for them.

I wish they could step up.

But this thing is a marathon.

I wish they could step up.

But this thing is a marathon.

So you've got to keep moving

But this thing is a marathon.

So you've got to keep moving forward.

So you've got to keep moving forward.

And there's really no time for

forward.

And there's really no time for anyone to fall behind.

>> My throat is killing me.

>> My throat is killing me.

I'm like...

I don't want to hurt

>> My throat is killing me.

I'm like...

I don't want to hurt it even more before I get to the

I'm like...

I don't want to hurt it even more before I get to the judges.

I'm trying to not be nervous,

I'm trying to not be nervous, but I'm very nervous.

but I'm very nervous.

Like, on a scale of one to ten

Like, on a scale of one to ten I'm, like, at a 20 right now.

But I'm trying to, you know,

But I'm trying to, you know, keep it down.

But I'm trying to, you know, keep it down.

>> It's boot camp.

keep it down.

>> It's boot camp.

I mean, it's grueling and it's

>> It's boot camp.

I mean, it's grueling and it's tough, and not everyone makes

I mean, it's grueling and it's tough, and not everyone makes it.

>> I'm incredibly nervous,

>> I'm incredibly nervous, because this is the time that

because this is the time that really matters, so you've got to

really matters, so you've got to do it.

do it.

You've only got one time.

>> ANNOUNCER: Next time on

>> ANNOUNCER: Next time on Broadway or Bust...

Broadway or Bust... >> Right foot!

>> Right foot!

>> ANNOUNCER: ...the final 48

>> ANNOUNCER: ...the final 48 hours to judgment day.

hours to judgment day.

>> Group numbers.

>> Group numbers.

>> ANNOUNCER: The clock is

>> ANNOUNCER: The clock is ticking.

ticking.

>> Dance numbers.

>> Dance numbers.

Stand back!

Stand back!

Keep going back.

Keep going back.

>> Solo numbers.

>> Solo numbers.

>> ANNOUNCER: stress is

>> ANNOUNCER: stress is mounting.

mounting.

>> I'm trying to inspire you,

>> I'm trying to inspire you, and I'm talking this loud in

and I'm talking this loud in your face!

your face!

>> You know, ten hour days.

>> You know, ten hour days.

>> ANNOUNCER: Some will fall

>> ANNOUNCER: Some will fall short.

short.

Who will make the cut?

Who will make the cut?

And raise the roof.

And raise the roof.

>> ANNOUNCER: Find out next time

>> ANNOUNCER: Find out next time Broadway or Bust.

>> It's bedtime here in New

>> It's bedtime here in New York.

>> It's bedtime here in New York.

The city that never sleeps?

York.

The city that never sleeps?

Yeah, right.

The city that never sleeps?

Yeah, right.

It's bedtime.

Yeah, right.

It's bedtime.

I'm exhausted.

It's bedtime.

I'm exhausted.

Are you tired?

I'm exhausted.

Are you tired?

>> It's been a long, long,

Are you tired?

>> It's been a long, long, hardworking day.

>> It's been a long, long, hardworking day.

>> It's just the most amazing

hardworking day.

>> It's just the most amazing experience I've ever had.

>> It's just the most amazing experience I've ever had.

And I can't wait to do it again

experience I've ever had.

And I can't wait to do it again tomorrow.

And I can't wait to do it again tomorrow.

And I'm

tomorrow.

And I'm just having so much fun.

And I'm just having so much fun.

And I would just like to say I

just having so much fun.

And I would just like to say I love you all, and I'm so happy

And I would just like to say I love you all, and I'm so happy we're here.

love you all, and I'm so happy we're here.

>> National High School Musical

we're here.

>> National High School Musical Theater Awards 2012 are a

>> National High School Musical Theater Awards 2012 are a success so far.

Theater Awards 2012 are a success so far.

Good night.

success so far.

Good night.

>> That's E-Dog, singing off.

Good night.

>> That's E-Dog, singing off.

>> See you later.

>> That's E-Dog, singing off.

>> See you later.

>> Over and out.

Broadway or Bust

Broadway or Bust go to PBS.org/broadwayorbust,

go to PBS.org/broadwayorbust, where you'll find exclusive

where you'll find exclusive online video, performances,

online video, performances, contestant profiles, and the

contestant profiles, and the entire show streamed online.