Full Summary
Through a NYADA internship, Rachel finds herself stumbling upon her Broadway debut as part of the ensemble of Disney's The Little Mermaid. However, when the lead cannot go on and the director has not yet cast a proper understudy, Rachel and a group of other girls have to fight for the part – with much determination and after watching as many videos of Sierra Boggess as humanly possible, Rachel lands the role – but there's a catch. Since she is not properly trained and as so little experience, Rachel and the other ensemble girls – now jealous, bitter, and cast respectively as Ariel's six sisters – are sent packing. Their director sends them to the one place they can go to truly tap into their character without fail – Disney World.
Having to leave Kurt, New York, and NYADA behind for a semester in Orlando isn't exactly fun and games, and Rachel and the other girls soon discover that being a princess isn't just about twirling your hair and looking pretty. Soon, they discover a new type of Disney World that they'd never even considered when they visited the place where dreams come true as children. They are face-to-face with the real Disney World, straight from the eyes of the princesses themselves – or, at least, the actors who play them. Meanwhile, the director frantically searches for a proper Prince Eric, and Brody holds more than firm on landing the part. But his competition is more than steep, and with so much to do and so little time, no one is sure where the show's fate stands. The curtain is rising, and now it's show time – but being a working Broadway actor is much more than simply playing Disney.
Couples
Brochel, Klaine, OC couples
Friendships
Hummelberry, Brody/Kurt, OC friendships
Prolog
"Awkward elephants!" Cassandra July snapped her fingers and grinned slyly. "That's what I'll call you all! Awkward elephants!" She repeated the name as if she had just discovered the cure for cancer. "That's what you all are!" She continued. "You're not dancers – not even close – you're all awkward elephants! C'mon, people – this is The Hunger Games, got it? You should be killing each other to be the best! And…more to the point," she took in a needless, dramatic sigh. "You all suck…" the morning dance class, however, continued to plié and jeté with intense accuracy, regardless of their teacher's remarks. This cycle continued for the next four and a half hours without any sort of break, and Rachel thought for sure that her feet were bleeding.
"Cassie!" A voice called, followed by the clink of double-doors closing behind the new arriver. When he stepped into her line of vision, Rachel saw that it was Brody – she didn't dare stop dancing long enough to properly acknowledge him, though, and she hoped that he understood. "I've got an announcement to make to your class," he continued, as the teacher eyed him. "C'mon, give them a break," pleaded the upperclassman. "And this'll only take a second."
"Ugh…fine…" she finally agreed, with a small scoff. "Awkward elephants, sit where you are. Brody here 's got an announcement. Aren't you lucky? I wanted you all to dance 'til you collapsed…"
"Hey guys," said Brody, with a small wave, addressing the class in front of him. "Just wanted to let you know that freshmen internships are starting up for this year – you can sign up in Ms. Tibideaux's office. I'd really suggest getting involved early – it's how I landed my Broadway debut…I mean, I just was a Flying Monkey but still…"
"Thank you, Mr. Weston," Cassandra spat dismissively. "That'll be all, thanks. Now let my class get back to being whipped into shape."
"Go easy on 'em, Cass," Brody smiled at her, and left without another word.
As soon as Cassandra's class got out, everyone, Rachel included, stormed into Carmen Tibideaux's office – Brody was right when he said internships got your foot in the door, and with a school like NYADA, the opportunities seemed endless. After she scribbled her name on a few sheets, Rachel had to catch her breath – she had just taken a major step towards achieving her life-long dream.
Just look at me, and you will see, someone beyond her wildest dreams…