When the curtains finally closed after the third encore, it was safe to say Hit List was without a doubt headed to Broadway and it's three leads and featured actor for stardom. The interaction with the audience had been a sight to behold. The dim light radiating from the side screens and phones gave the theater an eerie feeling. And the moment the audience realized their responses were guiding the show, it created an energy unlike anything ever experienced. When the ending chosen was for the Diva to die, the haunting tribute paid by Amanda was something the creative team new would be remembered for years to come. Karen's music was edgy and filled with raw emotion. This by no extreme was your cookie cutter show.

Waiting for the crowd to exit the theater, Kyle who had been silent since the last scene played, turned to Julia "was that real? Was that really our book?" The writer smiled; she knew exactly what the young man meant. She knew the book was solid but paired with the brilliance of Derek and Karen it took on a life of its own. "It is!' she replied. "It was everything and more I could've hoped for and we haven't even done a fourth of the effects that will happen when the show hits Broadway. "Enjoy this moment." Eileen interjected. "This is the moment the two of you will be known as icons. It's only fitting it's happening here where Hamilton took the world by storm." She stated. "Shall we go back stage to meet the rest of your iconic group?" she asked.

Unable to find his voice Kyle simply nodded. Meanwhile on stage the adrenaline was still coursing through the veins of the cast as they too tried to come to grips with what they had experienced. Ana was the first to break the trance. "Omg, I don't even know what just happened. Is it just me or was that the biggest high you've ever experienced. The audience, the energy, it was as if you could feel their emotions." "I'm right there with you!" Sam said join by Dennis. "Your music it was insane. Its always been brilliant but experiencing it with an audience, it was electrifying" Dennis complimented Karen. The popstar had been silent up until that point. "Thank you, all of you for letting me experience this with you. You guys are stars I've never been a part of something like this." "Girl, I agree we are stars" Ana chuckled. "But you, are legendary. You my BFF can officially add Broadway star to your resume." She added. The rest of the group nodding their heads in agreement.

Derek watched from the wing. He wanted to give his young cast a moment to soak it all in. Although this was just the beginning of their Broadway journey, the magic of tonight was something he wanted them to remember because very few in the industry ever experience it. "Why are you back here?" a voice from behind him asked. Turning he saw Julia and Eileen approaching him. With a hesitant smile he answered "I wanted to give them a moment to themselves." he replied. Leaning in to give each a kiss on the cheek. In a more somber and hesitant voice he continued looking directly at both women "I know she's not Marilyn but I hope I've given you something equally as beautiful." Amazed and moved at the Director's comment Julia found herself unable to speak. She was grateful for Eileen. "Derek, I think I speak for both Julia and myself when I say, Marilyn will have her day but what you've done with this show, its breathtaking. I am so honored to be witness to it." Unable to keep her tears from falling as she moved to embrace not her director but Derek Wills, her friend. "Thank you she whispered for giving me my dignity back." Julia recalled what the older woman had revealed in her office and she knew just how much Derek's words meant to her. Her own voice cracking, she now commented "All I ever wanted was to have something I wrote mean something, this is beyond what I ever imagined " she finished while moving forward to share a full embrace.

"There you are!" a familiar voice that brought an instant smile to Derek's face exclaimed. "I was beginning to think you were hiding from me." She teased. Looking at the trio she realized for the first time the tears in Julia and Eileen's eyes. Concerned she immediately asked "is everything alright, did something happen?" Pulling the woman, he loved more than anything close to him he explained "everything is more than okay, you my Love are now officially a Broadway star." Leaning in his lips capture hers for a soft sweet kiss. Pulling back, he continued "we were just reflecting on the journey we've taken to get us this point." Understanding the underlying meaning Karen looked at the trio. "I can never express how honored I am to be a part of this, that you entrusted me, a pop singer, with your words and vision." "I can only hope I've done it justice." "Karen my dear, a true performer and star shines on any stage. You are both. Don't ever doubt that. I want to thank you for giving an older woman, bragging rights in a predominantly male field." The producer finished, giving the young singer a tight embrace. Smiling Karen's face flushed in embarrassment. Derek couldn't have been prouder. "Shall we join the others and round them up to head to the after dinner?" the producer asked. With nods of approval the small group began to head towards the stage. Just as Karen was about to leave the wing she felt a gentle tug of her hand. Turning back, she saw the most beautiful smile appear on Derek's face. making her way back towards his embrace and wrapping her arms around his neck she questioned "is there something I can do for you Mr. Wills."

"Not at all Ms. Cartwright, but I can definitely do something for you." He stated just as his lips captured her's once again. This time the kiss was anything but soft. "I love you, my Broadway star" he smiled against her lips. "you take my breath away." Karen would never tire of the way his touch, his kiss and just the mere way he looked at her sent shivers down her spine. "I love you more my handsome Brit. You've stolen my heart." "Enough already, geez.." Ana teased as she made her way past the couple followed by the rest of the cast. "Come on hot stuff, we have to change, Romeo can wait." She yelled from farther down the hallway. Laughing, the director and his leading lady followed hand and hand to Karen's dressing room.

Two hours later the reviews all confirmed what those who experienced the night already new. HIT LIST was generational, epic and iconic. Look out Broadway because Hit List had a marked target on your back.