In the auditorium, Marley was singing Miley's "Wrecking Ball," but it didn't sit right with the others.
Anne Marie said, "Yeah, okay. Marley, that was great. But this is a song about pain. Okay, we need to sing something upbeat if we're gonna wow the audience at Sectionals next week."
Marley said, "We've been doing this same old routine for the last few weeks, and I don't know what else there is for us to sing. I'm still worried about someone finding out about us."
Ian said, "Well, I have a suggestion. Why don't we focus on this year's school musical?"
Jake said, "What are we gonna do?"
"Well, you guys all did so good in Grease last year. Maybe this year we could do Footloose."
They all seemed intrigued.
Wade said, "Love that Kevin Bacon."
Kitty said, "It's a good idea. But we are all like way behind on our rehearsing. When are we gonna actually do that?"
Sugar said, "With style, of course."
Ian said, "Yeah, there's a community center not too far from here. We can do it there."
Jake said, "Do you really think people would go for that?"
Anne said, "Why not? We already have everyone here."
Kitty was singing, "Let's Hear It for the Boy." Sugar and Unique were singing backup.
Austin Ross introduced himself to the team. "Hey. I'm Austin Ross. I like playing guitar. I'm a big fan of Black Veil Brides."
Ann Lynn said, "So, I'm Ann Lynn. I've loved singing since before I reached double digits. Evita had a profound effect on me."
JJ Ramirez was next, "What's up? I'm JJ. I like action movies, hardcore TV. I like to see Game of Thrones in hi-def."
Claire said, "Uh, that's great. Can you sing?"
Austin sang on-key. Ann sang flawlessly. JJ sung kinda sultry but he still wasn't bad.
Claire said, "Okay, then. Uh, welcome to Treble Base."
They were all at the community center and a handsome young gentlemen who looked like Carlton from Fresh Prince of Bel Air was the director and the announcer.
Claire asked, "Is this guy for real?"
Jermaine said, "Well, you must be Claire Thomas. From what these people have told me about you, this glee club better be legit."
"Yeah. We used to go by New Directions, but times have changed. Now we're Treble Base."
"I like the name. But can any of you sing?"
Anne Marie said, "Like you wouldn't believe."
Ian said, "Except one of the girls is tone-deaf."
Jermaine said, "Easily remedied."
In the Spotlight Diner, Rachel asked a customer, "Would you like me to give you a refill?"
Santana asked, "Why are you still working here? Aren't you rehearsing, like, 24/7?"
"Fanny Brice was a working girl, so I want my character to be as authentic as possible."
Kurt said, "Welcome to the Spotlight Diner, everyone. Now, you all may not know the name Blaine Anderson yet, but you will once it shines all over Broadway. So, now, please welcome Blaine Anderson."
Clapping occurred. Blaine said, "Thank you, Kurt." He started to play the piano. "Sing along if you all know it." He was singing Billy Joel's "Piano Man" while Sam was playing the harmonica.
Everyone cheered. Kurt shouted, "That was incredible!"
Blaine said, "Thank you."
Santana still had to work at the diner, but she was no longer living with Rachel and Kurt since they kicked her out. But it was okay, because now she was living with Brittany. Win-win. Kurt was with Blaine, and Sam was trying to find out if he could make it as a male model. Some head runner named Bichette thought he might have something. But she knew he had no intelligence whatsoever, and yet she still considered him. Thankfully, not all models were half-brained and hungry. Sam was no exception.
Everyone was going over their lines and costumes for Footloose.
Jermaine said, "Okay, people, let's not take this too far, shall we? Now the only reason I'll even let you guys perform here is that Sue Sylvester has nothing to do with this. I don't have to tell you all that you cannot blow this performance. Everything has to be precise and I want everything else to be perfect. Most of our audience members will be senior citizens."
Jake said, "What, is this a retirement home, too?"
"Just go over your lines, son."
Marley said, "At least my costumes fit this time."
Kitty said, "I said I was sorry."
Wade said, "Unique wants to know if this hairline goes with this dress."
Austin said, "Who's Unique?"
Claire said, "Wade's alter ego."
"Oh. Cool."
JJ said, "Get with the groove, Ross. They're expressing themselves."
Ann said, "Is there any way we can do this musical at McKinley?"
Ian said, "No. Look, if Sue ever found out we were doing a secret glee club under her nose, we'll never hear the end of it."
Marley said, "Okay, but what if she finds out anyway? We still have to perform at Sectionals."
Ryder said, "Yeah, and we're no closer than when we started."
Anne said, "Come on, guys, look, I know it's a lot. But we still have plenty of time to get it all done. And since we have a new name, maybe Sue won't even be interested."
Jake said, "Won't people still be able to recognize us?"
Ian said, "Well, maybe no one will even notice."
Joe said, "I have a funny feeling about all this, but I'm kinda having fun with it."
When the moment finally came to perform Footloose, everyone got into costume. Jermaine walked on stage, "Thank you all for coming. I hope you all enjoy the show. Presenting all the way from William McKinley High School, Footloose." Applause. Everyone seemed to be doing all right. They were all having a great time singing "Almost Paradise," "Dancing in the Sheets," and "I'm Free." (Heaven Helps the Man.) Applause and cheering occurred.
Jermaine was happy himself.
When they were all done, Jermaine said, "Brilliant! That was brilliant. How would you all like us to sponsor you in the show choir competition this year?"
Jake said, "What?"
Sugar said, "What?"
Ryder said, "Are you serious?"
Anne Marie said, "Guys, we kinda wanted it to be a surprise."
Ian said, "We made a deal with Jermaine. He said that if we impressed him, he'd not only let us use his auditorium, but he would also give us all our support and fundraising for Sectionals."
They were all so surprised but excited. Claire and Anne hugged.
Jermaine said, "Gotta say, I'm impressed with you kids. I wasn't sure what to make of you all at first, but you all seem to have the right stuff. I even saw some of your New Directions days, and I was quite intrigued. Welcome to the team."
They cheered and clapped.
Claire was in the next football game with Jake and Ryder.
Beiste said, "Okay, Claire, this is it. I know it was touch and go for a while, but I want you to know, I'm real proud of ya. Now, when one of you gets to the end zone, don't overthink it. Just do your best out there and don't let them get the best of you. And something elseā¦"
"Be the ball?"
"Be the ball. Be the ball!"
Claire ran to the others. She told Jake to make it to the end zone when she passed him the ball. "Jake, I'm gonna need you to take over."
He asked, "Are you kidding? Can you throw that far?"
"Can you run that fast?"
"Hell yeah."
"All right."
Ryder called, "Hut!"
Claire threw the ball. Jake grabbed it and he made it! The crowd cheered.
