Poor Rachel was feeling all of the pressure of Fanny Brice and Funny Girl. With opening night fast approaching, some bad-doers have been pandering her online. Kurt was trying to stop her from reading bad reviews. The slanderers are nothing but a bunch of schizophrenic pansies! "NYC" started playing. Shelby entered the room. Jack was playing video games. "I can see you're having fun." "Well, I gotta do something to keep myself busy. I'm nervous for Rachel." "Me too. But she's gonna do great." She sits down next to him. "And I even convinced Anne Marie and Ian to come check out the show. They're gonna have a blast." "Isn't anyone else coming, too?" "Well, Will said he might make the trip. Tina is on her way. Claire and Henry have also made some weekend plans free." "Nice for them. New high score." "You know, ever since your fever was gone, you've been kind of explicit lately." "How?" "Well, you just seem stronger. Bolder. More affectionate." "What about you? I mean, Rachel is already stressed enough as it is. People have been slamming her, and I don't understand why. She's the most talented person I've ever met, and these idiots think it's okay to just skewer her reputation with words?" "I get that that's frustrating." "Well, they're wrong. She's perfect. Why don't they see that? She's one in a million. And I'd like to see them try and get up on that stage, and—" Shelby kissed him. "I think I can pause the game for a few hours." Shelby giggled, "Oh, ho-ho." They rubbed noses together. The door opened and Kurt said, "Tina." They hugged. Tina said, "Hey, big Broadway star. These are for you." She gave Rachel small sunflowers. Rachel said, "Thank you." "Hey, where is everyone? Rachel's big opening night is a big deal. Where's Artie?" Kurt said, "Oh, his short film got accepted in Fort Lauderdale." Mercedes said, "Tina, how's Brown University treating you?" Tina said, "My roommate, she's from Pakistan. She's nice but speaks no English." Anne Marie was about to leave the community center. Ian caught up to her. "Hey, babe." "Hey, you." "So, big plans for this weekend? 'Cause I was hoping we could go and see Funny Girl starring a Miss Rachel Berry." "We were going to go see that anyway, Ian, but yes. I would more than love to go with you." Claire and Henry walk in. Claire said, "Somebody order a hero?" Henry said, "Or two?" Anne Marie and Ian walked in. Anne said, "And us." Kurt, Mercedes, Tina, Blaine and Sam greeted them excitedly. They all hugged. Blaine said, "Claire, Henry!" Tina said, "Anne Marie!" Mercedes said, "Ian!" They all hugged them. Anne said, "Where's Rachel?"
Shelby and Jack appear in the doorway. Kurt welcomed them in, "Shelby. Jack, come on in." They enter. Shelby asked, "Where is she?" Tina said, "She's been in there for hours." Claire's mom, Wilma, walked to the others. Shelby walked to the curtains. "Rachel? Honey?" "Shelby, is that you?" "Baby, what's going on? You've been working your butt off to get here, and now that it's your big opening night, you don't want to go through with it?" "I just can't go out there." Shelby sighed, "Honey, just come on out." Jack said, "Let me talk to her." He walked in through the curtains. Rachel smiled, "Jack." She said, "Look, I love that you're all here, but no pep talks or anything are gonna help right now. Honestly, I've never felt like this before in my entire life. I never thought in 100 years that I'd be too afraid to perform, but these people—all this stuff is just in my head. And now, I don't even know what's real anymore. It's like…" Jack said, "Rachel Berry, those people are not you. You are the most talented person I have ever met. You're beautiful, smart, caring and driven. You're also focused, serious, determined, and if it wasn't for you, I would've never had the guts to go after your sister." Rachel smiled, "Hey, I only helped you build up your confidence. The rest you did all on your own." They chuckled. "But still, though, what if I make a fool of myself? What if I fail?" "You won't." "How can you be so sure about that?" "Because you're you." He pulled out his phone and looked up her Les Mis video on MySpace. She was singing "On My Own." He said, "Do you remember this?" "That's me. How…?" "When Kyra left me, I was in the worst space. I felt lost, like I couldn't go on anymore." Rachel raised her eyebrows. "You…" "But then I went on this site and I saw this. I had no idea who you were back then, but you singing this. It was the most powerful thing I've ever heard. You saved my life, Rachel." "How come you never told me this?" "I didn't want you to think I was a sap." Rachel giggled. "I think you know me a little better than that." "You believed in me. Now it's my turn to believe in you." "I didn't know my videos could have such an impact on you." "You know you can't do this badly. You don't actually have it in you. I just know that you'd be doing me a favor by killing it on that stage." Later, while Wilma and Anne Marie were eating, Ian said, "How can you two eat at a time like this?" Rachel stepped out. Claire said, "Rachel." Rachel said, "What are you all moping around for? It's my opening night!" Then they all cheered and hugged her. Anne Marie said, "Yes!" Ian yelled, "Yay!" Shelby said, "That's my girl. I cannot wait to see you kill it onstage!" Everyone was outside going into the theater. There was a knock on the door. Rachel said, "Come in!" The door opened and Will said, "I heard it's somebody's opening night." Rachel gasped, "Oh, my God!" Will walked in carrying flowers. Rachel hugged him, "Thank you." "I always knew we would end up here one day. That you would end up here." "Oh. Apparently some dreams do come true. I got Finn a seat tonight. I know it's weird, but he made me promise I would get him a ticket to opening night." "It's not weird. It's lovely." "The only thing that scares me is getting through Who Are You Now? It's the last song." "Well, you know where we're all sitting, and I am so proud of you, Rachel. Tonight is the best gift that a student could possibly give to a teacher. You're making my dreams come true, too." "Ten minutes, Ms. Berry," one of the producers said. "Thank you," she told him. Will's phone rang. "Hey. Yeah, I'm with Rachel, what's up? She says break a leg." "Thanks." "What? Now? How long? Okay, well, wait for me." "Oh, my God. Is she, right now?" "Her water just broke." "Go! Go!" Will hugged her. "I love you. Break a leg." He runs out. Rachel was in full costume, getting ready to shine. Claire said, "Showtime." Anne Marie said, "Where's Will?" Claire said, "He had to leave. Emma's in labor." Ian said, "No way." "It's true." The others smiled. Rachel was about to walk onstage. Shelby and Jack were behind the curtains backstage, watching from the side. Claire and Henry were sitting in the front row with Anne Marie and Ian. Wilma was sitting next to them. The curtains opened and applause sounded. Rachel sang, "I'm The Greatest Star." Some of the audience members smiled. They seem to be enjoying themselves. Wilma was so happy. Shelby smiled, "I am so proud." Wilma whispered, "Just look at that dress. God, I wish I rock a blue cardigan like that." Anne Marie chuckled softly. Sam moved his head to the music. When Rachel finished, applause. After the first act, Shelby got in and hugged her. She also laughed when she spun her. Rachel said, "I thought Sue was gonna blow her top." "Sue Sylvester has got nothing on you," Shelby said proudly. "I had no doubts." "Well, it's not over yet. I still have to get through the second act." "Well, if anyone can, Rachel Berry can, right? I only wish Finn were here." "But he is. My only wish is for you to be on that stage with me." "I think those days are over for me," Shelby nodded. "Maybe someday, but not today." Sidney Green walked in with a smile. "Brava. You were terrific in the first act." "Thank you, Mr. Green. I just need a little time to change." "No, it was wonderful. I promise you. It was phenomenal." He looked at Shelby. "You must be, um…" "Oh, this is my sister, Shelby Corcoran." Shelby shook hands with Sidney. "You must be very proud." "I am," Shelby said. "My husband and I both." "Congratulations." To Rachel, he said, "The important thing now is what you do in Act II. Critics remember beginnings and endings, so now you have to dig deep. I know you can do it. All you have to do is share it with everybody. With all the work that's been done, all the money that's been put in, it's all for that one Times critic. If he doesn't like it we're kaput. And opening night is closing night."
Someone was panting heavily in the lobby. Ian said, "Just calm down." Anne Marie heaved and hoed, "I can't help it. I'm just so nervous for Rachel." Claire said, "What a pal. What a friend. What a girl and a half." Wilma gave her some water. "Here," she said, "drink this." Anne Marie swallowed. "Mm," she moaned. Wilma carried a popcorn bag saying, "Popcorn is supposed to be good for the nerves. Too bad they don't allow food in these types of theaters." Henry said, "Look, everybody's on edge. But Rachel's doing great. We all knew she would anyway. All we have now is the second act." Ian said, "Yeah, but if the critic doesn't like it…" Claire said, "He will like it. More than that, he'll love it. Anyone who hates it is a crack head." Henry said, "Anne Marie, are you okay?" Anne Marie exhaled, "I can breathe now." Rachel got back on stage singing "Who Are You Now?" while thinking about Finn. Shelby was singing the same song in her head, dancing with Jack. Tears rolled down both their eyes, and when they finished, applause occurred.
Kurt and Tina hugged Rachel. Mercedes said, "Rachel, you were so great," and she hugged her, too. "Thank you!" "I bawled during Who Are You Now?" Anne Marie said, "Who's the greatest star? You're the greatest star." "Oh, Anne Marie. You guys, I love you all so much." Kurt said, "You got flowers from Artie, Quinn, Mike, Puck and even Principal Figgins. Clearly you're loved by many." Claire walked in with money. "Sue Sylvester just lost all her money gambling. The thrill of victory…the agony of defeat." Sidney walked in, laughing. "Tonight, you are a star. and when the reviews hit the stand, we'll find out if we're the best thing since sliced bread or toast." "Thank you. Let's save the celebrating until after the reviews come out." "You're right. Whatever you want, it's yours." "I don't really need anything. I already have what I need. Actually, there is just one thing." She whispered in his ear. Claire tried to listen in, but Wilma pulled her away. "Honey, that's private." "I want to hear." Sidney nodded, "Consider it done." He walked out. "See you all at the after party." Blaine said, "Wow. An actual real-life party." Shelby said, "So, what was that with Mr. Green?" "We made a deal after the show." "For what?" "You'll see." Blaine said, "I know a place outside in Greenwich. Trust me, they're gonna love you there." At a club, Mathieu greeted them and hugged her. Rachel said, "Hi, Mathieu!" "I am here to celebrate the real Funny Girl." The bartender said, "Rachel Berry? Here?" Rachel said, "You guys recognize me?" "Are you kidding? We've tracked Funny Girl for weeks. How was tonight?" Kurt said, "She was incredible." "Well, then you have to sing something. It's tradition." Claire said, "Now these people have good taste." Anne Marie said, "Yeah, I kinda like this place." Rachel said, "Well, in that case…I'm here for the night!" Everyone shouted and cheered. Anne Marie was singing "Out Tonight" from RENT.
Santana was walking in saying, "Can someone rub my feet? I haven't danced that hard since Nationals two years ago." Tina said, "I got the DJ's number." Blaine took it saying, "Come on, Tina, I told you. He's totally gay." The reviews came in and they all started reading it. Santana was first. "One might ask themselves why. Why revive Funny Girl, an iconic show with an iconic star? Why when there are so many wonderful new playwrights with Sidney Green dust off this tired old girl of a play? Frankly, I can only come up with a single answer, and it's Rachel Berry." Kurt chuckled and continued, "This one's chutzpa to be willing to step into the knee-high lace-ups and make Fanny your own, and Rachel clearly has plenty of that, but she also has something else in spades, and that's talent!" Blaine went on, "And mountains of it. I'm not talking about the appellations. Berry is the Alps." Tina read on, "I sure I could find fault in this actress's performance, but shame on anyone who would have the audacity to criticize the boldness of a supernova exploding before our eyes." She hugged Rachel. Mercedes continued, "I just pray to God that no one saw me secretly wiping my tears during her show stopping 'Who Are You Now?' I don't know where inside that small frame Berry went to find the most she delivered with that song, but she melted the icy heart." Rachel said, "Oh, my God." She took it and finished, "I hope this show runs for a long time because everyone needs to see 'Don't Rain on My Parade' again or the producers run away to get a real talk onstage because I'm gonna have time to enjoy Rachel Berry as she is now. I know I'll be going to see Rachel Berry!" They all shouted, "Yeah!" They clapped. Wilma shouted, "Rachel, you've done it!" Claire smiled and said, "Was there ever any doubt?" Anne Marie stated, "Not from our end." Ian smiled and shook his head. Rachel said, "My phone is ringing. Oh, my God, it's Mr. Shue! Mr. Shue, I'm putting you on speaker." Will walked, "I made it back in time for the last few pushes. Emma's doing fine. So is the baby." Mercedes piped up, "Okay." Rachel said, "Yay!" Mercedes went on, "Tell us what we need to know. Boy or girl?" Will said, "It's a boy." And they all cheered. Blaine said, "Oh, it's a boy." Will went on, "And we're naming him Daniel. Daniel Finn Schuester." Rachel said, "Aw." Kurt smiled. "Hey, how was the show?" "It was amazing. How do you feel?" Will chuckled, "For the first time in my life, I feel…completely happy." "I feel the exact same." "Okay, well, I gotta run." "We love you." They all said, "Bye!" Shelby and Jack were kissing in bed. "Hell of a night," he told her. "I always knew Rachel would make it one day." "Do you remember when we were teaching at McKinley and I heard you singing on stage that one time?" "That was one of the best moments of my life. You made it all right to be me. I've never forgotten what you said to me, either. It really stuck with me." "You were so full of life on that stage. I was really drawn to you." "I think that was when I started falling for you. I should've kissed you back then." "I was so nervous that night. But…you made it all right to be me, too. I was crazy into you back then." "Why didn't you ever tell me?" "I didn't think you'd ever go for someone like me." Shelby smiled at him. "Do you ever miss it? The fame, the fortune and glory?" "Most of the time." "What about the fans?" "Right now, there's only one fan I'm interested in." She kissed his cheek.