Complete Peace

A play

Written by Erin Dalke

The characters in this screenplay are NOT based on anyone other than the author.

Beginning credits. Fade in to home videos of a young girl named JENNIFER. The video is muted, and you hear the voice of a 49 year old Jennifer doing a voice over.

JENNIFER

We all grow up, in the process we make friends, and we lose friends. And in the end we die. The best part of our lives are the times when we are happy with what is going on in our lives, when we can smile at the simple things that a person might do for us or say to us. These are the events of my life that were and are still important to me. They are the memories that I have of my mom, of myself, of my daughter, of people I have meet and known, they are the memories that my mom had, and told me about. They are the memories that mean the most to both of us. This is my way of remembering my mom now that she is gone. I guess most people can say that they have been content with who they have become when we are in love, and we have everything we could ask for in that moment. In my lifetime there have been so many moments, however short they were, when I was content with who I was. I have been told about moments when we are at peace with who we are, and I guess these are the moments when we are content with ourselves. I have had some of these moments, and do not know how to describe them. I guess you could say I was at peace, or you could say I was content. What does content mean? What does peace mean? Can you be completely peaceful or completely content? Are complete peace and being content the same thing?

The home videos fade out. Cut to KRISTEN in a meeting with the adoption agency in New York who were putting JENNIFER up for adoption before KRISTEN gave birth.

SOCIAL WORKER (KATHY)

We have found several families that are possibilities of adoptive families for your child.

KRISTEN interrupts the KATHY.

KRISTEN

Okay. Just choose one for me would you?

KRISTEN turns around to leave. The KATHY blocks Kristen’s way out the door. The KATHY has more to talk with KRISTEN about. KRISTEN stops to listen to the KATHY.

KATHY

Listen to me for a minute. We think we might have found a family for your child. If we do decide to choose them as your child’s adoptive parents, then we will bring them to you so you can meet them. If you don’t choose one, we will choose one for you.

KRISTEN

Really? Well I could care less as long as there is a family to take care of my daughter. I just know I can’t take care of her on my own. I don’t know how.

KATHY

Well that is obvious. If you can’t seem to find five minutes to look at the pictures of two families that we picked out using what you told us you wanted in the family that adopts your daughter, then how do you expect to take care of a daughter?

The KATHY turns KRISTEN around, and sits KRISTEN down. The KATHY walks around her desk and hands KRISTEN a picture of two twenty five year olds, and of two thirty-year olds. KRISTEN looks at the two pictures for a couple of moments moments.

KIRSTEN holds up a picture of two twenty-five year olds.

KRISTEN

I want these two.

KATHY

That wasn’t that hard was it?

KRISTEN

Nah. It really wasn’t. Is there anything else?

KATHY

The family you chose will come to meet your child at the hospital the night before either of you are released. The next day, you will leave the hospital, and your child will leave with its new family.

Cut to a nineteen year old KRISTEN holding the baby JENNIFER. KRISTEN is rocking JENNIFER and singing her a lullaby. The camera watches the scene, and then pans to the left where there are windows in the hospital room that KRISTEN is in. The camera sees EVITA and JEFF watching. A nineteen-year-old KRISTEN is sitting up in bed in a hospital, and holding a newborn baby (JENIFER). There is no one else in the room other than the baby JENNIFER and the young KRISTEN.

KRISTEN

(To no one in particular as she looks down into Jennifer’s eyes.)

She is so beautiful.

Two twenty-five-year-olds walk into the hospital room with a nurse. They are EVITA and JEFF, who adopted JENNIFER. EVITA and JEFF came to meet the child that they have adopted.

NURSE

Kristen, this is Evita and this is Jeff. They have adopted your daughter, and wanted to come and meet her. I’ll let the three of you be.

The NURSE leaves the room.

KRISTEN

The two of you weren’t exactly what I imagined when I imagined what my daughter’s adoptive parents would be, but I feel like the two of you are the ones to take care of my daughter.

EVITA and JEFF

(as they look at each other with a meaningful look)

Thanks

Cut to JENNIFER’S High School graduation. The camera captures the end of the PRINCIPLE’S speech.

PRINCIPLE

Don’t drink and drive, don’t drink, you are fine just the way you are…

Fade to JENNIFER and several FRIENDS taking pictures after their graduation. The song Seasons Of Love from Rent is playing. Cut to the view out of the front windshield of a car traveling down the highway. The radio is playing. Pan left to JENNIFER who is driving to Delta College for her first day of class. She is singing along with the radio. JENNIFER arrives at Delta College. Cut to JENNIFER working in the Information Center at Dow Gardens. Nobody has been coming through, and JENNIFER has been working on her homework. The video continues rolling as Jennifer does a voice over.

JENNIFER

Dow Gardens: my first real part time job. It was fun, except when Melissa wasn’t around to keep me company because that was when I was on my own with nobody to talk to. I answered questions, I took peoples money, and I did my homework. When Melissa was around, I felt like I could cry if I needed to, I felt like I had the best friend I didn’t have without my closest friends at home. All of my friends had gone away to college, and I was at home.

Cut to an interview of KRISTEN during the time she spent playing Glinda in the musical Wicked on Broadway.

Reporter

You came to New York on spring break while you were in college. During that time you had an audition for a role in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. How did you find out you had the part?

Kristen

Well I sang a song that I had prepared, then the director had me sing a song from the play and do some dancing. He didn’t even tell me that he would call me back…he just sat me down and said that I had the part.

Reporter

You have become fairly well known among musical theater fans. What has been your favorite role?

Kristen

I’m not sure that I have a favorite. I think if I had to choose one it would be Glinda. Glinda is a young woman who is a little insecure about who she is in the beginning, but through her relationship with Elphaba she learns a lot.

Reporter

You get to come in on a bubble in Wicked, what is that like?

Kristen

It is one of my best entrance yet. There have been times that the bubbles that come out of my bubble will fly into my mouth while I am singing. The bubble machine also breaks on occasion, and when that happens the bubble solution drips all over me. I don’t think that most people know that the bubble machine breaks occasionally, and so when someone finds out, they always give me this amazed look.

Reporter

What is the hardest part about this role?

Kristen

The hardest part for me is going from singing opera to singing more of a pop song, to singing in my lower register, and back to singing opera. It is a tough role in that sense. It also is a tough role because of the emotions involved. At the beginning I have to “hate” Elphaba, I then have to change to the “I love you” attitude towards Elphaba. In the end we end up with the “I love you” attitude.

Cut to JENNIFER working at Dow Gardens. She is wearing a grey t-shirt with the Dow Gardens logo on the upper left side of the shirt and green pants. She is pushing a mower up and down the bumps. The back of her shirt has a spot of sweat on it. JENNIFER finishes mowing the bumps. She turns the mower off, then steps back to look at her work.

JENNIFER

Not bad…it looks great. And I feel hot, sweaty, and sticky.

Cut to JENNIFER at a piano at EVITA and JEFF’S house. She is practicing “For Good” from Wicked. She hits a wrong note by accident.

JENNIFER

Arg!! I hate it when I hit a wrong note!

JENNIFER starts to play “For Good” from the beginning. After the first couple pages, fade to JENNIFER playing “For Good” at a friends funeral. Cut to Stony Lake Lutheran Camp. JENNIFER is just rolling up in her car. The DIRECTOR of the camp is standing nearby waiting for JENNIFER to arrive. JENNIFER gets out of the car.

JENNIFER

I hope I’m not late.

DIRECTOR

Your not, I am early.

JENNIFER

That makes me feel a little better. I’m ready to do this interview whenever you are.

DIRECTOR

Why don’t we do it now?

JENNIFER

Let’s get started!

Both the DIRECTOR and JENNIFER sit down at a nearby picnic table.

DIRECTOR

Have you ever been here before?

JENNIFER

Oh yeah…that was a long time ago when I was in the seventh and eighth grade. It hasn’t changed a bit since I was here from what I’ve seen in the little time I have been here today.

DIRECOTR

What is your favorite memory of the time you spent here as a camper?

JENNIFER

(JENNIFER stares off into space as she speaks). I don’t know if you know her, but there was someone who worked here while I was here. Her name was Abigail, and she was the counselor in cabin 7 the second summer I came. She is my favorite memory of this place…she was always there for us, and was so kind and so much fun to spend time with. She also was there for us to talk to when we needed someone to talk.

DIRECOTR

If you had a kid in your cabin and you thought they might have been abused at home, what would you do?

JENNIFER

I’d make sure you were told what was going on and why I thought the kid was abused. I guess I’d also probably try to be a good role model for the kid, I guess I could try to find out what happened without forcing the kid to talk.

DIRECTOR

How trusting of a person are you?

JENNIFER

It depends. Most of the time I am very trusting, unless I have a good logical reason not to trust you.

DIRECTOR

Do you have any disabilities that I need to know about?

JENNIFER

Nothing to major. I have allergies, but those are easily controlled by my flonase. I also have A.D.D., but that doesn’t effect me the way it used to.

DIRECTOR

What do you think the biggest lesson you learned while you were a camper here was?

JENNIFER

I learned so many things while I was here. I guess the biggest so-called-lesson that I learned here would be that there are other people out there just like you, and that there will always be someone there, God, that is there to listen to you and to be there for you when no one else can or will.

DIRECTOR

I have one last question for you. I have an open position for a counselor. Would you like it?

JENNIFER

Are you serious?

DIRECTOR

Yes I am serious.

JENNIFER

Of course I’ll do it! I didn’t actually expect to be offered a job!

Cut to Stony Lake, it is early afternoon and CAMPERS are beginning to arrive and check themselves in. JENNIFER is off to the side waiting for the campers that are going to be in her cabin get checked in, grab their stuff, and meet her at the picnic table that JENNIFER is sitting at. The picnic table she is sitting at is the same picnic table that she had her interview at. The CAMPERS for the week are all in the first and second grade, and most of their PARENTS are there helping them check in. A few of the KIDS and their PARENTS come up to JENNIFER to both meet the person who would be watching their CHILDREN for the next week. After all of the PARENTS leave, JENNIFER and the KIDS are in the cabin that JENNIFER is in.

JENNIFER

How many of you have been here before?

A few of the KIDS raise their hand.

JENNIFER

You guys are going to have so much fun this week. I came here when I was in middle school, and had a ton of fun!

CAMPER ONE

I miss my parents already.

JENNIFER

That’s okay. Everyone is a little nervous their first time at camp away from home. You’ll be having so much fun this week that you won’t even think about your parents much.

CAMPER TWO

If I don’t have fun can I blame you for it?

JENNIFER

I guess you can, but if I were you I would blame myself for not having fun!

Fade out. Cut to JENNIFER at Dow Gardens in her work cloths (green and grey). She is cutting through a wild rose bush near the base. After she cuts through the wild rose bush, she starts trying to detangle it from the tree it was next to. The rose bush pokes JENNIFER in the hand and arm and gets stuck on her shirt. JENNIFER pulls her and away from the wild rose bush. JENNIFER then begins to suck on her finger which is bleeding. Cut to a home made video that JENNIFER made of herself talking. The video has been posted on youtube.

JENNIFER

You asked what a dream is. I think that a dream is something you can look becoming or doing in the future. My own personal dream: to become some sort of pianist. I don’t care if I am doing my own concert work, playing with an orchestra, or playing with a band, or playing for a singer. I just want to play the piano. No one seems to believe that I can play. A lot of people have heard me play and have told me that I am good, but not good enough to go professional. Then this past semester at school I had a great piano teacher who told me that I could probably go professional because I am good enough. That’s my dream, and my definition of a dream.

Cut to Kristen talking on the phone with EVITA. EVITA is crying, KRISTEN is frustrated with EVITA.

EVITA

No you can NOT talk to her. She is the closest thing I have to a daughter, and I am not ready for her to want to move out. Can’t this just wait until she has graduated from high school and ready to move away from the place that she has called home?

KRISTEN

I know that you feel like she is your daughter, but she really isn’t yours. You didn’t give birth to her, and you know that.

EVITA

I am just not ready to start dealing with this okay? Can’t it wait for another year?

KRISTEN

Look…I know why you are saying this, but you have to understand that I haven’t known my daughter. I haven’t been able to watch her grow up the way you have. What happens when she leaves home? What happens if I don’t ever get to know her the way you have?

EVITA

Well you’re her biological mother; you won’t have any problem getting her to come see you regularly.

KRISTEN

I can’t deal with you being in denial about the fact that she is not your daughter right now. So I am going to hang up now to let you begin to deal with your denial. I don’t care what you think, but once Jennifer turns twenty I am coming to meet her, whether or not you want me too.

KRISTEN hangs up the phone. KRISTEN’S head falls into her hands as she tries to understand why EVITA and JEFF are doing what they are doing. Cut to a memory of an interview of KRISTEN near the end of her run in Wicked, and a few weeks before JENNIFER and KRISTEN are to met for the first time.

REPORTER

Today we have a Tony winner, and one of the stars of Wicked, Kristen.

(KRITEN walks out).

Hi! How are you doing?

KRSITEN

I’m doing great!

REPORTER

I heard that you are going to be leaving Wicked soon. When and why are you leaving?

KRISTEN

I am leaving for a couple of reasons. I’m leaving on May 15th because I am going to meet my daughter a couple days later. I also am leaving because I need some time to do some other things, like work on my next album.

REPORTER

I recently learned that you have a daughter. How old is she, and have you seen her since you gave her up for adoption?

KRISTEN

My daughter is turning nineteen on the twentieth, so I am going to meet for the first time since I gave her up for adoption. I wanted to give her something for her birthday that would be special for both of us.

REPORTER

How old were you when you had your daughter?

KRISTEN

I am 38 now, and she was born 19 years ago, so I was 19. It was defiantly something I wish I hadn’t done, but I am glad that my daughter is still here today.

REPORTER

We have a few pictures of her shortly after your daughter’s birth birth.

(The pictures are shown).

What do you remember the most about her during that time?

KRITEN

Most of what I remember is being in love with my daughter, and knowing that I wouldn’t be able to take care of her while I was in school.

REPORTER

Since your daughters birth you have become a star on Broadway, and have quite a fan base. How do you deal with all the publicity, and how do you think your daughter will deal with it?

KRISTEN

I have a publicist that deals with all of my publicity event planning. I love to meet my fans because it is always so much fun to see how many things my fans and I share in common. I always try to treat my fans as if they were my daughter, sister, brother, friend, or mother. I am not quite sure how my daughter will deal with all of the publicity that I have.

REPORTER

I have heard that you have a range of four octaves. Is that true?

KRISTEN

Yes I do. It is a large range. Most people have a range of one to two octives. It does allow for me to play a bigger variety of roles in movies and on Broadway.

REPORTER

Your entrance at the beginning of Wicked is amazing.

KRISTEN

It is one of my favorite entrances yet. I literally come in on a bubble, and my bubble will make more bubbles. When the bubble machine breaks, I get bubble solution all over me and causes some sticky scenes for me.

REPORTER

Do you know if your daughter as talented as you is musically and acting wise?

KRISTEN

I haven’t been in contact with my daughter for years, so I honestly have no idea what she is interested in or good at. So I couldn’t tell you that.

Cut to a home movie that JENNIFER made. JENNIFER is sitting in her room and pointing the camera at herself. The viewer can tell that JENNIFER has been crying about something.

JENNIFER

It’s been a bad day around here for me. First of all, I woke up this morning to mom and dad yelling at each other about something. To me it sounded like they were arguing about whether or not to tell me something. Then when I got downstairs this morning they were both sitting at the table will a large manila envelope between them that they were both staring at. That was when they told me that they adopted me shortly after I was born. How was I supposed to react?? I just froze to the spot. They told me that the envelope contained name and address of my biological mother, and an airplane ticket there if I wanted to go visit my biological mother. They both got up at that point and went to do their own things. That was when I started crying. I finally opened the envelope. I will be going to meet my biological mother. Logically the worst case would be that we don’t get along and I end up living on my own. Best case would be that we get along and I end up living with my biological mother for a while. Neither case looks that bad. I guess I’ll let anyone who ends up seeing this go now.

The tape goes black. The viewer doesn’t see anything, but can hear JENNIFER.

JENNIFER

(crying)

Mom… where are you when I need you the most?

Cut to an airport. There is a huge CROWD near the baggage claim that is waiting for KRISTEN to arrive. Finally KRISTEN steps out into the baggage claim area. PEOPLE begin to crowd her and ask for autographs. KRISTEN continues walking towards the baggage claim where she sees JENNIFER, EVITA, and JEFF are standing.

KRISTEN

No, I am not signing autographs right now, no I do not have the time to answer questions, and no I do not have time to take a picture with you.

The CROWD collectively groans, and stops following and crowding around KRISTEN. KRISTEN continues walking towards JENNIFER, EVITA, and JEFF.

KRISTEN

(speaking to Jennifer)

You’ve grown up.

JENNIFER

Thanks.

KRISTEN reaches out to JENNIFER and gently pulls JENNIFER close to her. KRISTEN kisses JENNIFER on the forehead.

KRISTEN

I’ll go get my stuff, and then we can get out of here and to a more private place.

KRISTEN starts picking up a few of her bags off of the floor and JENNIFER grabs a few.

Cut to a press conference outside of a Michigan courthouse. At the podium is a thirty-eight-year-old KRISTEN.

KRISTEN

Today a judge made a decision about the fate of my daughter, Jennifer. I am glad that he took his time to make his decision, which will have an effect on the rest of my life, and my daughter’s life. As you very well now know, the judge ruled that my daughter Jennifer can not be forced to live anywhere by anyone. In short, she is free to choose where and who she lives with. After Judge Hart made his ruling, Jennifer came up to me and told me that she wanted to live with me as long as it was okay with me. I immediately told Jennifer that she could live with me. I ask you, the media, to follow any reasonable request that either Jennifer or I might make. Thank you.

KRISTEN steps away from the podium. A 19 year old JENNIFER steps up to the podium and begins to speak.

JENNIFER

It is a privilege to know that the people I grew up calling my parents will no longer be able to tell me how to live my life. They have been apart of my life for such a long time, and I will consider them friends. I will keep them informed on what is going on in my life because I believe that they have shaped who I am to a certain extent. I choose to live with my biological mother because I feel like I have missed out of some special moments that we would have shared if I hadn’t been given up for adoption. I want the chance to get to know my mother; I want to give her the chance to get to know me. I also believe that she will shape me in a way that no one else can. Thanks.

JENNIFER steps away from the podium, and both KRISTEN and JENNIFER walk to a nearby car and drive away. EVITA and JEFF walk up to the podium together.

JEFF

I speak for both Evita and myself when I say this. Jennifer has been a blessing in our lives. She as taught us so many things; she taught us how to smile, she taught us how to work, and taught us how to be persistent. We will remember so many things about her because she has been such a big part of our lives. We will never forget her smile that was contagious, and we will never forget the way she plays the piano. I will personally never forget the way she looked up at me as a baby the first time I held her, or the way she would ask questions that we could not always answer because we did not know the answer. We would like to wish Jennifer best of luck in her future endeavors. Thank you.

Cut to JENNIFER’S room at EVITA and JEFF’S house. KRISTEN and JENNIFER walk into the room. They set KRISTEN’S baggage down on the floor, and JENNIFER sits down on her bed. KRISTEN is left standing in the middle of the room, and takes a look around the room.

KRISTEN

Wow, I never thought that I would see the room that you grew up calling your bedroom in its natural state.

JENNIFER smiles.

JENNIFER

I’m not sure what to say to that.

KRISTEN walks over to the bed.

KRISTEN

Do you mind if I sit down?

JENNIFER

No, I don’t mind a single bit.

KRSITEN sits down on the bed next to JENNIFER.

KRISTEN

This is awkward. I don’t know what to say or do. I had a speech I wanted to give you planned, but that doesn’t feel quite right.

JENNIFER

That’s okay. I’m not quite sure what to say or do either.

KRISTEN

I know I missed watching you growing up.

JENNIFER

I’ve missed you.

KRISTEN

I see so many things in you right now.

JENNIFER

Really? Like what?

KRISTEN

You are a young adult that is half adult and half kid. I think you’ve found a nice mixture of kid and adult. It’s just right for your personality from what I have seen of you.

(KRISTEN leans back and hits her head against the wall.)

Ouch!

(JENNIFER and KRISTEN start laughing)

JENNIFER

Don’t you just love yourself when you do something like hit your head against a wall for no reason?

KRISTEN

I almost love myself more after I do something like that!

KRISTEN reaches over and gently pulls JENNIFER’S head towards her, and kisses the top of JENNIFER’S head. After KRSITEN finishes kissing JENNIFER’S head, JENNIFER puts her head on KRISTEN’S shoulder, and KRISTEN puts her arm around JENNIFER’S shoulder. Cut to the next day. KRSITEN and JENNIFER are in JENNIFER’S room at EVITA and JEFF’S house. They are both laying in bed reading their books.

KRISTEN

I miss those RV trips my family took when I was a kid. None of us were much of a camper, but it was still fun.

JENNIFER

I haven’t ever been on a RV trip, but have been on a few camping trips. They were so much fun, minus the fact that it would rain on occasion.

KRISTEN

Maybe we should rent a tent or a RV and do a road trip together. It would be fun to do, and a fun way to get to know each other a little better. Besides it would bring back some great memories I have of the first and last camping trip I went on. Do you know any good places to do a trip like this?

JENNIFER

Oh yeah…the Porcupine Mountains, Pictured Rocks, and Taquamanon falls.

KRISTEN

Do you want to do this? We don’t have to do this if you don’t want to.

JENNIFER

I’m up now as long as you are.

KRISTEN

Let’s do this. Why don’t we go to Pictured Rocks? That sounds like the most fun.

Cut to KRISTEN and JENNIFER at their campsite at Pictured Rocks. KRISTEN is carrying things that will be used outside like a tarp for over their picnic table to another area of their campsite that JENNIFER has tossed into a pile just outside of the camper. KRISTEN finishes and walks back over to the pop up to talk to JENNIFER.

KRISTEN

Hey Jennifer is that it?

JENNIFER

It sure is. Make sure your hands aren’t in the way…I’m going to put the door in now.

KRISTEN

What else needs to be done?

JENNIFER

Set up in here and also the tarp over the picnic table.

KRISTEN

This is really easy, although it might be easier because you know what you are doing.

JENNIFER

You’re probably right, but how would I know? I haven’t ever been camping without myself so I wouldn’t know.

We watch as KRISTEN and JENNIFER set up the tarp over the picnic table. Cut to KRISTEN trying to light a camp fire. JENNIFER is standing next to where KRITEN is crouching.

KRISTEN

How do you get a fire going without any lighter fluid? It just isn’t working for me.

JENNIFER

I see your problem…try lighting the birch bark instead of the twigs.

KRISTEN tries what JENNIFER suggested, and the fire starts.

KRISTEN

Now I feel stupid for not knowing that.

JENNIFER

Don’t worry about it. I feel stupid around you when I am singing.

KRISTEN

I guess that’s fair…we both know a lot about different things.

Cut to the next morning. JENNIFER is sitting at the picnic table with her swimsuit on waiting for KRISTEN. KRISTEN comes walking out of the camper.

KRISTEN

Where’s the shower in this thing?

JENNIFER

It doesn’t have one. If you want to take a shower, put your swimsuit on and follow me.

KRISTEN

Ill be right back then.

KRISTEN goes back into the camper and changes while JENNIFER stays on the picnic table and watches a CHIPMUNK. KRISTEN reappears a couple minutes later changed into her swimming suit.

KRISTEN

So how are we taking a shower without a shower?

JENNIFER

You’ll understand in a couple of minutes when we get to where we can take a shower.

KRISTEN and JENNIFER walk to a nearby lake.

KRISTEN

So we are taking a shower in the lake?

JENNIFER

We sure are! It’s not that bad…no one gets mad because someone else took all the hot water, and we also can take as much time as we want.

KRISTEN

It sure sounds like a good idea, and like quite a bit of fun.

We watch as JENNIFER and KRISTEN go running into the lake and begin to take a “shower”. Cut to KRISTEN and JENNIFER’S plane ride home. JENNIFER and KRISTEN climb onto the plane where they get into their seats. We see what they do during their flight to New York City in fast forward. Once they get off of the plane and are walking into the lobby, we return to normal speed. There are a few YOUNG WOMEN who are standing there waiting for KRISTEN. They come walking up to KRISTEN and JENNIFER.

GIRL ONE

Can I get an autograph?

KRISTEN

Sure.

(She signs a picture)

GIRL TWO

Can I get an autograph also?

Kristen signs the picture, and while she signs it GIRL TWO begins talking to JENNIFER.

GIRL TWO

(to JENNIFER)

Who are you?

Girl three asks Kristen for an autograph.

JENNIFER

I’m Kristen’s daughter.

ALL THREE GIRLS

What??

GIRL ONE

We didn’t know you had a daughter!

KRISTEN

Well, no one ever asked me if I had kids so I never said anything. Besides, she hasn’t been living with me for her whole life until the past week. I put her up for adoption because I knew I couldn’t take care of her before she was even born.

GIRL TWO

I guess that makes sense. What’s your name, and how old are you?

JENNIFER

I’m Jennifer, and I am nineteen.

GIRL THREE

Do you sing and act too?

JENNIFER

I can sing and act, but as well as my mom can.

KRISTEN

I was amazed by how talented she is with instruments when we first met.

GIRL TWO

We better get going so our parents don’t get too mad at us for sticking around for too long.

KRISTEN

It was nice to meet you.

ALL THREE GIRLS

You too!

The three GIRLS walk away. KRISTEN and JENNIFER get their baggage and go to KRISTEN’S car and leave the airport to go to KRISTEN’S apartment. Cut to KRISTEN’S apartment. JENNIFER and KRISTEN walk in. They were carrying all of JENNIFER’S stuff, and they drop it when they get inside the door.

KRISTEN

(sighs)

Finally home!

JENNIFER

It’ll be nice to finally know what the place that I will call home looks like.

Cut to an interview of KRISTEN and JENNIFER the day after they arrived in New York City together.

REPORTER

Today our guests are Kristen Shaffert, the Tony-award winning actress, and her daughter Jennifer Shaffert. Thanks for being here!

KRISTEN

Thanks for having us!

REPORTER

The two of you met for the first time in quite some time recently if I am not mistaken.

KRISTEN

We sure did. We hadn’t seen each other in nineteen years until two weeks ago.

REPORTER

What was it like for the two of you too see each other for the first time, especially for you Jennifer since you don’t have any memories of your mom before the two of you met recently?

KRISTEN

Walking into the lobby of that airport, I expected a crowd of fans, but I didn’t really know what to expect out of Jennifer.

JENNIFER

It was especially nerve racking for me since I really had no idea if the two of us were going to get along. Then when I saw my mom, I saw a caring and kind person who would be there for me when nobody else would be.

KRISTEN

When I first saw Jennifer, I was ecstatic to see my daughter again, and I saw that Jennifer was alone despite the fact that she was standing with her adoptive parents. The one thing I could think of to do to let Jennifer know that she would never be without a mother again was to give her a hug.

REPORTER

I heard that the two of you went on a camping trip together. What was that like?

JENNIFER

So far it is one of the best memories I have with Kristen. It was a lot of fun watching Kristen learning how to camp.

KRISTEN

I defiantly enjoyed it. I really had no idea what I was doing, so I was glad that Jennifer knew what she was doing.

REPORTER

One thing that I have noticed about you Jennifer is that you have called your mom Kristen and Mom.

JENNIFER

Yeah, well that tends to happen since I am used to thinking of her as someone I have looked up to for longer than I have known her as my mom.

REPORTER

What are your favorite traits of the other?

KRISTEN

I LOVE Jennifer’s laugh, and I also like the fact that she has such an open mind.

JENNIFER

My favorite trait of my mom? I have to say it is her personality and laugh. I can’t really say my most favorite trait in her because I love both of those traits a lot.

REPORTER

The two of you just got back from camping. Had either of you been camping before?

JENNIFER

How’d you hear about that?

REPORTER

That’s a secret.

KRISTEN

Yeah, we did go camping together. It was a new experience for me.

JENNIFER

I’ve been camping before in both tents and pop up campers.

REPORTER

Kristen, did you like the experience of camping?

KRISTEN

I enjoyed it so much more that I though it would.

Cut to JENNIFER and KRISTEN walking down a New York street on the way to the play KRISTEN is currently in, and to JENNIFER’S first audition of Broadway.

KRISTEN

How are you feeling about your audition?

JENNIFER

I’m a little nervous, but that’s okay. I usually get nervous just before I have to perform, but then relax when I get up there to perform.

KRISTEN

It is a good thing you know that about yourself. It will help you do your best. Well, Ill talk to you when I get home tonight. Good luck!

JENNIFER

You too!

Cut to JENNIFER’S audition at a New York theater for the part of Elphaba inMusical Wicked.

PRODUCER

What did you prepare to sing for us this morning and why?

JENNIFER

I prepared Heart on My Sleeve by Idina Menzel. I decided on this piece because there is special meaning to the lyrics to me.

PRODUCER

What is that special meaning?

JENNIFER

Well, as growing up I was always told that I would never become a musician because I was not talented enough. I always believed that to make it in music, you have to have some talent, and be willing to work hard at it. In this song the lyrics talk about a girl who has the “power to defy you”, and “will never learn to let things slide”. As I grew up I kept telling myself that if I kept on working at my music, then my “power”, or my abilities would amaze someone, and I would succeed in music because I didn’t let go of my dream.

PRODUCER

Ok lets here it.

JENNIFER begins to sing. Fade to JENNIFER finishing Heart on My Sleeve. She looks over at the PRODUCER.

PRODUCER

That was good. It wasn’t perfect, but it defiantly was a good effort and it did sound great. I want you to sing The Wizard and I for me so I can get a better feel for your voice.

JENNIFER sings The Wizard and I for the producer.

PRODUCER

Thanks for coming today to audition. You are a lot more relaxed than most people I have seen audition are.

JENNIFER

Thanks. When do you think you will know who has the part?

PRODUCER

We are going to start call backs tomorrow, and we are hoping to have decided in two days.

JENNIFER

Thanks for the audition again!

Cut to JENNIFER at KRISTEN’S house. JENNIFER is sitting on a couch reading a book. We watch for about 20 seconds, then the phone rings. KRISTEN answers the phone.

Kristen

Hello? Yes she is here, I’ll put her on. (She calls to Jennifer)

Jennifer-it’s the producer from Wicked!

JENNIFER

Okay.

JENNIFER gets up and takes the phone.

JENNIFER

Hi! What’s up?

(She listens for a moment)

Okay, I’ll be there at one!

(She hangs up the phone).

KRISTEN

Did you get a call back?

JENNIFER

I sure did!

Cut to JENNIFER’S call back. The PRODUCER and DIRECOTR are sitting in the room that JENNIFER’S call back will be in waiting for JENNIFER to arrive. It is 12:55. JENNIFER walks in the door a short time later.

DIRECTOR

Thanks for coming!

JENNIFER

Thanks for having me back!

PRODUCER

We haven’t really been doing call backs because we already have decided on the actress we want for the part of Elphaba. We want you.

JENNIFER’S jaw drops and stays there. The DIRECTOR and PRODUCER continue sitting in their seats and watch JENNIFER. After a moment she comes too.

JENNIFER

I can’t believe it! I though this would never happen!

DIRECTOR

We would like you to come in tomorrow morning at 8am for the first rehearsal. Do you have nay questions for either of us?

JENNIFER

Who’s going to be playing Glinda?

DIRECTOR

Sarah Young is going to be coming back to play Glinda. She has been in rehearsal for the past couple days, and is planning on starting on July 30 this year. You’ll be starting to do shows on August 1. I’ll let you go now. I will see you tomorrow!

JENNIFER

Why did you choose me?

DIRECTOR

You have this raw power that we realized is just the sound that we love, and the audiences love in the Elphaba.

JENNIFER

Thanks for the part!

JENNIFER leaves the room. Cut to an interview of JENNIFER during her run in Wicked.

REPORTER

Today I will be talking with Jennifer Shaffert, Kristen Shaffert’s daughter, who is currently playing the part of Elphaba in Wicked. Thanks for coming today!

JENNIFER

Thanks for having me!

REPORTER

This is your first role on Broadway if I am not mistaken. Did you ever imagine yourself playing t role on Broadway?

JENNIFER

It is my first role. I never thought I would actually play a role on Broadway, but I always dreamt about it. So, this is an exciting time in my life.

REPORTER

How did you get the part?

JENNIFER

It was my second day in New York with my mom, and I had seen that Wicked was having auditions the day before, and had gone in to schedule an audition. On my second day in New York, I had the audition. About a week later they called me back, and had me come back for a supposed call back. When I got back, they told me that I had the part of Elphaba.

REPORTER

Before this role you were relatively unknown to anybody. We managed to talk to a few people who knew you in Midland, Michigan where you grew up. They all said that you were funny, intelligent, nice, and fairly musical. None of them really thought of you as an actor because they all saw you as someone who could get up on stage to play a role, and not just play that role, but actually become the character, they thought you really were the character you were playing. How do you feel about that?

JENNIFER

I never knew that people thought that about me. I guess you could say that I have had the knack for becoming the character that I am playing. I just haven’t ever believed that about myself until I got the part as Elphaba and got to talk to fans.

REPORTER

You went to college for a few years. Did you get a degree?

JENNIFER

No, I didn’t. I was very close to getting a degree in nursing, but ended up dropping out of college when I got this part.

REPORTER

What is you favorite characteristic of Elphaba?

JENNIFER

I love the fact that she is so optimistic that her time at Shiz University will be different. It is so contiguous that I just can’t help but really feel for her when other students don’t accept her.

REPORTER

Recently we found out that your mom gave you up for adoption shortly after your birth. When did you find out that you were adopted?

JENNIFER has a far off face develop. She begins to talk about how she found out that she was adopted, and as she begins to talk, we see the memory unfold before our eyes. We see EVITA and JEFF hand JENNIFER an envelope that contains her birth certificate and the current address of her mother and father. JENNIFER opens the envelope, and begins to read. JENNIFER practically yells at EVITA and JEFF. Not long afterwards JENNIFER storms up to her room.

REPORTER

That had to have been an extremely emotional experience for you. All of your fans are curious about your dating situation.

JENNIFER

(She laughs).

I am not dating, and any guys that might be watching-I would not suggest asking me out unless you know me personally, and even then I might say no.

REPORTER

I have heard quite a few horror stories from other actors involving anything from being purposed to to completely forgetting the lyrics or their line. Do you have any horror stories?

JENNIFER

Of course I do! This one you have to know the background to completely understand the story. The first Anatomy and Physiology class I took in college, I learned a lot. One of the facts that has stuck with me is that if you have allergies, you have asthma. I don’t know why that is, but it just is that way. I have allergies, and I have known that for quite a long time. I don’t get massive asthma attacks; I usually either get a very minor asthma attack, or have a sneezing fit do to my allergies. One night during a performance we were performing Defying Gravity, and for some reason I ended up having a slight asthma attack while I was flying which had to have been the worst time to have one. I was still able to breathe, but just not as deeply as usual, so I sounded a little more out of breath than I usually do during Defying Gravity, or anywhere in the show.

REPORTER

How many of the previous Elphabas do you know?

JENNIFER

I know a few of them but not all. I know Diana very well because I have been fortunate enough to be able to perform with her on stage. I also know Shoshanna because the two of us take from the same voice teacher while we are in New York.

Cut to JENNIFER performing Defying Gravity on Broadway. After we hear the first little bit of applause, cut to a memory that JENNIFER has of her time working at Dow Gardens ringing trees. Pan up to see that the sky is grey. Pan back to JENNIFER who looks up at the sky.

JENNIFER

I sure hope it rains. We sure do need the rain.

Moments later it begins to rain. JENNIFER begins to laugh and run towards the barn where she seeks shelter for a few minutes until it stops raining about 20 minutes later. By the time she gets to the barn JENNIFER is soaking wet and cold. MELISSA meets her in the barn.

MELISSA

Are you okay?

JENNIFER

Yeah…just a little cold and wet.

MELISSA

You don’t seem quite like your normal self. What going on?

JENNIFER

Well my parents decided that they didn’t want to tell me that they adopted me until recently, which just made me more mad at them than I would have if they had told me that I was adopted when I was younger.

MELISSA

Wow. I don’t know what else to say.

JENNIFER’S eyes well up with tears. MELISSA notices and reaches over to JENNIFER to give JENNIFER a hug. As soon as MELISSA’S arms around her, JENNIFER wraps her arms around MELISSA and begins to cry on her shoulder. Fade out to black. Cut to an interview of KRISTEN shortly after she won her Tony award, and the July before JENNIFER and KRISTEN meet.

REPORTER

What was it like to win the Tony, Kristen?

KRISTEN

It was a very special moment for me. It is my first award, and it also signifies that people have recognized me as an actor who has done her job so well that she deserves recognition.

REPORTER

You were adopted when you were very young. How did that effect who you are today?

KRISTEN

I have always known that I was adopted, and despite that my parents have always been so supportive of me and what I am doing with my life. I hope that other children that are out there that have been or ever will be adopted, will learn to follow their dreams.

REPORTER

When you won the Tony, you not only won a Tony award, you also won many people’s hearts over to musical theater.

KRISTEN

Thank you for the compliment! I would like to think that, but I would also like to think that people began to love musical theater because they realized just how much fun it is to watch.

REPORTER

I have heard that you also play the piano. Is this true?

KRISTEN

Yes I do play, but not very well. I can play well enough that I can really enjoy playing. But, I could never play professionally.

REPORTER

I have heard so many people talking about the fact that they think you might be gay. Is this true? Why do you think people are saying this about you?

KRISTEN

No it is not true. I am not quite sure why people would think this about me or why they would say it about me if it is not true. I guess you could say that these people are saying these things because they don’t know what else to say about me.

REPORTER

What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t working?

KRISTEN

I love to both shop and eat when I am not working. I also love to take naps and read a good book.

REPORTER

If you could share the stage with one person, who would it be?

KRISTEN

Good question! You have me stumped.

(She pauses for a moment).

I don’t really know who I would want to share the stage with. I guess if I had to choose one person, I would choose Barbra Streisand.

REPORTER

If you could play one role on Broadway or in a movie, what would it be?

KRISTEN

That’s another good question. I think it would be fun to play Sleepy from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs because I am so tired so often.

REPORTER

If there was one person that you would like to meet, who would it be? If you could ask them a question, what would you ask?

KRISTEN

You are out to stump me on a question aren’t you?

(She stops and thinks for a few seconds).

I think I would like to meet my parents and ask them why they gave me up for adoption, and what they would have done differently if they could go back and relive their lives.

REPORTER

What do you think you would have done differently in your life you could have done something differently?

KRISTEN

Hmm…another good question on your part. I don’t know that I would have done anything differently. Well, maybe I would. I think I would have changed the way I dealt with my daughter, who I gave up for adoption. I would have kept her, and not given her up for adoption so that I could have seen her grow up.

REPORTER

Thanks for answering my questions!

KRISTEN

Thank you for having me!

Cut to JENNIFER’S final Broadway performance of “Wicked”. We watch as ELPHABA (JENNIFER) and GLINDA (SARAH) sing “For Good”. ELPHABA begins to cry during this performance of “For Good”. After their hug at the end of the song, cut to ELPHABA and GLINDA walking out onto the stage for the final curtain call. After they bow, GLINDA walks over to someone on the side of the stage who has some flowers. She takes the flowers and hands them to JENNIFER. The crowd finishes clapping.

SARAH

As you probably know, tonight was Jennifer’s final performance as Elphaba in “Wicked”. I am sure that tonight has been just as special for her as it has been for the rest of us. I have preformed on Broadway for countless years now, so when I found out that Jennifer was going to be playing Elphaba with no experience on Broadway I was a little nervous. I wasn’t sure if this “kid” was going to be able to handle it. But, as soon as I saw what she was doing in rehearsals…just how good of an actor Jennifer was in rehearsals, I knew that there was nothing for me to worry about. As many of you know, Jennifer did have the advantage of having a mother that has been in this play before. That wasn’t even a factor in choosing Jennifer for this part…Jennifer could act, she can take a part and really step up to the challenge of becoming that character on stage. I think this cast’s favorite memory of Jennifer backstage during her first intermission saying “Shit…why didn’t I decide to major in musical theater in college?”. So I leave Jennifer with this: I have learned so much from you over the past year, you have made such a big impact on my life, and I wish you luck in you future endeavors.

JENNIFER

I know many of you have come to see Wicked for the first time, and many of you have come back to see Wicked again. Thank you to all of you who have watched me perform this wonderful show for the past year and have cheered every time I Defy Gravity, and every time I walk out the stage door. Most of all, I have a HUGE thank you for all of you who have believed in me since I was a young child and told me to let myself dream. I still do question many things. For example I still ask “why didn’t I study musical theater in college?”, and “why can’t I hold the clouds?” I will miss playing Elphaba to sold out crowds here in New York, but know that it is time for me to move on with my life.

Cut to an interview of JENNIFER shortly after her last performance in “Wicked”.

REPORTER

Today I am talking with JENNIFER SHAFFERT, who just finished her run in “Wicked”. Thank you for coming!

JENNIFER

Thanks for having me!

REPORTER

What did it feel like to finish your run in “Wicked”?

JENNIFER

I was very sad to be leaving the show because it was so much fun working with that group of people, but it was time for me to leave.

REPORTER

Why was it time for you to leave?

JENNIFER

After you have played the same role for long enough you start getting tired of playing the same role eight times a week.

REPORTER

You were adopted at birth, and grew up with the family that adopted you. What advice do you have for anybody that was adopted, and is still living with their adoptive family?

JENNIFER

Don’t let your adoptive family tell you who to be and how to live your life. Also, don’t give up hope that you will be able to meet part of your biological family even if your biological parents are dead.

REPORTER

What was the hardest part, emotionally, of being adopted?

JENNIFER

Not having anyone to talk to that knew what it is like to be adopted. I had no one that really knew what I was going through. I felt lonely at times because there was no one to talk to, and I times I questioned why I hadn’t suspected that I was adopted when I was in High school.

REPORTER

How did you get through the times when you were lonely?

JENNIFER

I found ways to express those feelings. For the most part I would play the piano, and I would write about how lonely I was. Doing both of those things helped so much with giving me a place to let the feeling of loneliness go.

REPORTER

You have also given some hope to children who have at least one parent dealing with depression through talking about your experiences. Can you tell me a little about your experience with depression?

JENNIFER

Sure! I actually wasn’t the one with depression. My adoptive father struggled with depression for over three years, and it took it’s toll on the rest of the family; except for me. I just told myself that “I can’t change his outlook on life for him”, and that no matter what happened to him I couldn’t let that hurt me.

REPORTER

It sounds like you really didn’t care what happened to him.

JENNIFER

It wasn’t that I didn’t care, it was just that he had to deal with it and I couldn’t fix the problems that caused him to feel depressed.

REPORTER

You said that it had an effect on the rest of the family except for yourself. Why didn’t it effect you?

JENNIFER

I was able to direct any anger I had towards things like my music; which in turn sounded better and better. I knew that if I let his depression get to me; I wouldn’t be able to make it in this world. So, I kept on looking at the bright side of everything.

REPORTER

There have been some rumors out there that you are gay. Are these rumors true?

JENNIFER

No they are not true. I guess people think I am gay because they have seen me on dates with other women my age. I am a bi-sexual, and therefore can go for either another women or a man.

REPORTER

No one seems to have known that you are bi-sexual before now. Why are you bi-sexual?

JENNIFER

I can’t tell you why I am bi-sexual, but I can tell you that it wasn’t my personal choice to be bi-sexual. Being bi-sexual is a completely biological thing.

REPORTER

Do you lean towards men or women? What do you look for in a person?

JENNIFER

I don’t lean either way, I honestly could marry either a man or women; as long as I love them. When I first meet someone, I look at their personality and at their eyes.

REPORTER

Why their personality and their eyes?

JENNIFER

Personality because I love people who are kind and caring, but also willing to push the people they love to be the best they can. I can’t tell you why I look at the eyes because it is one of those random things I love to look at when I first meet a person.

REPORTER

Who is this woman you have been dating?

JENNIFER

Sarah Young is a very special person to me because the two of us met in “Wicked”. We developed an amazing friendship because we were performing together every night, and we both enjoy a lot of the same things. Her personality is just what I have been looking for in the person I would like to marry someday.

REPORTER

It’s been a pleasure getting to know you and talk to you today!

JENNIFER

It’s been fun talking with you too!

Cut to a video on youtube of both KRISTEN and JENNIFER. At this point JENNIFER has finished her run on Broadway, and both KRISTEN and JENNIFER have finished recording their first album together.

KRISTEN

Hey everyone! It’s me, Kristen!

JENNIFER turns the camera around to see her.

JENNIFER

I’m here also, but I am behind the camera, so I am sorry if the filming or editing is bad…

JENNIFER turns the camera back at KRISTEN.

KRISTEN

I can hardly wait to see all of you on the tour that Jennifer and I are doing together over the next four months. As many of you already know since you already bought the album, Jennifer and I wrote all the songs together. Jennifer has some exciting news about one of the songs on this album for you now.

JENNIFER turns the camera around again.

JENNIFER

I’m back! Sorry if the picture right now isn’t so hot, but that’s what you get when I’m talking to the camera and talking! One of the songs on the album Kristen and I sing a duet in, and the only accomniament in the song is a single guitar. I’m the one playing the guitar! During the tour we will be performing this piece at every single concert. Let’s go back to Kristen

Jennifer turns the camera at Kristen.

KRISTEN

I have gotten so many letters from fans, so if you wrote me a letter, and are watching this video, I am sorry for not responding, but I am so busy that I rarely have the time to write back. I do enjoy receiving everyone’s letters…it is great to read everyone’s letters. Jennifer and I are hoping to post more videos here on youtube for all of you too see throughout our tour! We can’t wait to see all of you! I’ll talk to all of you during the tour…bye!

Jennifer turns the camera one final time.

JENNIFER

I can’t wait to meet all of you! This is my first tour of any kind, so try to be understanding. So many people have started writing me letters, and some of you have received letters back since I haven’t been as busy as my mom. I have to say this so that everyone understands what’s going on. If you write me a letter, count on me reading it, but don’t counting on me writing back because I recently have started to get busier than I have ever been. I will be writing back to people throughout the time we are on the road when we aren’t on stage or in rehearsal. I’ll see you all while we are on tour!

The video fades to black. Cut to KRISTEN and JENNIFER’S performance in Oklahoma City. They are on tour. It is the year 2008, and JENNIFER is now 20 years old. They are getting ready to perform their final piece.

KRISTEN

This is such a special place to me because I didn’t one of my earliest performances on this stage. This song is for my parents, brother, this state that I grew up, and of course for my daughter who has been so great about performing with me over the past year and a half.

JENNIFER

Before we start I have something to say to all of you. All of the outpouring of support from our fans since this album came out has been amazing! If it wasn’t for all of you, I wouldn’t have been here tonight. All of the fans have changed me “For Good” as well and my mom who is up here with me tonight.

KRSITEN and JENNIFER begin to sing the song “For Good”. Cut to JENNIFER and KRISTEN standing outside the Holiday Inn in Midland, MI. JENNIFER once again is filming another video for JENNIFER AND KRISTEN’S tour youtube account.

KRISTEN

We are here in Midland, our final stop on our tour! We just arrived a few minutes ago, and are about to walk into our hotel room.

JENNIFER

Why don’t we get this done with? I’m more than ready to eat dinner.

KRISTEN

(opens the door into their hotel room)

This is where we are staying for the next two nights.

We hear JENNIFER drop her bags on the floor, and see KRISTEN drop her bags on the floor.

KRISTEN

Hand me the camera why don’t you? Maybe for this once the viewers will get to see a reasonable picture of your face.

JENNIFER hands the camera over.

JENNIFER

This is new. Usually I am the one holding the camera, what an odd feeling not having to hold the camera while I am in front of the camera.

KRISTEN

Nice isn’t it? Why don’t you tell our viewers a little bit about Midland?

JENNIFER

Well, the reason Midland exists is because of Dow Chemical. H.H. Dow married and raised his family here in Midland while he blew up three plants before he succeeded with a plant. Herbert Dow married Grace Dow. They had seven children, one of whom died at a young age, and another is Alden B. Dow who was an architect who studied under Frank Lloyd Wright. There aren’t too many things for teens/college students too do. You can go one of the several pools, one of many coffee shops, or go to the tridge. But other than that, this place is rather sleepy.

KRISTEN

(hands the camera back to JENNIFER)

Okay. Have the camera back. Why don’t go find something to eat.

Cut to JENNIFER and KRISTEN’S performance in Midland, Michigan. They just finished a song, and we come in just as the applause is begging to die down.

KRISTEN

WOW!! You guys are amazing! I can’t believe how much love you have been giving us tonight!

JENNIFER

Hey…this is where I grew up, so it really isn’t that surprising. I love Midland’s hospitality!

KRISTEN

Now I feel like a moron for forgetting that!

JENNIFER

Lucky for you guys, we are doing a 20 minute Q&A time tonight before we do our final song of the evening! So let’s get started. Who wants to ask the first question?

BOY ONE

Jennifer, do you have a boyfriend? If you don’t, will you go out with me?

JENNIFER

No, I don’t have a boyfriend, and no I will not go out with you. I don’t think I know you.

GIRL ONE

This is for both Kristen and Jennifer. Do the two of you get along this well all the time? How do you put up with each other on your bad days?

KRISTEN

We do get a long this well all the time. I honestly don’t know how we do it. Jennifer how do we do it?

JENNIFER

I think you found on of the few questions that neither of us know the answer too. I guess it’s because when you grow up everyone tends to get along with their parents more. Kudos on the tough question!

GIRL TWO

I love the CD the two of you did together. Jennifer- how long have you taken voice lessons and who did you study under?

JENNIFER

You know I hadn’t ever taken a single voice lesson until this past year with my mom. My mom has become my voice teacher, and she is a damn good voice teacher!

GUY THREE

Kristen…do you have any future plans to play another role on Broadway?

KRISTEN

I am planning on playing another role on Broadway. This time I will be playing the part of Christine in The Phantom of the Opera. I start rehearsals on December 5th.

GUY THREE

Kristen, you have been in the music business for quite a while now. What advice do you have for someone who is pursuing a career in the music industry?

KRISTEN

Work as hard as you can. It isn’t as easy as it seems.

GIRL THREE

Jennifer, I have heard that you are very good at doing impromptu songs. Is that true?

JENNIFER

I guess I am.

KRISTEN

She really is good at it.

GIRL THREE

Could you do one now?

JENNIFER

Sure, why not.

(She picks of a guitar and begins to play. She begins to sing about 10 seconds after she begins to play.)

Sitting on this stage,

Four years later,

Brings back some long lost memories

That have been store in the back on my memory for years,

I’m traveling back down memory lane,

I remember that night,

My last performance,

Of keyboardfest,

Getting called to the front of the stage,

Being recognized as a graduating senior,

All of my nerves

Seeming to disappear

In less than a second,

Seeing all of the faces,

Staring up at me

Staring at me

Staring down at me,

I see your smiling face,

I see you waving at me,

And my nerves seem to return,

And I am no longer nervous,

I am now proud

Of all of my accomplishments over the past six years,

During which I have improved so much,

And proud that I am graduating.

The CROWD applauds, and JENNIFER sets the guitar down.

GIRL FOUR

Jennifer, what are your good audition pieces? What would be some good audition pieces for me? I know Kristen won’t tell me.

JENNIFER

I am not going to tell you my good audition pieces. I will tell you this—choose pieces that you love, and that will showcase the strongest part of your voice. That is the best thing you can do when auditioning for any musical part. Most of all tell yourself that you probably wont get the part, so that if you do, it will be a pleasant surprise.

GUY FOUR

Kristen, what are your favorite traits in Jennifer? Jennifer, what are your favorite traits that Kristen has?

JENNIFER

I think the traits that Kristen has that I like the most are her voice, and her ability to love most everyone that she meets as a sister.

KRISTEN

I really love the fact that Jennifer is able to see the good in everyone, no matter how many bad things they have done. I also love her ability to be kind to everyone and anyone, no matter how unkind they are to her.

JENNIFER

Thanks for making tonight a successes! This final song is “For Good”. Both Kristen and I will be singing. This is the song on our CD that we both sing and I play the guitar for. I would like to dedicate this song to the people I called family while I lived here in Midland, to my closest friends who grew up here, to all the friends that I left here, and too my former co-workers at Dow Gardens who became some of my closest and best friends, and most of all Kristen who is my mom, and best friend.

KRISTEN and JENNIFER sing For Good.

KRISTEN and JENNIFER

Good night!

The curtain falls. Cut to another video that KRISTNEN and JENNIFER made backstage during their tour.

JENNIFER

(Pointing the camera at herself).

Hey everyone! It sure looks like a lot of people have been subscribing and watching our videos. I am glad to hear that all of you have enjoyed seeing us on stage and backstage in these videos. We just finished our Midland, MI show, and we are just about to go out to sign some autographs. I thought you guys would like to see how many people turned out to see us in my hometown! Here we go!

JENNIFER turns the camera around opens the stage door and walks out.

JENNIFER

This is what we call a loving hometown turnout!

JENNIFER continues filming, and at the same time she is signing autographs. JENNIFER gets to a particularly noisy group.

JENNIFER

Here we go! These are some of the people that I have worked at Dow Gardens. These people are people I worked with at Dow Gardens. I miss you guys so much!!

Jennifer turns the camera around to face her.

JENNIFER

Hey guys, I gotta stop filming now, before I have to turn this into two parts on youtube! See you all later!

JENNIFER turns the camera around again and turns it off. Cut to a video a fan took and posted on youtube of JENNIFER.

FAN

Hi Jennifer!!

JENNIFER

Hi!

FAN

I heard that you are adopting a child from the Saginaw area. Is that true?

JENNIFER

That is true. I am going to go get her tomorrow, before I go home.

FAN TWO

I heard you are starting basic training soon, and going to Iraq in the next couple years. Can’t you stay here in the US and do some more concerts?

JENNIFER

I have gotten that question a lot from fans, but most people do understand that we are in need of more troops to go to Iraq. I’ll be over there for a full year starting in early January 2010, and ending in March 2011.

Cut to a split screen. It is shortly after JENNIFER and KRISTEN have gotten home from their tour promoting their album. On one half of the screen is JEFF and on the other side is KRISTEN. They are both on the phone with each other.

JEFF

Look Kristen, I know that you think that you gave her the chance to choose if she wanted to do this or not, but I just can’t believe that Jennifer chose to go on stage to perform with you to promote you new album that the two of you did together without being pressured into it.

KRISTEN

(She is teary-eyed.)

I don’t know why you are saying this. Honestly the only reason I can think of for you doing this is that you want me to loose custody of my one and only daughter and for the court system to put her back into you custody. Have you really fooled yourself to believe that??

JEFF

I have not fooled myself into believing that. All I am saying is that it is not good to pressure her into doing anything that Jennifer does not want to do.

(Kristen starts crying).

I just do not think you are doing the best job of being a mother to Jennifer.

We hear JENNIFER in the background talking to KRISTEN.

JENNIFER

Mom, let me talk to him. I know the way he argues better than you and can help him to understand what really happened.

(Kristen hands the phone over to Jennifer).

Jeff—why are you doing this? Don’t you really understand that I am okay with going on this tour with her?? I am 20 now, and no one can tell me what to do, except for the law. My mom didn’t tell me that I had to do this. She was going to go on tour even if I didn’t want to go. I decided that I wanted to go.

JENNIFER hangs up the phone. We focus in on JENNIFER and KRISTEN who hug for a moment. We see JEFF hang up the phone, and then pick up a pistol and shoot himself in the head. EVITA comes running to JEFF, sees the blood and the gun. EVITA picks up the gun and shoots herself in the head. All we hear is Ambulances sirens as the video fades to black. Cut to the Saginaw hospital the next day. Someone from the adoption agency that JENNIFER went through to adopt is in the waiting room to meet JENIFER.

JENNIFER

Hi! You must be Kathy.

SOCIAL WORKER (KATHY)

Yes I am. Nice to meet you Jennifer.

JENNIFER and KATHY shake hands.

KATHY

The mother of your child is quite excited to meet you.

JENNIFER

Well, I am ready to meet both the mother and my daughter.

KATHY

Why don’t we head on up to meet them?

Cut to a hospital room. There is a mother in bed holding her newborn daughter. KATHY walks into the doorway, and knocks. JENNIFER stands off too the side in the hallway. The MOTHER (JULIE) looks up and sees KATHY.

JULIE

Hi Kathy.

KATHY

Your daughter’s adoptive mother is here.

JENNIFER walks into the room

JULIE

You must be Jennifer. Kathy has told me a lot about you over the past couple days. I think you’ll do a good job of taking care of my daughter.

JENNIFER

Thanks.

KATHY

I’ll let the two of you be now so you can talk.

JULIE and JENNIFER

Thanks Kathy

KATHY leaves the room.

JULIE

So you’re going to Iraq next year?

JENNIFER

Yes I am. I am going through my basic training this year.

JULIE

I couldn’t ever do that. I’d be so nervous about losing my life.

JENNIFER

I’m not that nervous. I am going to be in the green zone working in a hospital there.

JULIE

That probably is one of the safest places in Iraq still.

JENNIFER

What’s her name?

JULIE

This is Rachel Hope Shaffert.

JENNIFER

Don’t you want her to grow up knowing your last name so she can find you?

JULIE

I don’t know that I am going to survive much longer. I was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer early in my pregnancy. I haven’t given hope that I will survive yet, but I don’t want Rachel to have to go through the pain I did watching my mother died of cancer at such a young age.

JENNIFER

If you don’t make it, I’ll let Rachel know why you died, and take her to your grave site as often as she wants to go.

JULIE

Thanks. Here—take Rachel. I love you…

JENNIFER

Are you sure you don’t want any more time with her?

JULIE

Yes, I am sure of that. I know you’ll make a good mother to my Rachel. You will be a better mother than I could ever be.

JENNIFER

Thanks.

JENNIFER walks out of the room carrying RACHEL HOPE SHAFFERT.

Cut to JENNIFER coming home from Iraq. JENNIFER went to Iraq in 2010 as a twenty-two year old, and came back one year later. Throughout the scene “Transformation” from The Beauty and the Beast is playing. The group that JENNIFER arrives back with in New York’s HEATHROW airport. As the group of MEN and WOMEN (including JENNIFER) walk out of the terminal there is a huge CROWD who starts cheering for them. Focus in on a few members of the CROWD. The first PERSON we focus in on is holding a young CHILD, and points out the FATHER to the CHILD. Focus on KRISTEN. KRISTEN is with RACHEL (JENNIFER’S adopted daughter). KRISTEN points JENNIFER out to RACHEL, who waves at JENNIFER. The troops are released, and they all go to their FAMILIES. Focus on one family being reunited. As JENNIFER walks past the reunited family towards her own, she is pulled over by her FRIEND from the army and is given a great big hug. JENNIFER then continues walking to her family. When JENNIFER arrives at her family, JENNIFER gets down on her knees and holds RACHEL tightly in her arms for a half a minute. JENNIFER then stands up, and KRISTEN is right there by her side. KRISTEN reaches over to JENNIFER and kisses JENNIFER on the forehead. JENNIFER and KIRSTEN then give each other a big hug. SARAH and JENNIFER then kiss and hug each other. Shortly there after, JENNIFER picks up RACHEL, and SARAH wraps her right hand around JENNIFER’S left hand. All three walk out of the airport together. Cut to outside the airport. There is even a larger crowd there waiting to see the troops leave. When they see KRISTEN, RACHEL, SARAH and JENNIFER they start cheering. A former teacher of JENNIFER’S steps out of the crowd and into JENNIFER’S view. After JENNIFER sets RACHEL down and let’s go of SARAH, she goes running to the former teacher (COREEN NUEWMAN). JENNIFER grabs COREEN and gives her a bear hug. After releasing COREEN, JENNIFER stands back to look at COREEN, and take in all of the changes that COREEN has gone through.

JENNIFER

You haven’t changed much.

COREEN

Neither have you.

JENNIFER

God, I miss your Advanced Bio class.

COREEN

I miss your smile in class, and your willingness to work at it. I am so glad you are back home safely. I’ll let you go.

JENNIFER

(begins to walk back to her mom and daughter)

I’ll call you sometime! There are so many things we need to talk about!

Cut to one month after JENNIFER has returned from Iraq. JENNIFER is at a recording studio, where she is going to be doing her first solo album. JENNIFER is sitting in a room with a COMPOSER. The COMPOSER is reading a sheet of paper with writing on it. After a moment, the COMPOSER looks up at JENNIFER.

COMPOSER

This isn’t bad. I can work with your lyrics to come up with the accompaniment.

JENNIFER

Thanks! How long do you think it will take now that you have the finalized lyrics for this song?

COMPOSER

It should take me about one to two weeks to finish.

Cut to a college graduation in 2015. JENNIFER is graduating from college today with an RN. We watch as JENNIFER’S name is called and she walks across the stage. Fade to JENNIFER’S graduation party. JEFF and EVITA walk up to JENNIFER to congratulate her.

JEFF

Congratulations!

JENNIFER

Thanks!

EVITA tries to walk up to JENNIFER and give her a hug.

JENNIFER

Evita! I don’t want a hug from you. You are trying to be my mom again. You can’t and will never be my mom.

EVITA

Sorry. I thought we had gotten past that, I thought that we had made that clear months ago.

JENNIFER

Once again you have assumed something that is not true. We are not mother and daughter. We are not father and daughter. We are just friends. You want our relationship to be more than it ever will be.

EVITA

I guess we should go. Congratulations on your graduation!

JEFF

Congratulations!

EVITA and JEFF leave the party. KRISTEN walks up to JENNIFER.

KRISTEN

Too bad they haven’t caught on to the fact you aren’t their daughter.

JENIFER

Well, if they keep up this make believe, they will never be able to enjoy a good relationship with me, instead of the awful relationship we have now.

KRISTEN

I need to get going and refill the tables of food. Don’t let whatever they told you get to you.

JENNIFER

I won’t let it get to me.

KRISTEN walks away to refill food. JENNIFER’S former PIANO TEACHER walks up to JENNIFER. JENNIFER’S former piano teacher taught JENNIFER for over six years.

PIANO TEACHER

Congratulations on your graduation!

JENNIFER

Thanks!

PIANO TEACHER

After your first solo album, I thought you would never become a nurse, as you wanted to when you were in high school.

JENNIFER

I don’t think I ever dreamed that this is where I would be today, with one album with my mom, and one solo album under my belt before I got a college degree.

PIANO TEACHER

It is such an honor to be able to say that I was your first private piano teacher. So few people believe me about having taught you, is there any way possible that you could come back to Midland to play at one of my piano recitals?

JENNIFER

I would love too! When is the next one of your recitals?

PIANO TEACHER

My next recital is on June first.

JENNIFER

I will be able to do it! I’ll e-mail you once I decide on the piece I want to play.

PIANO TEACHER

That would be great!

Cut to two weeks later. KRISTEN has been hospitalized due to head and neck cancer in its later stages. JENNIFER is in the hospital visiting KRISTEN. The hospital room that KRISTEN is in has a window above KRISTEN’S bed. When we enter the scene, KRISTEN is in bed resting, and JENNIFER is about to enter the room. JENNIFER knocks on the door.

KRISTEN

(weakly)

Come in.

JENNIFER enters the room.

JENNIFER

How are you feeling?

KRISTEN

Jennifer! I wasn’t expecting you until later. Didn’t you have an interview this morning?

JENNIFER

I did, but it got cancelled because the interviewer got sick and couldn’t make it. So, I came to see you. How are you feeling?

KRISTEN

Not too great. I don’t have much longer on the Earth.

JENNIFER

Do you want me to call anyone for you?

KRISTEN

No, I already called everyone I need to. They should be here in a little while. I’m glad they cancelled the interview so that you can be here for this.

JENNIFER sits down on KRISTEN’S hospital bed.

JENNIFER

I am so scared about what will happen after you are gone. I can’t imagine how scared you are right now.

KRISTEN

It really isn’t that scary. I know I am going to a much better place.

There is a knock on the door.

KRISTEN

Come in.

A CROWD of people come walking into KRISTEN’S hospital room. Those in the CROWD are KRISTEN’S best friend (KRISTI), STACIE (another of KRISTENS close friends), RACHEL HOPE, KRISTENS PIANO TEACHER, KRISTENS VOICE TEACHER, and PASTOR NANCY GRAEF.

KRISTI

How are you doing?

KRISTEN

Not too well, but now that all of you are here, I feel better.

STACIE

This has got to the most painful for you Jennifer.

STACIE puts a hand on JENNIFER’S shoulder for a moment. PASTOR NANCY then gives KRISTEN her final communion.

PASTOR NANCY

Let’s take the time to pray over KRISTEN, JENNIFER, AND RACHEL now. We will start with KRISEN.

EVERYONE puts their hands on KRISTEN and they pray for her for a moment. Then everyone puts their hands on RACHEL who is sitting next to JENNIFER on KRISTEN’S hospital bed and prays for her. As everyone puts their hands on JENNIFER, RACHEL crawls on to JENNIFER’S lap. After everyone takes their hands off of JENNIFER, the seven year old RACHEL looks up into JENNIFER’S face, and sees two tears run down her face. RACHEL gives JENNIFER a bear hug. RACHEL then gets off JENNIFER’S lap, and gives KRISTEN a bear hug. After RACHEL has finished giving KRISTEN the bear hug she climbs off of the bed. JENNIFER looks down at KRISTEN. KRISTEN smiles at JENNIFER, and reaches out to touch JENNIFER’S cheek, and wipe away a tear.

KRISTEN

(more weakly than she was speaking when she spoke with JENNIFER before everyone arrived.)

Feeling any better?

JENNIFER

(crying)

Yes. Don’t hold on any longer if you are in pain. Please don’t. I don’t want to see you in pain any longer.

KRISTEN

I know. I love you Jennifer.

JENNIFER

(still crying)

I love you too, Mom.

KRISTEN reaches over and holds JENNIFER’S hand. KRISTEN takes one final breath, and then dies.

JENNIFER

(crying)

Mom, I love you. I miss you. But, what is more important is that you are in a better place, and aren’t in pain anymore.

RACHEL

Mom…she’s dead. She can’t hear you.

JENNIFER

(looking at RACHEL and still crying)

Her human body might not be able to hear me, but wherever her soul is right now can hear me.

RACHEL

Oh mommy…

RACHEL goes running to JENNIFER and gives JENNIFER the biggest hug she has ever given anyone. Cut to KRISTEN’S funeral (KRISTEN died on June 20, 2016). We don’t see the whole funeral, just the part during which JENNIFER gets up to talk about her mom.

JENNIFER

My mom, Kristen, was such a special and caring person. I don’t have the words to describe the first time we meet, but that was one of the most special moments for me. The memory of that moment reminds me of just how much she cared for me and so many other people that she knew. Since I have known my mom, which has been about nine years now, we have shared so many things that I think would be hard to share with all of you. Those were the moments that only a relationship of mother and daughter can allow for. When she left this Earth I knew she was going to a better place; and knowing that, I have been able to continue on with my life.

After the funeral, about 15 people go up to JENNIFER to give her a hug. JENNIFER is standing off to the side and people are walking up to her. Everybody is giving her a hug, and comfort. Cut to KRISTEN’S urn, which is in JENNIFER’S arms. Zoom out. We see JENNIFER walking with RACHEL and KRISTEN’S remains into JENNIFER’S apartment in New York City. JENNIFER sets the urn on her piano, which was at one time KRISTEN’S. RACHEL is by JENNIFER’S side.

RACHEL

Why are you putting it there Mom?

JENNIFER

This was my mom’s piano, and I know it was special to her. The piano is even more special to me because of how much I love to play, and the fact that even seeing this piano brings back memories of my mom playing.

RACHEL

Do you think that when you die that I will have something of yours that will mean a lot to me?

JENNIFER

I am sure you will.

Cut to the 2018 Tony awards. A musical about KRISTEN’S life has been on Broadway for almost a year now, and JENNIFER plays the role of KRISTEN in the movie. JENNIFER was nominated for best performance by a leading actress in a musical. We are at the awards ceremony for best lead actress.

ANNOUNCER

…and the winner of best performance by a leading actress in a musical is…

(slight pause)

Jennifer Shaffert!

(JENNIFER begins to walk up and onto the stage, during which the announcer speaks)

This is Jennifer Shaffert’s first Tony Award. She has played Elphaba in the Tony award winning show Wicked, has a degree in nursing, and now has portrayed her mother in the new musical “Life, Love, and Music”, which she wrote.

JENNIFER

Thank you so much! It is such a privilege to be here tonight to accept this award. Thank you so much to the voters, and too my families who have supported me no matter what I have done. Thank you to my daughter Rachel who has given me so much hope, thank you to the producers of this show for believing in me and in my book for this show. Sarah—thank you so much for supporting me through everything. Sarah and Rachel, you are the only two loves of my life. But, most of all I have to thank my mom, Kristen, who inspired me at a young age to follow my dreams.

(As she says the last line of her acceptance speech, she looks up towards the sky.)

This is for you mom!

The crowd applauds JENNIFER. Cut to a terrorist attack on the statue of Liberty on September 11, 2021. Show some news footage. Several boats were crashed into the statue, injuring hundreds and killing many more. JENNIFER has been at the hospital she is working at in the Emergency Room (ER). A YOUNG GIRL (JULIE) comes in to the ER injured from the terrorist attack. As the YOUNG GIRL is being wheeled in through the doors, focus in on her face. The JULIE is crying. JENNIFER works on the JULIE’S case until JULIE leaves the ER, and goes into surgery. Throughout the time that JENNIFER is working on trying to fix the JULIE up the best she can, JENNIFER tries to comfort the JULIE. At one point JENNIFER wipes a couple tears off of JULIE’S face. Cut to a hospital room that JULIE has been staying in while she has been in the hospital. JULIE is curled up in a ball on her bed. JENNIFER knocks and enters the room.

JULIE

Hi. Any news?

JENNIFER

(Sighs)

Yes.

JULIE

They aren’t alive are they? Did you do everything you could?

JENNIFER

There wasn’t anything we could do. When someone found them, they were in their car, which was on the ferry, and dead.

JULIE starts to cry very hard. JENNIFER walks over to JULIE’S bed, and sits down facing JULIE.

JENNIFER

You’ll make it through this. You’ve been so strong throughout this whole thing.

JULIE

Where am I going to go now? I’m scared. What if I don’t like where and who I am living with?

JENNIFER

Well, the social worker who worked on getting me adopted at birth is going to work on your case. She is going to make sure that whoever takes care of you does a good job. She’ll be here soon to meet you and find out what you want the most in an adoptive family.

JENNIFER reaches over to JULIE and pulls her into a hug. JULIE puts her arms around JENNIFER, and puts her head on JENNIFER’S shoulder. Cut to a year before KRISTEN’S death. JENNIFER walking in the door of KRISTEN’S apartment. RACHEL comes running to JENNIFER.

RACHEL

Mom your home!

JENNIFER

I am. How was your day? Mine was tough.

RACHEL

Mine was fun. We made sock puppets today at school!

JENNIFER

That’s good to hear.

KRISTEN comes walking over.

KRISTEN

What happened?

JENNIFER

Today I found out that the Julia’s parents were found dead. I had to tell her.

KRISTEN

You could have asked that someone else told her.

JENNIFER

I know, but I just felt like I needed to tell her. The two of us have developed with relationship over the past couple of days.

KRISTEN

Is that why you were late tonight?

JENNIFER

Yeah. I went to go and talk to the social worker after work about possibly adopting Julia.

RACHEL

Mom?

JENNIFER

Yeah Rachel?

RACHEL

Am I going to have a sister?

JENNIFER

If all of the paperwork clears.

RACHEL

YIPEE!

Cut to JULIA’S hospital room. We are still in the memories before KRISTEN’S death. JULIA is laying on her bed in a ball with normal street cloths on. JENNIFER walks into the room.

JENNIFER

Hey. How are you feeling?

JULIA sits up, and looks at JENNIFER.

JULIA

What if I don’t like where I am living or who I am living with?

JENNIFER

I don’t think you have to worry too much about that.

JULIA

Why?

JENNIFER

You heard that you got adopted. Well, I am the one who adopted you.

JULIA

Really?!

JENNIFER

Yep.

JULIA jumps up and gives JENNIFER a great big bear hug. Cut to three weeks later. JENNIFER is arriving at her apartment after work. JULIA and RACHEL are in the apartment working on homework together. KRISTEN is curled up in a ball on the couch. JENNIFER enters the room.

JENNIFER

Hey! How’s the homework coming?

JULIA and RACHEL

Great!

JENNIFER looks over to the couch and sees her mom. She sits down next to KRISTEN.

JENNIFER

Mom? What’s going on?

KRISTEN

I was diagnosed with head and neck cancer today.

JENNIFER

Oh mom…

Cut to after KRISTEN’S death. SARAH, JENNIFER, JULIA, and RACHEL are at home. JULIA and RACHEL are sitting on the floor playing game. JENNIFER and SARAH are sitting on the couch together. SARAH had the day off from work. JENNIFER got home no more than a half an hour before from work.

SARAH

How was your day? Still miss your mom?

JENNIFER

It was okay. We had another person from the terrorist attack die today. Yeah I still miss my mom a little, but I’m starting to adjust to not having her around.

SARAH

That’s too bad about that person. I am glad to hear you are adjusting.

JENNIFER and SARAH kiss.

JENNIFER

How was your day?

SARAH

It felt good to have a day to relax.

JENNIFER

I bet it did. How were the girls when they got home?

SARAH

They have been great. They didn’t need any help with homework

JENNIFER

That sure is good to hear.

SARAH

I love you.

JENNIFER

I love you too. What made you fall in love with me?

SARAH

Your ability to love anyone and everyone. How about you?

JENNIFER

Your smile, your willingness to learn, and the way you care for anybody who has been hurt in anyway.

SARAH

You still want to have more kids, right?

JENNIFER

Yeah. Why are you asking?

SARAH

Well, I had my doctor’s appointment today, and I found out that I am pregnant.

JENNIFER

You mean the sperm we got worked?!

SARAH

It sure did!

SARAH is practically jumping up and down with excitement. JENNIFER jumps up and gives SARAH a great big hug and a kiss. JULIA and RACHEL look up at

RACHEL

Hey, Julia, what do think they are so excited about?

JULIA

I have no idea. Hey mom?

SARAH

Yes?

JULIA

Why are the two of you so excited?

JENNIFER

Mom is pregnant, so the two of you are going to have another sibling!

JULIA and RACHEL

YAY!

Cut to SARAH'S hospital room shortly after SARAH gave birth to KRISTEN. The sound of the video is muted, and the song "Gentle Earth and Sky" by Michel Gettel is playing. RACHEL, JULIA, and JENNIFER come walking into the room. JENNIFER is carrying KRISTEN. JENNIFER sits down on the edge of SARAH'S bed, and hands KRISTEN to SARAH. SARAH looks into KRISTEN'S eyes, and tears of joy begin to well up in SARAH'S eyes. SARAH then looks up at JENNIFER and they kiss. JENNIFER stands up. RACHEL jumps up on SARAH'S bed, and gives both SARAH and KRISTEN a hug. JULIA walks over to JENNIFER, who wraps one arm around JULIA. JULIA wraps one of her arms around JENNIFER and gently puts her head onto JENNIFER'S shoulder. JENNIFER kisses the top of JULIA'S head.

Cut to a memory of an interview of KRISTEN and JENNIFER about a month after JENNIFER and KRISTEN meet, JENNIFER has been playing Elphaba in “Wicked” and KRISTEN has been working on her fourth solo album.

REPORTER

Today I have one Tony award winner, mother, and actor, and her daughter, Jennifer and Kristen Shaffert. Thanks for coming today!

KRISTEN

Thanks for having us!

REPORTER

Jennifer, you recently moved back in with Kristen after having grown up with an adoptive family since birth. What was that like?

JENNIFER

It didn’t take me long to adjust to all the publicity. I guess I just so used to being in the public eye at Dow Gardens where I worked that answering the reporter’s questions wasn’t all that hard. The hardest part was getting used to cameras always being right there with me, and watching my every move.

REPORTER

What was it like to finally get to see your daughter again when she was all grown up?

KRISTEN

I could hardly believe just how beautiful she has become. Although, I do wish I could have watched her grow up because I know I missed so many special moments that we would have otherwise shared.

REPORTER

You are currently working on your fourth solo album. What is that like? When are you planning on releasing it?

KRISTEN

I am so excited to be working on my fourth album! We are still recording, but are hoping to release it in the next six months.

REPORTER

Jennifer, you have developed a fan base very quickly now that you are playing Elphaba on Broadway. Many of them are wondering if and when you will be doing a solo album. Can you answer any of these questions now?

JENNIFER

I do know that I would like to do an album at some point, but I don’t know when. Both Kristen and I have talked about possibly doing my first album and her fifth album together as an album of duets. Still, we don’t know if we will be able to do this.

REPORTER

What do you think of your daughter’s accomplishments?

KRISTEN

When I first started to get to know Jennifer, I was very happy with everything she can do. But, as I got to know her better I became quite amazed by her many talents.

REPORTER

When the two of you first met, what was one of the first things you did together in private?

KRISTEN

We spent so much time together those first few weeks. I think that I am correct when I speak for Jennifer and right now when I say that the first few moments we spent together alone were very special. Am I correct?

JENNIFER

You sure are!

KRISTEN

Those first few moments, Jennifer and I hugged. It was a very ordinary moment that many mothers and daughters share. This was the same ordinary gesture, but we had a connection in those moments where we both knew exactly how much the other one had been through in recent days. During those few minutes in each others arms, we were going through some emotions that I can not quite explain. I guess if I had to explain it, I would say we were at peace, we were content, and most of all we were happy.

RPEORTER

How would you explain it Jennifer?

JENNIFER

There really aren’t any words to describe the emotions and feelings. I guess if I had to describe it I would say that that feeling was complete peace.

The words “complete peace” echo and the memory of the interview pauses, then fades to black. The echoing words fade out. Then before the credits roll, the words “For Brandon and Pam—you have changed me for good” appear in white on a black screen. After the words fade to black, and before the credits roll, “Transformation” from The Beauty and the Beast begins to play. For the credits, a picture of Kristen, Jennifer, Rachel, Julia, Sarah, Jennifer and Sarah's Kristen, Evita, and Jeff appear with their actors names appear on the screen. Then we have credits with name of character and actor, producers, lighting…ect. roll.