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Isaac walks into his office and is followed by Dan.

Isaac: Please close the door.

Dan closes the door as Isaac sits at his desk.

Dan: What did you wish to talk about?

Isaac: Dana.

Dan: Okay.

Dan sits in front of Isaac's desk.

Isaac: I was talking with her earlier today, and she informed me that Casey told you about her condition.

Dan: Yes, that's correct.

Isaac: You are not to tell anybody.

Dan: So Casey got into trouble for telling me and then telling Dana that he told me.

Isaac: Yes.

Dan: You have to understand that Casey was hurting. He told me because I am his best friend and he knows he can trust me. You didn't see him in here the other night. He was a mess, and he needed somebody to confide in. If Dana is punishing Casey for reaching out, then she needs to reconsider her own moral standards.

Isaac: I am trying to keep this unit together, and I don't want anything to disrupt this unity.

Dan: Dana is away and Sally is working on the show.

Isaac: Don't blame this on Sally.

Dan: Well, Dana needs to consider the fact that there are many people who care a great deal for her. I would hope that she would reach out to us and ask us for some help and support. Most of us are hurt because Dana doesn't want to tell anybody anything, unless it involves something good. Everybody goes through their troubles, and friends stick together for the troubling times as well as the good times.

Isaac: She's not going to lose the baby.

Dan: She has a one-in-four chance. About two percent of pregnancies involve a complication like cervical incompetence, and one-quarter of those cases result in a miscarriage.

Isaac: You've been doing some research.

Dan: It's what friends do to support each other.

Isaac: Don't look at me as if I'm wrong about this or if Dana is wrong about this. I'm just trying to honor her wishes. I'm walking a fine line by not informing the crew. The short-term effects could cause some long-term damage. But am I going to risk losing the network's best producer? No.

Dan: I just hope Dana can help us understand once she comes back.

Isaac: I hope so also.

Dan: I don't think there will be any long-term damage caused by this.

Isaac: Let's hope you're right.

-----

Sally is sitting at Dana's desk. After she finishes a few notes, she picks up the phone and starts dialing.

Sally: (into phone) Good afternoon. This is Sally Sasser, and I was hoping to speak with Donna Kendrick. (listens) I received a copy of the network notes regarding "Sports Night," and I felt it would be beneficial if we talked about it while the regular executive producer, Dana Whitaker, is out on medical leave. (listens) Sure. I'd love to set-up an appointment.

Natalie enters the office and notices Sally on the phone.

Natalie: What are you doing in here?

Sally: (into phone) Tomorrow at 2 P.M. is great. I look forward to seeing you again. (listens) Have a good day.

Sally hangs up the phone.

Sally: What was that, Natalie?

Natalie: You're making an appointment.

Sally: I have to see the network about something. It's just a mere formality.

Natalie: What is it?

Jeremy knocks on the door.

Jeremy: Tim Alston's publicist just called for you, Natalie. He's on your line and wants to talk to you about doing your show.

Natalie: Okay... I need to take that call... We'll talk about this later, Sally.

Sally: Okay.

Natalie leaves the office.

Jeremy: What was that about, Sally?

Sally: It's nothing. Since Natalie is working on her own show, I thought I would help out with Dana's responsibilities until she gets back.

Jeremy: Yeah.

Sally: I'm meeting with the network executives to discuss some topics.

Jeremy: Did you get some notes?

Sally: Nothing major. I just wanted to acknowledge that we received them.

Jeremy looks unconvincingly toward Sally.

Jeremy: Okay.

-----

A large group of people are meandering though a theater lobby. They share stories with one another during this formal occasion. Flash bulbs pop from photographers cameras.

Dan and Casey are walking though a crowded theater lobby. They spot Natalie and head toward her.

Natalie: You guys made it!

Natalie gives a quick hug to Dan and another to Casey.

Dan: This isn't that bad of a place.

Natalie: See?

Dan: I had expected torn carpet and the smell of beer.

Natalie: Dan-

Dan: I'm joking.

Natalie: Yeah. How are you doing, Casey?

Casey: I'm all right.

Natalie: How's Dana?

Casey: She's doing fine.

Natalie nudges Casey.

Natalie: Did you bring a date, Casey?

Casey: Charlie didn't want to come. I'm sorry about that.

Natalie: It's okay.

Dan: Charlie's getting to the age where he doesn't want to have anything to do with his parents.

"When's the first act set to begin?"

Jeremy squeezes in between Dan and Casey. Natalie reaches up and gives him a big hug.

Natalie: Thank you for coming, Jeremy.

Jeremy: You're welcome.

Dan: Ready to be dazzled by the performance?

Jeremy: I'm looking forward to a good performance.

Natalie: Will, Chris, Melanie, Elliott, and Dave are somewhere in here.

"When's the first act set to begin?"

Isaac and his wife, Esther, appear next to Natalie.

Jeremy: I already used that line.

Isaac: Stealing my material, Jeremy?

Jeremy: No, sir.

Isaac leans over and gives Natalie a quick peck on the cheek. Esther and Natalie hug.

Natalie: The show is going to begin in about fifteen minutes, but I want everyone to meet Michael before you take your seats.

Dan: Let's get everybody and go.

-----

Natalie leads the group backstage. Dan and Casey notice something which looks like an anchor desk. Jeremy notices various sports equipment sitting on a shelf. Isaac notices various office desks and artificial plants.

Dan: Natalie, has Michael told you what this play is about?

Natalie: He's kept it a secret. He even hid all the rehearsal times. I never found out the play being dedicated to me until a week ago.

Casey shrugs his shoulders as Dan shows a look of concern.

Natalie: Michael?!

Natalie waves over Michael. He's dressed in a suit and tie, and he holds a well-worn copy of a script. Natalie and Michael share a kiss and a hug.

Michael: So these are the people you work with?

Natalie: Yes. Here's Dan, JoAnne, and Casey. There's Dave, Isaac, and his wife, Esther. Then Chris, his soon-to-be wife Melanie, Will, Dave, and Jeremy.

Michael: Great to finally meet every one of you.

Michael reaches out and shakes everybody's hands.

Natalie: This is so exciting.

Michael: I just want to warn you guys that this is meant to be funny. This is a comedy, so please don't be offended by anything which plays out.

Dan: Is this something we need to be alerted about?

Michael: The performance is loosely based on your show... "The Big Show"...

Jeremy: We do "Sports Night."

Michael: And I couldn't very well use the name, "Sports Night," could I?

Jeremy: I assume not with all the copyright protection-

Natalie elbows Jeremy in the ribs to shut him up.

Casey: The props look great, of the ones we saw.

Michael: Yeah. We just got them completed an hour ago. We finally finished, and just in time for the opening curtain.

Casey: Well, it's not like you're having to produce MacBeth.

Michael looks alarmed as he looks at Casey.

Michael: What did you just say?

Casey: I said it's not like you're producing Mac-

Michael: Don't say that word!

Dan leans over to Casey.

Dan: I guess you're not supposed to say that word.

Jeremy: It's supposed to bring bad luck if you say it inside of a theater.

Casey: MacBeth?

Somebody in the distance calls for Michael.

Michael: I need to go. Casey, here's what you need to do-

Jeremy: I got it Michael. Casey, come with me.

Somebody in the distance calls for Michael a second time.

Michael: Thanks, man. It was great meeting all of you.

Isaac: Good luck with the performance.

The group waves to Michael as he heads away from them.

Jeremy leads Casey away and Dan follows along.

Natalie: Okay, everybody. This is great! It's going to be about us! Let's get to our seats!

-----

Jeremy is leading Casey through the back of the theater. Dan is directly behind Casey.

Casey: I'm not supposed to say, "MacBeth"?

Dan: Shhh. Yes.

Casey: Why?

Jeremy: If you say it, something bad will happen.

Casey: Well what do they say, when they want to say that thing you're not supposed to say?

Jeremy: They refer it as the "Scottish play." We need to get outside quickly.

Casey: Why are we going outside?

Jeremy: We need to reverse what you did. We need to pick up the pace. We're supposed to leave quickly.

Casey: Whatever.

Dan gives Casey a little shove to move faster.

-----

A back exit door opens, and Casey steps out into an alley. Jeremy and Dan stand by the door and keep it propped open.

Casey: We're outside.

Jeremy: Stand in the middle of the alley, Casey.

Dan: We're not going to have to whack him, are we?

Jeremy: No. Casey? Turn around three times.

Casey: What?

Jeremy: Turn around three times. Do it, Casey.

Casey turns around three times.

Casey: What now? Do I do a little dance?

Jeremy: Spit over your shoulder.

Dan: But not at us.

Casey: Spit over my shoulder?

Dan: Yes, but not toward us.

Casey spits over his shoulder.

Jeremy directs Dan inside, steps inside, and closes the door. Casey hurries to the door.

Casey: Jeremy?! You locked me out!

Jeremy: (from inside) Knock on the door.

Casey: Who's there?

Jeremy: (from inside) You knock on the door.

Casey rolls his eyes and knocks on the door. Dan opens the door.

Dan: Come on back in.

Casey steps inside.

Casey: Is the curse lifted?

Jeremy: Hopefully.

-----

Everyone is sitting inside the theater. The "Sports Night" crew has taken a whole row. Dave sits on the end, and he is followed by Will, Chris, Melanie, JoAnne, Dan, Casey, Jeremy, Elliott, Esther, Isaac, and Natalie.

The lights dim.

The orchestra starts playing as the curtain rises. The audience applauds but quickly goes quiet.

An actor dressed in football gear runs across the stage and dives onto the floor. He rolls over and pulls a football out- signifying he made an excellent catch.

As the football player goes off the stage, other performers start walking briskly from opposite directions. One character begins singing.

Did you see that?
Did you see that?
The flight, the catch.
Did you see that?

We've got the tape.
We've got the play.
Put it on the show.
Our play of the day.

I am going to show that piece.
And with two minutes to air.
The most important thing
Is "How is my hair?"

But I want to do the piece.
I can do it better than he
I've won all the awards
For nobody is better than me

I'm doing it.

No, I'm doing it.

No, I'm doing it.

No, I'm doing it.

Quiet, Stan and Stacy.
I am running this pack.
Stan will get to do the piece
And Stacy can get a piece of my back.

Dan leans over to Casey.

Dan: (whispering) This is horrible.

Casey: (whispering) I thought Stacy was a girl's name.

-----

The play is going through its closing musical number.

As you look at the "Sports Night" crew, some of them look shocked, while others look angry. Natalie looks completely speechless.

And that's all folks
That's the big shooooooowwwww!

The audience softly applauds while the "Sports Night" crew can barely force themselves to go through the motions. Natalie gets up and runs out the back of the theater.

-----

Natalie is standing inside the coat room. Her eyes are red from crying. A head peaks inside the room. It's Jeremy.

Jeremy: Natalie?

Natalie: sniff Go away.

Jeremy walks into the room.

Jeremy: It's okay.

Natalie: I'm sure you want to say, "I told you so." I'm sure you want to gloat in this moment of victory.

Jeremy: I will not be doing any gloating of any kind.

Jeremy walks over and holds Natalie.

Natalie: I can't believe it. How could he do this to me?

Jeremy: He meant well.

Natalie: That... that was just... awful.

Jeremy: Everything will work out.

Natalie: I'm sure its easy for you to say. You didn't have your boss mocked on stage like a buffoon. Isaac's going to fire me.

Jeremy: No, he's not.

Natalie: Michael used everything... he took everything I told him about "Sports Night," and made a mockery of it. He tried to do something which... I guess... he doesn't have the talent for.

Jeremy: It's only a play.

Natalie: I feel... so... embarrassed.

Jeremy: It's meant to be a comedy.

Natalie: Michael broke our bond of trust. I told him things... and now they're being performed nightly on stage... I can't show my face around anyone.

Jeremy: It will be okay.

Jeremy kisses Natalie on her forehead.

-----

The gang is leaving the theater.

Isaac: I thought it was quite amusing.

Dan: My character was self-obsessed.

Casey: I'm still telling you: Stacy is a girl's name.

Elliott: It is.

Casey: See?!

Elliott: And it's also a boy's name.

Isaac: Everyone is worried about how they were portrayed. It's a farce. Nobody outside of this group is going to realize the characters were based on us.

Dan: Does anybody else think I'm self-obsessed?

Isaac: Michael tried writing about us, and it may or may not have worked. Some people will enjoy the play, while others will hate it.

Elliott: Like me.

Will: And me.

Chris: And me.

Dave: And me, and I didn't even have a character.

Elliott: You were Don.

Dave: I was?

Elliott: Yup.

Dave: That guy was an idiot.

Isaac: We need to support Natalie because she's obviously upset. She's blaming herself for this play, and we need to let her know that it isn't her fault.

The gang walks up to the coat room. Dan rings the bell.

Dan: Speaking of Natalie, has anyone seen her?

Casey: Or Jeremy?

Dan rings the bell a second time.

Isaac: Jeremy went off after Natalie.

Dan starts to grow impatient.

Dan: Come on, come on. Where is the coat check guy?

Dan rings the bell a couple more times.

Dan: Wait here, guys.

Dan goes behind the desk and walks into the coat room, where he sees Jeremy and Natalie sharing a passionate kiss.