A better sequel
Here's my take on what would have been a better sequel:
6 months to a year after SNF:
Tony still lives at home with his family, but is transfixed on getting out of "the neighborhood", and spends most of his time practicing dance moves and trying to get into a play or any other dance work he can find, even if there is no pay.
Tony has stopped going to Odyssey 2000, and wants nothing to do with his old friends Double J and Joey, or Annette. Tony has also quit his job at the paint store, saying he "aint getting anywhere" working there, despite Mr. Fusco offering Tony the same pay as his longest tenured worker. Tony says he needs his time now more than money anyway. Mr. Fusco understands, and is proud of Tony for wanting to do something with his God-given ability. He wishes him well and tells him that if he ever wants his job, to come back.
This doesn't bode as well with Tony's dad, who is angry at him for quitting the job despite this generous offer, and demands that Tony continue paying for food and rent at home. A huge argument ensues, resulting in Mrs. Manero getting between Tony and his dad. Tony runs upstairs, grabs a bag and jams whatever stuff he can fit into it, and leaves home for good. Tony's Mom is in tears while his dad says "He'll be back. He's got nowhere else to go".
Tony hasn't seen Stephanie in months, but has her picture in his wallet that he looks at from time to time. He didn't want to see her again until he could make something of himself. But, with nobody else to turn to, he takes the subway to Stephanies apartment in Manhattan, and asks if he can stay with her "just temporarily" while he hunts for work. Stephanie at first was angry that Tony hadn't called, but Tony explains he was busy trying to make his way, and lost everything in the process.
She reluctantly agrees, and tells him that he can stay there as long as he can pay his own way, and they keep it strictly friends. She also tells Tony that she is seeing someone now, which at first stuns Tony, but he tells her that's good, and that she won't even know he's there because "he won't hardly be there".
Stephanie herself is a bit conflicted with Tony living with her. She hadn't seen him in months, and now that he is back in the picture, and seemingly goal oriented, makes it difficult for her to stick to their deal. But on the outside, she is as gruff as ever. She tells Tony he needs to find a "real job" so he can chip in. Tony storms out, "maybe this wasn't such a good idea".
Tony walks down the street, and sees a help wanted sign in the window of a nice Manhattan restaurant. At first he keeps walking, but then stops and goes inside. Now hired, it would seem Tony found his niche, and uses his Brooklyn charm like he did at the paint store to win over customers which results in nice tips. He runs into the occasional snob, and has to be reminded by his boss that he doesn't smart back to them.
One day, he finds out a producer on Broadway is sitting down to eat. Tony begs one of the other waiters to allow him to wait on him. Tony tries to pour on the charm, but the producer brushes him off. Tony just stands there, trying to think of something to say, and Tony is so nervous, he spills water on the table. He cleans it up, and goes back to get the food. He shuts his eyes and takes a deep breath. Tony comes back with the food, and the producer says he is in a hurry and has to leave. Tony asks the producer if there are any dancers needed for the play, to which the producer tells him "If you dance the way you wait tables, you're probably one horrible dancer", and leaves no tip in the process.
Floored, Tony fires back "Well if you produce shows like you tip, you're probably a *beep* producer!" The producer stops and turns around to look at Tony. Tony's boss runs out and apologizes, and fires Tony on the spot. Tony says "good" and starts taking off the bow tie and coat he had to wear. The producer walks up and gives Tony his card, and tells him he can prove himself tomorrow. Tony goes from upset to jubilant, and runs out so he can tell Stephanie.
Tony gets home, and finds Stephanie and her boyfriend Stan asleep to the TV. This pops Tonys bubble, and turns to go to his room. Stephanie wakes up to see Tony and tells Stan that it's late, she's tired and wants to go to bed. Stan says "great idea!", to which she says "alone". Stan then tries to get a bit romantic, and Stephanie pushes away. Stan then asks "what's going on?" and begins to accuse Stephanie of having "something for that guy" pointing to Tonys room, says he's been "quiet long enough" and dislikes their living arrangement.
Stephanie says they're "old friends" and there's nothing going on. He calls BS, and gets even angrier. Tony comes out of the room, wanting to know what's going on. Stan tells Tony to mind his own business, and gets angrier at Stephanie. Getting meaner, he causes Stephanie to cry. Tony tells Stan maybe he should leave. Stan tells Tony maybe he should "make him leave". Tony looks at Stephanie, who shakes her head "no", but Tony decks him, sending him across the floor. Stan gets back up, grabbing Stephanies lamp to beat Tony with, but Tony blocks it and punches him again, sending him falling down the stairs. Stan manages to get up, and leaves.
Stephanie is now angry with Tony, with Tony telling her "you don't need that guy". Stephanie then accuses Tony of ruining what she had going in her life, and since he moved in, everything is "screwed up". He asks what that means, and she has no response. Tony and Stephanie gaze at each other, and she grabs him and kisses him. Tony pushes away, and says "What are you doing?", and she turns around, as if it was a mistake. Tony turns her around, and kisses her. She pulls back and tells him that she is confused, and maybe needs some time to figure out what's going on. Tony tells her the news that he has an audition tomorrow with the big producer. She tells him that's great news, and he should rest up for tomorrow. Tony goes back to his room, but before shutting the door tells her he's sorry for getting in the way, and promises to move out as soon as he can. She stands there for a while longer contemplating.
The next day, Tony goes to the audition. He is given a number and awaits his turn. Hours go by, and the tension is high. Tony's number is called, and he goes out onto stage. He's never been to such a huge auditorium before, with a full stage and bright lights. Mesmerized, he is brought back to reality when the producer from the restaurant snaps his fingers. "Alright, lets see what you can do". The music starts, and Tony begins his routine. He has learned more moves since his nights at Odyssey 2001, but interprets some of those moves into his routine. The producer stops the music, and tells Tony "this isn't some dance club. This is Broadway. Lets see how you do with a partner". The producer motions off stage, and an attractive female dancer (Sabrina) walks out for Tony to pair up with.
Tony and Sabrina put on an electrifying routine. She matches his energy perfect, improvising as he does. The producer stops the music and tells them both "you two are incredible. Alone, you both suck. But together, its amazing". Come back Tuesday. You got the job. Tony and Sabrina look at each other, smile, and let out a huge sigh of relief, and hug. Tony tells the producer "thank you! You wont be sorry!".
Tony begins to leave, and Sabrina catches up with him. "That was incredible!" she tells him, and asks "Where'd you learn to dance?"
"Everywhere", Tony says. "I've been learning moves pretty much all my life, and learned a lot from anybody I could, this guy Pete and his studio, and have you ever been to Odyssey 2001?" he asks. She shakes her head no. "Oh. Well, its a *beep* hole now anyway. How about you, where'd you learn to dance like that?".
"My mom was a dancer, my aunt was a dancer, and were in a lot of shows. I kind of picked up on it when I was little and haven't stopped since." She replies.
Tony and her make a bit more small talk before Tony heads home. Sabrina is taken by Tony a little bit, and wants to have lunch with him. Tony tells her that he's a little excited right now and would love to, but he has to get home. He can't wait to tell Stephanie the news. Sabrina tells Tony maybe they can get to know each other since they're going to be working together. Tony thinks that's a good idea and says goodbye.
Tony gets home, and tells Stephanie the news. He's going back on Tuesday and he and this dancer put on a "helluva show". Stephanie is happy, and asks who the other dancer is. He says a girl named Sabrina. Stephanie wished she could have been there, and tells Tony they need to talk. Tony says that he can find another job, and is sorry he didn't have his share this month. She tells him, its not about the money. She wants to talk about their relationship. Tony sits down and she tells Tony that she loves him. Tony doesn't know how to react. This was something that he thought about many times over however many months, but now doesn't know what to say.
He admits to having deep feelings for Stephanie, and they kiss again. He tells her that dancing is one of his loves as well, and right now it might be better if they don't get too involved because he might not "be there" physically with needing to work and dancing. She tells him she'll wait, and she won't bug him about it.
Basically, in a nutshell, since I got to get going...the rest of the movie goes to the effect that Sabrina also falls for Tony. In an interesting twist, Tony and Stephanie go out dancing, but doesn't feel the same magic. Does he get his huge break and become a huge success on Broadway? And...who does Tony end up with?
Living in the penthouse must be nice, but it's a shorter fall from the basement. -Florida Evans