What Is Fast Forward About?
The premise of Fast Forward in 363 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the restless rhythm of New York City, a tight‑knit troupe of eight teenage singers and dancers from Sandusky, Ohio arrives with a single, soaring goal: to earn a spot on the stage of a high‑stakes talent contest that could launch them into the spotlight. Their invitation comes courtesy of a renowned dance executive, yet the terms of that chance mean they must linger in the city for weeks before their moment arrives. The film opens on that waiting period, turning the ordinary hustle of a giant metropolis into a crucible where dreams are tested before they can even be performed.
The city itself pulses like a living choreography, its streets flashing neon, its apartments cramped and indifferent, its diners and clubs humming with a mix of ambition and anonymity. Against this backdrop, the group learns to stretch beyond rehearsals, turning a shabby rental into a makeshift home and swapping fast‑food meals for impromptu street performances. The tone balances gritty survival with the bright optimism of youth, inviting viewers to feel both the pressure of the urban grind and the exhilarating promise that each new corner might hold a hidden stage.
At the heart of the story are the personalities that make the ensemble click and clash. Matt Sherman emerges as the charismatic but sometimes conflicted leader, while Michael pushes the group to stay current with the ever‑evolving dance scene. June Wolsky provides steadiness and a quiet resolve, and Debbie Hughes adds warmth and humor to the mix. Rita Diaz brings fierce determination, Francine Hackett a spark of creativity, Meryl Stanton a thoughtful depth, and Valerie Thompson the unshakable optimism that keeps the group moving forward. Their relationships flicker with the tension of close‑knit friendship, the strain of competition, and the pull of individual aspirations.
Through its vibrant setting and the lively interplay of its young cast, the film hints at larger questions about ambition, loyalty, and the price of chasing stardom. As the teens navigate the layered challenges of the Big Apple, they discover that the journey itself may teach them more than the final performance ever could, leaving the audience eager to see how their shared rhythm will carry them forward.
What Happens in Fast Forward?
The complete story of Fast Forward, from the first scene to the last, in 601 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 12 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
The Adventurous Eight are a spirited group of singing and dancing teens from Sandusky, Ohio who chase stardom with unwavering dedication after school. The eight members are Matt Sherman, John Scott Clough; Michael, Michael DeLorenzo; June Wolsky, Tamara Mark; Debbie Hughes, Debra Varnado; Rita Diaz, Monique Cintron; Francine Hackett, Cindy McGee; Meryl Stanton, Tracy Silver; and Valerie Thompson, Gretchen Palmer. They spend every available moment rehearsing original songs and choreographies, dreaming of the moment their talents will take them beyond their hometown.
A tacit promise of an audition from Mr. Sabol, David White a well-known dance executive, brings them to New York City. They arrive with hope, only to learn that Mr. Sabol has died. At his company headquarters, they secure a meeting with the new chief, Clem Friedkin, Sam McMurray, who warns that the show they came to perform has been postponed for three weeks. He only offers a slim chance: if they’re still in town when he returns in three and a half weeks, he’ll grant them five minutes to audition. The group agrees to stay, determined to seize any opportunity.
Desperate to survive while they wait, the teens turn a filthy, affordable apartment into a livable space and scramble for meals beyond fast food. Matt devises a plan to dance for tips in a chic restaurant so they can afford steak that night, and the number goes off well enough to let them sit, eat, and catch their breath. Over the next weeks, they keep hustling—passing out business cards and chasing paying gigs—yet they still face real obstacles. A rival, more street-savvy dance crew shows them up, prompting Michael to push the group to learn current moves so they can compete on equal footing. They also contend with troubling harassment from male tenants in their building, a clash that nearly ends in disaster when a window is broken during a fight and two parents must come to bail their daughters out of jail.
Amid the pressure, Matt crosses paths with Susan Granger, Karen Kopins a party planner who hires the group for an event. Their performance at her party draws her attention, and she and Matt share a heated moment, leading his girlfriend June to question her place in the group. A late-night outing, fueled by drinks, tests loyalties and friendships: June decides to stay, while Matt and Susan’s dalliance fuels internal strife. Yet the team presses on, stepping back into The Zoo, where they duel the rival crew once more and come out on top with their upgraded moves.
When Friedkin learns that Susan’s mother helped arrange the opportunity for the group, he blocks the audition at first. Ida Sabol, Irene Worth Mrs. Sabol, sees the potential in the teens and persuades her son to back them by leaning on Mrs. Sabol’s influence and a strategic reference. Sabol then disguises herself to gain access and brings the group on stage, while she mobilizes her own people to ensure they perform. Matt declares he might leave the group, but Michael reveals that Susan had married her longtime boyfriend after using Matt to provoke jealousy, clearing the air in time for a united performance.
On the night of the contest, Mrs. Sabol’s resolve pays off: she takes charge, and her plan begins to unfold. Matt and June reconcile, and the group receives a final surge of momentum as Mrs. Sabol is publicly credited for guiding their moment of triumph. The teens deliver a confident encore that proves their talent and tenacity, and the whole journey bolsters their dream of stardom while vindicating the faith Mrs. Sabol placed in them.
Fast Forward Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Arrival in New York and Sabol's death” to “Mrs. Sabol takes control and secures their chance”. 12 events name a place, across 10 locations.
- 1
Arrival in New York and Sabol's death
The Adventurous Eight travel to New York City after a promise of an audition. They learn Mr. Sabol dies before they can meet him. The group must improvise and pursue a new path to keep their dream alive.
When:Upon arrival in NYC Where:New York City
- 2
Friedkin promises an audition under strict conditions
They meet Clem Friedkin at the company HQ and discuss the next steps. He informs them the show is postponed for three weeks. If they remain in town and he returns in three and a half weeks, he will grant them five minutes to audition.
When:Shortly after arrival in NYC Where:Clem Friedkin's company HQ, New York City
- 3
Decision to stay in town to chase the audition
The group resolves to stay in New York to pursue the audition rather than returning home. They commit to doing whatever it takes to remain in town. Their determination marks the start of a long, risky hustle.
When:Immediately after Friedkin's promise Where:New York City
- 4
Three days of cleaning the apartment
With limited funds, they clean their filthy apartment for three days to make it livable and to save money. The grueling task strengthens their resolve to keep fighting for the chance at stardom. They also crave better meals than fast food.
When:3 days after deciding to stay Where:Their affordable NYC apartment
- 5
Dancing for tips at a fancy restaurant
Matt devises a plan to dance for tips at a fancy restaurant to earn a proper meal. The number goes well, and the group earns enough to sit and eat together. The successful night boosts their confidence and cohesion.
When:That night Where:A fancy restaurant in New York City
- 6
Raising money and landing The Zoo gig
Over the following weeks, they pass out business cards and dance in front of crowds to secure paying gigs. They land a gig at the famous dance club The Zoo. There, they encounter a rival crew who is more street-savvy and technically superior.
When:Over the next few weeks Where:The Zoo nightclub, New York City
- 7
Rival crew challenges them; upgrades planned
The rival crew proves hard to beat, pushing the Adventurous Eight to learn more current moves. They vow to study new choreography and styles to avoid being shown up again. The competition becomes a driving force behind their training.
When:Weeks after the first Zoo gig Where:The Zoo and local rehearsal spaces
- 8
Harassment and legal trouble during apartment life
Male tenants in their building harass the female members of the group, escalating to property damage when a car window is broken during a fight. Two of their parents are called to help, and the girls are kept in the apartment until the contest ends. The threat tests their resolve and unity.
When:During this period Where:Their building in New York City
- 9
Matt and Susan at a party; June's departure
Susan hires the group to dance for a party and pays them after their performance. Matt and Susan share a kiss, and June decides to leave the group and return to Sandusky. The team is shaken but remains determined to press on.
When:After the party performance Where:A party venue arranged by Susan
- 10
June's decision to stay after a late-night talk
The group’s late-night drinking session leads June to reconsider and she is convinced to stay with the group. The remaining members commit to pushing forward despite the upheaval. Their renewed focus strengthens their bond.
When:Late night following the party Where:New York City
- 11
Beating the rival crew; Friedkin's refusal
The Adventurous Eight return to The Zoo and challenge the rival crew again, coming out on top with their improved moves. Yet Friedkin refuses to grant them the audition because Susan's mother made a call. The dream of a five-minute audition hangs in the balance.
When:Night of the contest Where:The Zoo, New York City
- 12
Mrs. Sabol takes control and secures their chance
Mrs. Sabol discovers Friedkin has rigged the contest in favor of pre-selected acts and resolves to take back control of her company. She becomes their manager and begins orchestrating a plan to ensure they get their moment. On the night of the contest, she disguises herself to get the group in and mobilizes her network to stage the performance.
When:After Friedkin's refusal and before the contest Where:Friedkin's company / contest venue, New York City
Who Are the Main Characters in Fast Forward?
10 characters, among them Matt Sherman, Michael Stafford and Debbie Hughes: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- MS
Matt Sherman
Played by John Scott Clough
The group’s de facto leader who plans their moves and keeps hope alive. He balances romantic tension, city pressure, and the pull of returning home with his friends’ best interests at heart.
- 🕺 Dancer
- 🎯 Leader
- 🌆 Ambitious
- MS
Michael Stafford
Played by Don Franklin
A driving force who pushes for sharper choreography and readiness for the contest. He shows protective loyalty to the group and helps push everyone to grow beyond their comfort zone.
- 💃 Dancer
- 🎯 Motivated
- 🛡️ Loyal
- DH
Debbie Hughes
Played by Debra Varnado
A core member whose energy and grit strengthen the ensemble. She helps maintain rhythm and morale during challenging numbers.
- 🕺 Dancer
- 💪 Resilient
- 🫶 Team player
- RD
Rita Diaz
Played by Monique Cintron
A key performer whose talent elevates the group’s routines. She brings bold energy and creative flair to their choreography.
- 🎶 Dancer
- 🌟 Creative
- 💪 Determined
- VT
Valerie Thompson
Played by Gretchen Palmer
A member whose stage presence helps define the group’s identity. She contributes style and confidence to every number.
- 🕺 Dancer
- 🌟 Charismatic
- 👯 Team player
- FH
Francine Hackett
Played by Cindy McGee
A performer who adds technical flair, pushing the group to extend their range and precision.
- 💃 Dancer
- 🧠 Focused
- 👫 Collaborative
- MS
Meryl Stanton
Played by Tracy Silver
A steady presence whose timing and rhythm anchor the group during tough numbers.
- 🕺 Dancer
- ⏱️ Precise
- 🎵 Musicality
- JW
June Wolsky
Played by Tamara Mark
Matt’s partner and friend whose departure tests the group’s resolve, prompting reflection on love, loyalty, and future paths.
- 👯 Dancer
- 💔 Romantic arc
- 💪 Resolve
- SG
Susan Granger
Played by Karen Kopins
A party-and-profits figure who hires the group and navigates the line between opportunity and manipulation.
- 💼 Manager
- 💃 Client liaison
- 🕵️♀️ Ambition
- IS
Ida Sabol
Played by Irene Worth
Mrs. Sabol is the motherly force who steps in to guide and push the group toward a fair chance, ultimately helping them reclaim control of their destiny.
- 👩👧👦 Mentor
- 🧭 Strategist
- 💡 Advocate
Where and When Is Fast Forward Set?
Fast Forward is set in Sandusky, Ohio, New York City and The Zoo (1980s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1980s
The events unfold during a vibrant 1980s urban culture, where street dance and live performances outside traditional showbiz paths shape young performers. Weeks of rehearsals, street gigs, and a contested audition create a brisk tempo that mirrors the era’s hustle. The setting emphasizes real-life stakes without modern digital shortcuts.
Where
Sandusky, Ohio, New York City, The Zoo
The Adventurous Eight come from Sandusky, Ohio, but their ambitions yank them into the fast-paced world of New York City. Much of the action unfolds across crowded tenement streets, rehearsal spaces, and the city's dance venues. The Zoo, a famous dance club, serves as a pivotal stage where they test their routines and resolve.
- 🎭 Teen journey
- 🏙️ Urban setting
- 🎶 Dance culture
What Are the Themes of Fast Forward?
4 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Aspiration, Teamwork and Industry and Manipulation.
-
01
Aspiration
A group of teenage performers from Sandusky dream of stardom and devote after-school hours to perfecting songs and routines. Their pursuit pushes them from a cramped apartment to bigger stages, illustrating how clear goals and tenacity can unlock opportunities in a challenging industry. The journey also tests friendships and romantic entanglements as fame looms.
-
02
Teamwork
The Adventurous Eight rely on each other to weather funding struggles, jealous rivals, and the pressures of a televised contest. They learn to fuse individual strengths into cohesive performances, turning obstacles into collective victories. Conflicts arise, but shared purpose sustains them toward their audition and the final show.
-
03
Industry and Manipulation
The path to success is tangled with the entertainment machine, where a powerful executive rigs the contest to favor pre-selected acts. Ida Sabol steps in to reclaim a fairer shake and support the group's rise. The arc explores exploitation, cunning, and the resilience of those who fight back with strategy and integrity. Ultimately, talent and savvy push the group to their rightful spotlight.
-
04
Growth and Empowerment
Facing harassment and financial strain, the girls gain confidence by expanding their repertoire and negotiating opportunities. mentorship from Ida Sabol and the opportunistic involvement of Susan Granger illustrate how guidance and agency can alter a group's fate. The ending emphasizes personal and collective growth as they claim their moment on stage and credit the people who helped them along the way.
What Kind of Film Is Fast Forward?
Hopeful in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Hopeful
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
An energetic and optimistic journey following a spirited group of teenage dancers as they navigate the gritty realities of New York City while chasing their dreams, marked by challenging obstacles but ultimately hopeful camaraderie.
- optimistic
- energetic
- challenging
- nostalgic
- aspirational
- gritty
- dreams and ambition
- friendship
- coming of age
- street dance
Content notes: rape attempt, harassment.
Quiz
How well do you remember Fast Forward? Test yourself on the story.
