All Nick's worldly possessions are destroyed when his apartment building burns down. Forced to move in with Mezz, a nearly penniless Nick contemplates his past and future. He worries that his life has no meaning and writes a play that he hopes will impress people. At first, everyone avoids admitting to Nick how terrible his play is. Mezz belatedly tells him the truth after Nick spends his meager savings to rent a theater for the play. Meanwhile, Sophia's talented sisters Gina and Maria prepare to leave New York and move to Los Angeles to pursue singing careers. Sophia, who sings with them, resents being left at home because she is too young. But Sophia's own vocal ability is indispensible when the school hosts a successful benefit for the destitute Nick at the theater he rented.