Acclaimed director Roy Randolph comes to C.U. to work on the campus production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Brenda plans to try out for the lead role, and Kelly helps her rehearse. Brenda encourages Kelly to audition for a small part, but Roy asks her to read for the lead. Steve coaches Laura for her audition in the hopes that she can finally catch a break. Clare aggressively pursues Brandon. She shows up at his house while his parents are out of town and handcuffs herself to his bed. Dylan tries to convince Erica to be more receptive to her mother's new boyfriend, Kevin. Dylan saves Kevin from being struck by a bus. Andrea receives a clean bill of health, but still fears that something is wrong with her pregnancy. David chastises Donna for refusing to discipline her puppy.

Music: ""On Broadway"" by George Benson (#7, 1978); ""Sweet Funky Thing"" by Eternal

Brenda accuses Kelly of betraying her and refuses to speak to her. Kelly's relationship with Dylan is strained by the situation with Brenda and Kelly's disdain for Suzanne and Erica. Kelly drops out of the auditions because she does not want to be an actress. She and Brenda make up and admit their mutual jealousy. After witnessing Laura's brilliant performance, a nervous Brenda tanks her audition. She shows up at Roy Randolph's house that night in search of another chance. Clare tricks Brandon into taking her to the senior prom. At the after-party, she flashes and dumps beer on some guys before giving them the room number. Brandon winds up getting into a fight, and helps Clare clean up the trashed hotel room. Andrea continues to worry about the baby as Jesse leaves for an out-of-town trip. She collapses in pain, and Donna rushes her to the hospital. The doctor orders Andrea to stay in bed for the remainder of the pregnancy. Dylan becomes interested in environmental chemist Kevin's plan

Brenda wins the lead, much to the amazement of those who saw her audition. Steve starts a rumor that Brenda slept with Roy. Dylan is the only person who completely believes Brenda's denial. Laura causes Brenda to miss a rehearsal in an attempt to get her fired. When this fails, she asks Steve to injure Brenda. Roy kicks Laura out of the play. Steve and Brenda race to stop Laura from killing herself in the auditorium. Suzanne and Kevin get engaged, and Dylan learns more about Kevin's research. Kevin quits his job and decides to pitch the project to independent investors. Clare tries to tag along on Brandon's trip to Berkeley. Brandon tells the chancellor the truth about his daughter's behavior.

Music: ""Free Ride"" by The Edgar Winter Group (#14, 1973)

Brenda receives rave reviews for her performance in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Dylan gives her a special present on opening night, and the two seem to have lingering feelings. Steve is reluctant to attend the play because of his rift with Brenda. Andrea learns that her baby may be born prematurely, and is forced to check into the hospital. She goes into labor. Donna tries to book singer Babyface for the campus Mardi Gras festival. David meets a record company employee who introduces him to a talented band. David declines an offer to join because the band members are drug users. Erica overhears Suzanne and Kevin discussing a move to South America, but they claim that she misunderstood. Dylan considers becoming Kevin's business partner. Kelly grows tired of Dylan's involvement with Suzanne, Erica and Kevin. She and Dylan decide to break up.

Music: ""Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia)"" b

Brandon travels to Washington, D.C. to make a presentation for the task force. He considers giving in to the persistent Clare. Lucinda, in town for a meeting, shows up at the hotel; both women grope Brandon under the table during an important dinner. Kelly confesses her feelings for Brandon to Andrea and decides to surprise him. Roy offers Brenda the opportunity to spend the summer studying theater at the Royal Academy in London. Kevin and Suzanne get married. He and Dylan consider producing his project without outside assistance. Andrea gives birth to a 2 pound, 6 ounce daughter, Hannah. She and Jesse struggle to remain positive as Hannah fights to survive. Steve has a run-in with John Sears at the university carnival, and is hurt to learn that he is dating Celeste. Donna is jealous of the amount of attention Ariel devotes to David.