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Set in Washington, DC, The Dream and The Come Up tells the story of Rob Johnson, an up-and-coming comedian as he fights to save a struggling comedy career and a failing relationship in the midst of a pandemic.

A college dropout, Rob’s life-long dream is to make it big as a comedian and leave the city where “nothing seems to be happening for him.” Against all odds, he embarks on a journey to record his first comedy special during the COVID-19 pandemic – a move he believes will take him out the city and launch him into the spotlight. But when his mother’s health begins to wane and his relationship begins to crumble, Rob finds himself striving to stay focused on his dream.

In the final moment of the story, Rob finally gets the opportunity to record his special and make his dream a reality. He is even invited to open for an internationally-renowned comedian at a sold-out show, but just before he is set to leave the city, he finds out his girlfriend’s life is hanging on a thread. In the end, Rob’s perception and priorities are changed forever as he realizes that a life of success and superstardom is worthless without someone with whom to share it. It is The Big Sick meets About Last Night and Think Like A Man.