Dawson experiences an identity crisis when Nikki, who happens to be Principal Green's daughter, arrives in Capeside and gives Dawson advice on his future as an aspiring young director like her. Joey experiences her own crisis when Dawson won't open up to her about the pain of his parents divorce. Meanwhile, during a weekend outdoor folk concert, Jack's first efforts to hit on another guy are rebuffed when the man, Ethan, only wants to be friends. Elsewhere in the camp, Jen realizes that she may have passed up the chance at something special with Henry. Also, Pacey and Andie uncomfortably find themselves sharing the same after school activity of planning a school play of 'Barefoot in the Park,' with Pacey in the lead role, and Andie as the assistant director.

Dawson makes the radical move of dropping out of film class to spend some time re-evaluating his teenage years against Nikki's advice. Meanwhile, Joey is torn between attending Pacey's opening night and her date with A.J., who has come to Capeside for the day. Before opening night of the school play of 'Barefoot in the Park', Andie must take over as director when the faculty director, Mr. Broderick, becomes ill and she tries to persuade Pacey to act out his feelings when he gets stage fright. Also, Jen agrees to go out on a date with Henry by taking him out to see the play. But she throws him another block by bringing Grams with her.