Norm Lewis on His Role as “Duke” in Reba McEntire’s Christmas in Tune
Recently, I got a chance to chop it up with the talented Broadway star, actor, singer Norm Lewis on his role as “Duke” in Reba McEntire’s Christmas in Tune. The story follows “Georgia” (Reba McEntire) and “Joe Winter” (John Schneider), who are brought back together by their daughter Belle (played by Candice King), to perform together again for a Christmas charity concert. It’s been over a decade since the couple separated and Duke along with Belle, find themselves in the middle of an awkward situation as the two work through their past differences. Georgia and Joe have history working with Duke as their musical director and pull him in again to help revive the duo’s musical fire!
Norm shares that although he’s done Christmas music and annual Christmas shows, this is actually his first Christmas film! He says that everyone was in a great Christmas mood which made things flow together really nicely and the film was a fun set to shoot. Christmas being one of his favorite times of the year, he says being cast for this role just felt right. I asked him if there were any particulars in the film that resonated with him personally. Norm mentioned how despite everyone’s differences and backgrounds, respect and working together collectively is a powerful force that makes things happen much like what viewers will take away from this film. We also got a chance to discuss the role of TV and film and how it has played a significant part in helping the world heal and move forward.
He says that TV, film and art reflects life and has a way of getting people’s attention in a way that often no other means can. Sidentote: For those of you who may have never heard Norm sing, LISTENNNN… The dude has a very strong and yet angelic voice! I told Norm that I was anticipating a scene where he would be singing. He told me that there were talks about it at one point, but really just no room to incorporate it in the existing script. Needless to say, Lewis is doing his annual Christmas show 54 Below in New York, December 16 - 24th. He also mentioned that he’ll be doing Carnegie Hall in March of next year along with other productions in the near future.
For more on Norm Lewis, visit www.normlewis.com. And for more on the It’s A Wonderful Lifetime lineup, please visit www.mylifetime.com/movies.
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Danielle Brooks’ Astonishing Role in Robin Roberts Presents: MAHALIA
Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia is a monumental, heart-warming film starring Danielle Brooks which tells the life story of the iconic Gospel legend Mahalia Jackson. This film is a beautiful replay of Mahalia’s music journey leading up to her significant involvement in the civil rights movement alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Premiering on Lifetime Saturday, April 3, 8/7C, Danielle Brooks takes on the spirit of Mahalia Jackson in a way that brings her story back to life again! Born in New Orleans, we get to see Mahalia from her youth captivating hearts with her anointed, passionate Gospel voice. Having sold millions of copies from her hit song “Move On Up A Little Higher” including a performance at Carnegie Hall and other notable venues, we witness on screen how Mahalia’s voice inspires her audience and motivates racial equity everywhere it is heard.
There are moments throughout the film that will absolutely leave you smitten with adoration for Mahalia and respect the impact she left on this world. Each character surrounding her life and the way they take on their individual roles is impeccably done. I especially appreciate how candid the film shows both Mahalia’s frail humanity as well as her noble spirit and heart for all people.
For more on Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia, please visit https://www.mylifetime.com/movies/robin-roberts-presents-mahalia. This film is executive produced by Robin Roberts & Linda Berman.
*Photos Courtesy of Lifetime TV
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The Salt-N-Pepa Biopic | Lifetime
Lifetime’s highly anticipated Salt N Pepa biopic airs this Saturday, January 23rd at 8/7 CT, just two days away! This miniseries tells the story of the first legendary all-female rap group and their impact on hip hop culture with popular trailblazing jams such as Let’s Talk About Sex, What a Man, Shoop and Push It, among many other famed hits. Starring Laila Odom as "Pepa" and GG Townsend as “Salt”, this miniseries takes an in-depth look into the spicy duo’s humble beginnings and their turbulent rise to fame. What I most appreciate about this film is how honestly it walks us through personal challenges, but capitalizes on their unwavering determination pave the way for other women to follow. The film peers into the heart of hip hop culture and remarkably highlights other legendary musical geniuses that we’ve come to love like Run-D.M.C., Heavy D, Queen Latifah and more. Salt N Pepa is written by Abdul Williams and executive produced by Sandra Denton, Jesse Collins, Cheryl James, Queen Latifiah and Shakim Compere along with other notable co-executive producers. This is undoubtedly one you don’t wanna miss! For more, please visit https://www.mylifetime.com/.
Images Courtesy of Lifetime TV
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Interview with Thomas Cadrot on It's A Wonderful Lifetime's Merry Liddle Christmas Wedding
Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Actor Thomas Cadrot on his role as “Tyler” in Lifetime’s Merry Liddle Christmas Wedding. Premiering November 28th 8/7C, Merry Liddle Christmas Wedding is Lifetime’s first-ever holiday sequel to its original debut, Merry Liddle Christmas. The premise, “Tyler” (played by Thomas Cadrot) along with “Jacquie Liddle” (Kelly Rowland), are planning their dream destination wedding when things quickly go left when Jacquie’s family gets too involved and her invasive wedding planner abruptly quits in protest. The sudden change of plans forces this beautiful couple to have to improvise gracefully while also testing their commitment to one another.
When asking Thomas what his experience was like playing this role and what things we could look forward to in the sequel, Thomas shares that he was absolutely ecstatic about doing a part two to the film and gives kudos to Kelly Rowland for being a great partner to work with in the process. Thomas shares that this sequel, he believes will top the original as there are even more comedic moments and allowed more of the characters to be seen in depth. Along with new characters that join the cast this time around, Thomas says that we will get an opportunity to see more closely in to some of their pasts which adds more layers to the storyline. He also goes on to say that his role as Tyler was a very easy one to get into! Thomas says that the characters intentions and manner of fathering is very close to his own — Although not a father yet in real life, he shares how closely connected he is to his own niece and nephew.
The chemistry between these two characters along with the collaboration of all the remain cast members is one that absolutely stands out to me as a first time viewer. Seeing the interaction of this family gives the impression that their family is my family. It is filmed in such a manner that invites us all to the wedding retreat and builds anticipation for the big day! Thomas shares that Kelly was very intentional about that type of feeling coming across on camera and was more important than the need to follow the script by the letter. Additionally, I got a chance to chat with Thomas about why he feels that this time of TV programming is so important right now amidst the pandemic…
He shares that even if it’s for an hour or so, people need an opportunity to escape from what’s happening and rediscover hope. We talked about how it’s really never too early to broadcast Christmas films as we’ve all witnessed 2020 “Zoom” by without our permission. “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime”, he says, “hits the spot!” Another very cool thing I learned about Thomas Cadrot is that he is French. Currently living in Vancouver, Canada, Thomas traditionally goes home to France for like a month to reboot and bring in the holiday with his family like a big kid. With all of the restrictions due to Covid and the fact that France is currently on a hard lockdown, he is unsure whether or not that will be possible.
Along with Merry Liddle Christmas, Thomas Cadrot plays a role in several episodes of Netflix’s upcoming Firefly Lane (based on the novel by Kristin Hannah) starring Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke. In addition, he has been keeping busy shooting a TV show called “Debris” which will air on NBC in 2021, as well as doing some motion capture work for an upcoming project.
For more information on Merry Liddle Christmas Wedding and the 2020 It’s a Wonderful Life Lineup, please visit https://www.mylifetime.com/christmas-movies. Thomas Cadrot’s IMDB is www.imbd.me/thomascadrot.
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Lifetime’s Annual IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFETIME Holiday Programming
Lifetime kicks off it’s annual It’s A Wonderful Lifetime event starting October 23 - December 5th with 30 new movie features! This year in particular, Lifetime stands firm on its commitment to offer a wide variety of filming goodness by expanding its storytelling platform. With that in mind, viewers who adore holiday films can expect more inclusivity for example, as the network introduces its first ever LGBTQ romance, The Christmas Setup. Along with that, there will also be a heart-warming film featuring a lead actor with a disability called Christmas Ever After as well as movie centered around a Chinese-American family called A Sugar & Spice Holiday.
There will be 10 weeks slammed with non-stop holiday television that you absolutely do not want to miss! Stay tuned to DressLikeAGent.co for special interviews and insights!
For the complete schedule lineup and airing dates, please visit mylifetime.com/christmas-movies-full-schedule.
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‘The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel’ — Presented by LIFETIME
The long-awaited biopic, The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel, is set to premiere Saturday, April 11th at 8/7c on Lifetime! Executively produced by Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige and Missy Elliott, this film is an absolutely colorful and captivating story about the Legendary Clark Sisters, their history, their humble beginnings and their rise to become who they are today. This film will pull you in from the first scene and pluck at your heart strings til the very end! So well-written by Sylvia L. Jones and Camille Tucker, the movie is just as beautifully executed by its actors!
The role of their mother, the great Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, is played by Aunjanue Ellis, and the 5 Clark Sisters features Christina Bell as “Twinkie”, Kierra Sheard as “Karen”, Sheléa Frazier as “Dorinda”, Raven Goodwin as "Denise” and Angela Birchett as "Jacky"! Mannnnn, these ladies killed it! The film itself carries a very palpable anointing that you will experience rather than watch. And these actresses do a fabulous job with demonstrating both the cost and reward of carrying on Mattie Moss Clark’s. It will leave you with a heart-felt appreciation for these modern-day legends realizing to what depth that are truly “blessed and highly favored”!
Personally speaking, I am honored to cover this remarkable biopic and will do so throughout. Meanwhile, make sure you tune in for the big LIFETIME premiere on 4/11!
For more, please visit www.mylifetime.com.
*Images Courtesy of Lifetime
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