Starring Dolly Parton, Christine Baranski, Jenifer Lewis, Treat Williams and directed and choreographed by three-time Emmy and Golden Globe winner Debbie Allen, Christmas on the Square features 14 original Dolly songs in what is sure to become a new holiday classic.
In these one-on-one interviews from The Front Porch, the cast and crew share special memories from on and off the set. Director and Choreographer Debbie Allen was overjoyed to slip back into her musical theater shoes. Christine Baranski welcomed the role of yet another "Christmas Scrooge" as long as it was opposite an angel played by Dolly Parton. And Jenifer Lewis hopes this film will fill everyone's hearts with some Christmas joy during a time when we may need it most. Everyone has a "Dolly Story" and within these interviews, this loveable cast shares how they forged lasting friendships while making the film.
Sam Haskell is the founder of Magnolia Hill Productions. Partnering with Dolly Parton, Magnolia Hill produced Christmas on the Square and Dolly Parton's Heartstrings for Netflix. He also produced two television movies for NBC, Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors and Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love. Coat of Many Colors drew more than 16 million live viewers making it the most viewed film on broadcast TV in over six years. Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love garnered 14.5 million live viewers and received an Emmy Nomination
Debbie Allen danced her way onto the American musical theatre scene at an early age. She has enjoyed a show-stopping career, encompassing everything from Broadway to a hit television series to the silver screen. The multi award-winning actress, dancer, choreographer, singer/songwriter, director and producer has now brought her expertise as both a director and choreographer to Dolly Parton’s brand new Netflix Christmas musical, Christmas on the Square.
“I felt really blessed to get back in my musical theatre shoes,” Allen shares.
The energetic icon brought to the set her incredible ability to marry movement and music. Her innovative giftings, combined with Dolly’s innate way of crafting lyrics and melodies, created an endearing result of Christmas magic. Parton composed all 14 of the songs that are featured in the new musical, and together these two talented women brought the heartwarming holiday story to life.
2020 has been a year of uncertainty for people across the globe, and this new Netflix special brings much-needed tidings of hope. When asked what message she would like to share with the world, Allen referenced the overarching theme in Christmas On The Square.
“The story is about a community that is dealing with a crisis, but at the end of the day...they come together with one voice, and there is forgiveness. Forgiveness is something that we have to remember is very important. It’s very important for people to give, but it’s more important for people to forgive…this is what the world needs for the holiday season and for their souls.”
We’re so thrilled the incredible Debbie Allen put her musical theatre shoes back on for this movie, and there’s no tip-toeing around the fact that her creative genius will allow this movie to dance its way right into your heart.
Debbie Allen opened the Debbie Allen Dance Academy in Los Angeles in 2001. She currently holds classes for dancers of all ages and is credited for teaching choreography to dancer-turned-singer, Paula Abdul.
Seasonal cheer comes to a screeching halt when a cold-hearted woman tries to sell her hometown’s land. Can music, magic and memories change her mind? Find out in Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square coming to Netflix on November 22, 2020. Starring Dolly Parton, Christine Baranski, Treat Williams and Jenifer Lewis, this new holiday musical features 14 original Dolly songs. It’s sure to become a holiday hit for years to come.
