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
In 2019 on The IMDB Show Take 5, Jeanine said her dream role would allow her to show off her superb dancing skills. This comment should come as no surprise considering Jeanine was crowned the Season 5 winner of So You Think You Can Dance. Therefore, in her quest for her dream role, Jeanine would find herself cast as Felicity in Dolly Parton’s Christmas On The Square. The new holiday musical features 14 origional songs by Dolly Parton all brought to life under the expert direction and choreography of Debbie Allen. A combination that sealed the deal for Jeanine as her dream role unfolded with the added bonus of starring opposite Christine Baranski. In her exclusive Front Porch interview, Jeanine said,
“To be in a position where I was chasing Christine Baranski around and getting a talking to from Dolly Parton was just more than a girl could ever dream of.”
She’s been dancing since age three and has studied ballet, flamenco, jazz, acrobatics, hip-hop, modern and contemporary dance. As an actress, she has brought her style and sophistication to a host of roles including Dr. Sam Bello on Grey’s Anatomy and Liz Ortecho on Roswell, New Mexico. For the young actress, her Cuban roots run deep and she treasures her family. She shares a heartwarming story about one of her favorite holiday memories centered around her family’s tradition of racing to the tree on Christmas morning. Jeanine also has a very moving wish for Netflix viewers. She said,
“I want this holiday season to be the beginning of us all being okay and of us all being safe around each other.”
Jeanine not only won Season 5 of FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance but she also earned the title of America’s Favorite Dancer. Be sure to look for her award-winning moves in Dolly Parton’s Christmas On The Square.
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.
"Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square" is an all-new holiday musical premiering on Netflix on November 22, 2020. A rich and nasty woman, Regina Fuller, returns to her small hometown after her father’s death to evict everyone and sell the land to a mall developer - right before Christmas. However, after listening to stories of the local townsfolk, reconnecting with an old love, and accepting the guidance of an actual angel, Regina starts to have a change of heart. This is the story about family, love, and how a small town’s Christmas spirit can warm even the coldest of hearts. Starring Dolly Parton, Christine Baranski, Jenifer Lewis, Treat Williams, and directed and choreographed by three-time Emmy and Golden Globe winner Debbie Allen. Featuring 14 original songs by Dolly Parton.
"Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square" is produced by Magnolia Hill Productions and Sandollar Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television for Netflix. Executive Producers include Sam Haskell, writer Maria Schlatter, Debbie Allen, and Dolly Parton.
Nine-time Grammy winner DOLLY PARTON will play “ANGEL.”
A funny, strong, loving and “in charge” Angel, made of blonde hair, white chiffon, light, and love. Angel enters Regina Fuller’s life to help her find forgiveness, the truth and ultimately happiness.
CHRISTINE BARANSKI (The Good Fight; Mamma Mia!) will play “REGINA FULLER.”
A force of nature and owner of the town of Fullerville, where the story's set. Regina's an embittered scrooge, who is shown by Angel, the truth of her past, which leads her on a path to redemption.
JENIFER LEWIS (Black-ish, What’s Love Got to Do with It) will play “MARGELINE.”
A spitfire with a great sense of humor, she's the owner of Le Beauty Shop on the town square, and is the closest thing Regina has to a friend.
TREAT WILLIAMS (Hair; Everwood) will play “CARL.”
The proprietor of the square's General Store, who has had a soft spot in his heart for Regina since high school. He loves his town and hopes to bring it back to its former glory.
JOSH SEGARRA (Arrow; AJ and the Queen) will play “PASTOR CHRISTIAN HATHAWAY.”
The resident man of the cloth who is married to the love of his life Jenna. As they struggle to have a baby, he leads the town's resistance against Regina's selfish plans.
JEANINE MASON (Roswell, New Mexico; Grey’s Anatomy) will play “FELICITY.”
An angel-in-training who needs to "earn her wings" in the spirit of Clarence Odbody from It's a Wonderful Life.
MARY LANE HASKELL (Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings; Coat of Many Colors ) will play “JENNA HATHAWAY.”
A resilient wife and calming voice within the town of Fullerville, she's married to Pastor Christian and always counts her blessings.
MATTHEW JOHNSON (American Idol; Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater) will play “MACK.”
A single father who owns the town bar, The Lamplighter Inn. He loves his daughter Violet, and does his best to raise her on his own.
SELAH KIMBRO JONES (Hidden Figures; Star) will play “VIOLET.”
Mack's daughter who, like Regina, was raised without a mother.
