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
Josh Segarra grew up in Florida and decided to pursue an acting and singing career from an early age. He has had several roles in popular television shows including FBI, Sirens and Arrow. His rugged, Puerto Rican good looks seem to land him in several crime dramas but he doesn’t let that fact overshadow his singing chops. Recently, Josh originated the role of Emilio Estafan in the Broadway hit, On Your Feet. Josh also has soundtrack credits from the 2018 release Overboard, in which he appeared as Jason alongside Eugenio Derbez, Anna Faris and Eva Longoria. Given his resume, it’s no surprise that Josh was a great choice to play Pastor Hathaway in this new holiday musical.
The role of Pastor Hathaway was a good fit for Josh who says faith was, and remains, a big part of his family life. As a child, he began to hone his skills at church as a member of the youth group and choir. During his exclusive Front Porch interview, Josh reflected on his childhood and recalled how much his church life influenced him. He said,
“Sundays, for us, were getting up and going to church and then going to eat. Then hanging out with some of my friends…some of my best friends were from [church].”
Not only was the role a good fit, but the seasoned professional recognized the magnitude of getting to work with the star-studded cast and crew. He was eager to get started on the musical with the iconic Dolly Parton and industry master, Debbie Allen. When specifically asked about director and choreographer Debbie Allen, Josh said,
“Working with Debbie Allen was a master class in understanding what it was to come and bring it!”
The devoted father of two is obviously passionate about sharing the film’s themes of love and community. When asked about his wish for Netflix viewers he said,
“I hope that during this Holiday season, you just take the ones that you love and you hold them near. And we all look at somebody that maybe we don’t know and we take the opportunity to see the love in their life and how they’ve put it to use.”
As Jason in Overboard, Josh worked alongside Alyvia Alyn Lind and Hannah Nordberg who fans will remember from Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors and Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love. Alyvia played Dolly Parton and Hannah portrayed Dolly’s best friend Judy Ogle.
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.
