I don’t know who the designated Broadway exec at Hallmark is, but they certainly deserve a raise. The fact that we get not one but two films that highlight the grueling industry while simultaneously giving us a glowing romance amid all of it makes this year’s Countdown to Christmas a big winner. That said, Hallmark’s A Carol for Two is a bright and dazzling delight with incredible leads.
Between The 5-Year Christmas Party featuring Hadestown’s Orpheus (Jordan Fisher) and now A Carol for Two’s giving us Wicked’s Fiyero (Jordan Litz), broader audience members can see the star power that comes from musical theatre actors. (Also, two years ago, we had A Holiday Spectacular featuring Derek Klena!) It reminds me of Hannah Waddingham’s acceptance speech at the Emmys, where she noted that the industry should hire more actors from the West End for TV and film, and the same rings true for Broadway stars. There’s a bright, big, beautiful world out there that so many pop culture fans don’t get to see on the small screen, and it’d be an absolute delight to get more. (Plus, as a Broadway fan, I’m selfishly begging for it.)
Now, without further ado, where Hallmark’s A Carol For Two is concerned, we’ve got a lovely winner for the romance aficionados. The film follows Violette (Ginna Claire-Mason) as she makes a long-awaited trip to New York to finally star in the show she’s been dreaming of, only to learn that the production is no longer happening. To continue making her father proud, Violette lies about rehearsals but visits a family friend to see if she can work at her cafe and continue living in the big city. Played by Broadway’s Charlotte d’Amboise, Hazel not only takes Violette in, but she runs the theatre district’s prominent diner, Fiore’s, with so much style that I want to be her in another life.
At the diner, Violette meets Alex, and their banter effortlessly morphs into a partnership that’s obviously written in the stars. The only problem is Alex’s cousin Brad develops a crush on her and enlists Alex’s help to become more fit for Violette. We’ve all seen the film (or read the book) before, so we know where this is going. The faking is fun (albeit cringeworthy) for a while, but when the truth comes to light, the real meant-to-be couple finds its way together, and the story becomes one about making their dreams come true together.
Is the movie predictable at times? Absolutely. Are some scenarios a bit hard to believe? Sure. Do I care? Nope, because the chemistry is all there, and it’s easy to root for Violette and Alex’s burgeoning relationship. It’s easy to see that they’re the missing puzzle pieces in each other’s lives, and the dynamics throughout are a whole lot of fun, too.
The performances are fantastic, the festivities are lovely, the way women look out for each other, and the way platonic relationships play an equal role in the film make every minute of it a surprising delight. The industry might be chaotic at times, but it’s always so pleasant to see depictions of the good parts—the light, the joy, and all the gorgeous moments that make Broadway as special as it is. It’s a film for both musical theatre fans and those who are just dipping their toes with fun Easter eggs and thoughtful characterizations that’ll be memorable. From beginning to end, Hallmark’s A Carol for Two is an entertaining treat with relatable characters that make the central romance and the entire story adorable.
A Carol for Two is now available on the Hallmark Movie Channel or through Frndly TV.
First Featured Image | Official Poster Credit: ©Hallmark