A Carol for Two (2024 Hallmark Channel)
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Cast: Ginna Claire Mason, Jordan Litz, Charlotte D’amboise
Director: Jeff Beesley
Writer(s): Nina Weinman
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DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearlySynopsis (via Hallmark)
After moving to New York to make it on Broadway, Violette Wagner (Mason) gets a job at Fiore’s, a legendary theater district diner, famous for its singing wait staff, who bide their time there, while awaiting that big break. Luck seems to be on her side when she gets a coveted slot, singing during Fiore’s annual Christmas Eve concert, which is attended by a who’s who of the theatre world. But her big opportunity turns out to be a duet with Alex (Litz), who has been less than welcoming, and believes she was only given the job because the owner of Fiore’s is a family friend. They’re stuck with each other, though, since people have been plucked out of that show and put right on Broadway. As they rehearse together, Alex’s cousin, Brad, takes an interest in Violette, and they begin dating but, unbeknownst to her, Alex has been feeding Brad information about her, Cyrano-style, to win her over. However, when Alex begins developing feelings for her as well, a love triangle ensues, and things come to a head when their deception is uncovered, which, in turn, threatens Violette and Alex’s big opportunity.
Recap/Wine Thoughts
A quirky blonde sings Christmas carols for her hometown. She has a lot of vibrato and a jean jacket to boot! Her name is Violette Wagner, and she is moving from her hometown to New York to be on BROADWAY! (Well, it’s a touring company, but still.) Violette is sad to leave her dad behind but excited about the new opportunity. When she gets to New York, Voi is surprised. She learns that the producers pulled the funding. As a result, the tour is canceled.
Cut to a New York City bar, Fiore’s, run by a covert Lesbian named Hazel. The waiters sing Christmas carols, and a toothy guy named Alex works there, his rat boy scheming cousin, Brad. Violette arrives and asks to speak with Hazel. Hazel was a friend of Violette’s aunt when they started out in SHOW BUSINESS. Hazel gives Violette a chance and hires her as a waitress, and she moves in with another singer, Rae.
Due to nepotism, Violette gets a chance to sing a song on her first night. It is good Violette is good at singing because she is a terrible waitress. The movie does this thing that I hate. Violette appears so show-stopping in the scene. However, she doesn’t seem that great. Plus, she is just singing Christmas songs. The crowd goes wild. Hazel quickly decides to have Violette and Alex close out the special Christmas Eve performance with a duet.
It isn’t the only pairing happening; Alex’s Rat Boy Cousin has the hots for Violette. Rat Boy Cousin asks Alex to hook him up so he can move out of Alex’s apartment. Alex is down for that because he needs space to work on songwriting. (It’s like a rude Cyrano de Bergerac situation where Alex will get intel and tell Rat Boy Cousin what to say.)
Violette is, of course, interested in Alex. They work on their duet and have trouble picking a song that is an appropriate closer for the big number. Producers are going to be there, so it is a big opportunity to be seen.
Rat Boy Cousin sees his ex-fiance on the street, lies to her, and says Violette is his girlfriend. He continues the lies to Violette and pretends to be moving to the Upper West Side to impress Violette. (She isn’t from New York, so she has no clue what he is talking about.) Alex sets up a double date with Alex and his fake girlfriend. (Their neighbor June.)
The four meet up for charity at a festival of Christmas trees, where they pick the best-decorated tree! The Rat Boy Cousin lies about liking musicals, and it is apparent that he is just badly parroting Alex.
While singing at a senior center, Alex and Violette happen to find the closing number, a duet of ” The Christmas Song.” They walk around the city and open up to one another. Alex’s writing partner left the city and left an unfinished musical. Violette opens up about her dad having cancer after her mom died. Her dreams were deferred, but going after what you want is never too late.
Rat Boy Cousin wins Violette by pretending to make a yule log covered with peppermints. (Alex knew it was a Christmas tradition for Violette, who is missing home.) Violette is so touched that she kisses Rat Boy Cousin, and they start dating for real. He falls asleep at the ballet and thinks everything Violette likes is boring.
Alex and Violette stay after a late night shift and work on some songs. Violette is his muse, and Alex is inspired to finish that musical. Alex also catches feelings and starts to be jealous of Rat Boy Cousin and Violette.
They were caroling to no one in particular. Rat Boy Cousin orchestrated the event because Violette used to carol with her dad at Christmas. He stops the route under some mistletoe, and they share a chaste kiss while Alex watches. Alex randomly goes into a solo to win Violette’s heart. (He also tells her he broke up with his fake girlfriend, June.)
When Violette learns about the breakup, she quickly breaks up with Rat Boy Cousin over the phone. (Heartless!)
It is finally the night of the big show, I mean Christmas Eve. Violette is surprised to see her father in the audience. She becomes overwhelmed because she has been lying to him about being in the Broadway show. She continued pretending even after learning it was canceled. Violette goes out for some air and overhears Alex and Rat Boy Cousin talking about Cyrano de Bergerac-ing. Violette tells them both off.
Then Violette and Alex take the stage and perform a hate version of “The Christmas Song.” Just kidding. Of course, Violette isn’t a professional, so she chokes on stage and runs to the kitchen crying. Violette’s dad chases after her and gives her a pep-talk, Danny Tanner style.
The next day, Hazel arranges another chance for Violette and Alex to sing for a big-time producer. They perform Alex’s original Christmas song. It is VERY musical theater. (Which is suitable for the assignment, I guess.) After the song, the producer goes wild!!! They kiss. The end.
Then we get a Christmas card from Broadway. Ummm, okay. Thanks?
Note/Stray Thoughts
This movie makes theater people seem insufferable. AND not an openly queer person in sight working at that restaurant?!? Come on.
Paul Essiembre is one of my favorite TV Movie actors.
To be clear, Rat Boy Cousin is a compliment, and I thought Gino Anania was great at playing a jerk. (And hot.)
Overall rating
Pour it up
Put a Cork in It
Christmas Feels
🎄🎄🎄 (3 Christmas Trees)
Enjoyment Level: 🍷🍷 (2 glasses of wine.)
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