Exclusive Interview With Alison Sweeney On Hallmark Christmas, Mysteries
Alison Sweeney has become a huge part of Hallmark’s Countdown To Christmas, as well as Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Moreover, the Days Of Our Lives alum recently signed an exclusive multi-picture contract with Hallmark Media.
In this exclusive interview with TVShowsAce, the Open By Christmas star discusses her new Christmas movie, A Magical Christmas Village, working with Luke Macfarlane and Marlo Thomas, as well as who first had the idea for a magical Christmas village.
In addition, the star of Chronicle Mysteries, as well as Hannah Swensen, formerly called Murder She Baked talked about her future mysteries and shares hints about a new Hallmark project in development.
Lastly, Ali even dishes on that fun moment she was jumping on the mini trampoline in her Wedding Veil movie, and how Hallmark has upped their fashion game.
Alison Sweeney Talks About A Magical Christmas Village
I had one big wish for the new holiday movies and it was Christmas Magic! It sounds like there may be a bit of that with A Magical Christmas Village starring along with Luke Macfarlane.
Yes! Step right up! We have just what you are looking for. That’s exactly what we wanted to do, share some Christmas magic.
You play Summer. What can you tell us about this movie?
My character Summer who is a working as an architect and a designer. She restores old buildings in the town to bring them back into use again. That is her passion project. She is a single mom, raising her daughter, she has a schedule she sticks to, and likes her life in order. She likes the way her life is set up, so she is not looking for any change.
So, then immediately there is a curve ball thrown her way. Her mother unexpectedly needs to come move in with her. They acknowledge from the beginning that they are two strong women who perhaps shouldn’t be living together under one roof.
So, that is a fun opening scene that I think many will relate to with their own mom or a family member, and saying that ‘this house isn’t big enough for the both of us.’ This is a fun way to start the groundwork.
The Christmas village is a fun tradition in their family and it gets brought out by the nan, the Marlo Thomas character.
Lo and behold, if you believe, and make a wish, there could be some Christmas magic in store for you.
Of course, Summer does not believe. But, luckily, Vivien and Summer’s daughter, Chloe, are happy to take the reins of the Christmas magic. It creates a really cute set-up for the movie to unfold from there.
Marlo Thomas Plays Alison Sweeney’s Mom In Hallmark Movie
That Girl Marlo Thomas plays your mom!! What was it like to act alongside such a legend?
Unbelievable! It has just been incredible. She is just so spectacular to work with. She is such a lovely person, first of all, I have to say. A wonderful human. But, also so talented, so fun to be with.
She made every scene better. She brought so much energy and enthusiasm to the job, and to our days.
I really, really loved working with her.
What Was It Like Working With Luke Macfarlane During Bros. Hoopla?
You were filming when Luke was getting a lot of attention for Bros.: What was it like working with him during this pivotal time of his career?
He’s got a lot going on right now. It was so fun working with him and to hear all about it. He just really loved this role. And this was the first time working together, so we really enjoyed it too.
Alison Sweeney Talks About Working With Writer Melissa Salmons
I noticed that Melissa Salmons wrote the script. This is maybe 8 or 9 movies now. You two collaborated on Chronicles Mysteries. What part did you have in creating this Christmas story?
Melissa and I work really well together and we have a collaborative relationship. She pitches ideas, and we take them to Hallmark and look for motivation, and go from there. We listen to feedback from what Hallmark wants.
So, Melissa is the one who had this beautiful idea for a magical Christmas village. And, I loved it. I thought it was such a fun way to take a realistic story, and put a little spin on it. A little fairy tale dust.
Alison Sweeney Talks About Hallmark Mystery Series
Speaking of Melissa, Sleuthers want to know…will we see more of Alex and the Chronicles Mysteries or maybe another Murder She Baked/Hannah Swensen Mystery?
I have to tell you, if it is at all possible, I would love to make something like that happen. I love doing the mysteries. So, I am always open to that.
Or do you and Melissa have another mystery series in the works?
Maybe we will…maybe we…[laughs].
We love the mysteries.
They are my favorite.
Alison Sweeney Talks About Dream Project
Now that you signed your big contract with Hallmark, do you have a dream project you have always wanted to do? Can you give us a hint?
I can’t hint at anything now. I do have a project that I am in development with Hallmark for next year, which I am really excited about.
And, again, it has a bit of a fantasy element to it that I just absolutely love, and am really excited about.
I’ll keep you posted. When I can say more, I will!
We Love The Hallmark Clothing Upgrade!
Lastly, let Hallmark know we love the costume upgrade! When the Wedding Veil movies came out, we all talked non-stop about the great clothes. Hallmark has made a lot of changes, including costume upgrades.
I will tell them because it is nice for us too. We feel the same way.
That white dress you wore in Open By Christmas with Bell Sleeves was stunning! Just beautiful.
Alison Sweeney Talks About The Mini-Trampoline In Wedding Veil
On a personal note, I am thinking of getting one of those mini-trampolines. Is it as fun as it looked?
Oh my gosh! It was so much fun! It was my favorite scene. And we laughed. I took it so serious, as she was the type of person who needs this exercise, she would be bouncing up and down. It is hilarious.
Alison Shares A Message To Fans
Alison, do you have a message for fans or anything that they may look forward to? Or something for the holiday season, such as a wish?
First of all, I find myself so honored to be part of people’s Christmas holiday traditions. Being in these movies is so special to me because they know it is so special to the fans. This is their holiday tradition to turn on Hallmark at Christmastime and watch them all.
I meet people every day who share their stories, which one is their favorite, and how they love it and how they can’t wait for it to get a little chilly so they can make the hot cider and turn on Hallmark, and get into the Christmas spirit.
I know how Christmas is important to me, so I love knowing how I am part of other people’s holiday traditions.
Alison Sweeney Is Popular In International Markets
My husband is from Sweden and when we visit, your Hallmark movies are always on. You have a huge following from Days, and fans who love both of your mysteries, and other Hallmark movies.
Wow! I didn’t know that. Thank you.
Be sure to catch Alison Sweeney in her latest Christmas movie, A Magical Christmas Village. This will premiere on Friday, November 4, at 8 p.m., Eastern, on the Hallmark Channel.
