“For Them, I’ll Watch” is a blog series featuring movies, films, and other media I consume solely because I’m the type of fangirl who will watch projects only for an actor, not because I am actually interested in the story. If not for that actor, I likely wouldn’t watch the title.
For some people, Hallmark movies are a Christmas tradition. I’m not one of those people. But, at this rate, I very well might become one—just not to the same extent as others. In recent years, Hallmark Channel has been casting Broadway actors to star in its movies. Most of the time, those have been Christmas movies (which makes sense given the number of those the network makes every year). As a Broadway fan, it’s exciting to have the chance to see such performers in a more accessible medium and in a different setting. Because of this, watching a Hallmark Christmas movie starring a Broadway actor is becoming a tradition.
Last year, I watched A Carol for Two because of (primarily) Jordan Litz, a wonderful and kind person who currently stars as Fiyero in Wicked on Broadway, and Ginna Claire Mason, who is also known for her time in Wicked on Broadway as Glinda. This year, my Broadway fandom brought me back to Hallmark Channel for the holidays to watch my Broadway favorite, Corey Cott, in The Snow Must Go On.
A Christmas Hallmark Movie for the Theatre Kids
By the nature of the genre, cable TV rom-coms are always going to have a somewhat cheesy, feel-good vibe and a predictable plot. That’s part of what makes them what they are. It’s what people have come to know and love Hallmark for. The Snow Must Go On, however, is a Hallmark movie that embraces the musical theatre energy. So, on top of the standard cheesiness, it also features the campiness of Broadway/theatre. That said, you just need to accept the silliness to enjoy the movie. If you don’t or can’t comprehend the nature of it, you’re probably going to get caught up in the ridiculousness of it. But that’s really the case with all Hallmark movies.
The Snow Must Go On is about Isaiah Heyward, a struggling Broadway performer who goes home for the holidays and inadvertently becomes the director for his niece’s high school musical. He works on the show with the school’s guidance counselor, Lilly-Anne Brigente, which leads to a budding romance.
The narrative and its progression felt pretty natural. The character interactions didn’t seem forced. Even when details and events that obviously exist to further the plot were woven well into the story. I feel like the romance could’ve used a little more work, but it’s good enough as is. I didn’t love the ending and wish it featured more of a compromise. Otherwise, it’s a solid Hallmark movie that theatre fans and Broadway lovers will especially enjoy (and perhaps want more from).
I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity. The female lead, Heather Hemmens, is a woman of color. The niece is a mixed-race Asian who lives with her single mother. The star student in the musical and her big-name Broadway producer mom are also Asian. I’ve watched only a couple of Hallmark movies, but it’s no secret that, most of the time, they feature mostly white actors. So this was a nice change of pace, and I hope more Hallmark will embrace the opportunity to have more representation in its movies.
The Gleeful Himbo Comeback
I really loved this role for Corey. For one, he got to sing in this Hallmark movie—unlike in his first one, Butlers in Love—which is an automatic win for me. Anyone who has seen him in Bandstand knows how phenomenal he can be in more serious roles (I will forever be in awe of his performance during “Right This Way,” in particular). But anyone who knows about his dumb, lengthy Instagram captions or his “King of New York” vlogs for Broadway.com also knows how much of a goof he can be. His last Broadway show, The Heart of Rock and Roll, was essentially a Hallmark movie turned into a Broadway musical. The Vulture review of the show highlighted Corey’s “gleeful himboism,” and I got some of those vibes in The Snow Must Go On. So it was great to see Corey embrace that playful side and have fun.
Worth the Watch?
For the most part, Hallmark movies I watch for Broadway actors become movies I’d want to rewatch, and The Snow Must Go On is no exception. I think a big reason for that is because Hallmark movies are accessible, easy ways to experience their talent. As much as I would like to just go see Broadway shows whenever I want, I can’t. I don’t live in New York, and I don’t have the money to fly there whenever I want and just buy tickets to whatever show.
Beyond that, I did enjoy the movie, and I can see myself rewatching it during Christmastime. Hearing Corey sing is always a real treat, so that alone, honestly, made the movie worth watching. It’s a great, lighthearted, festive watch that does its job of getting the audience (particularly theatre kids and musical fans) into the holiday spirit.
