Recently, I got a chance to chop it up with the talented Broadway star, actor, singer Norm Lewis on his role as “Duke” in Reba McEntire’s Christmas in Tune. The story follows “Georgia” (Reba McEntire) and “Joe Winter” (John Schneider), who are brought back together by their daughter Belle (played by Candice King), to perform together again for a Christmas charity concert. It’s been over a decade since the couple separated and Duke along with Belle, find themselves in the middle of an awkward situation as the two work through their past differences. Georgia and Joe have history working with Duke as their musical director and pull him in again to help revive the duo’s musical fire!

Norm shares that although he’s done Christmas music and annual Christmas shows, this is actually his first Christmas film! He says that everyone was in a great Christmas mood which made things flow together really nicely and the film was a fun set to shoot. Christmas being one of his favorite times of the year, he says being cast for this role just felt right. I asked him if there were any particulars in the film that resonated with him personally. Norm mentioned how despite everyone’s differences and backgrounds, respect and working together collectively is a powerful force that makes things happen much like what viewers will take away from this film. We also got a chance to discuss the role of TV and film and how it has played a significant part in helping the world heal and move forward.

He says that TV, film and art reflects life and has a way of getting people’s attention in a way that often no other means can. Sidentote: For those of you who may have never heard Norm sing, LISTENNNN… The dude has a very strong and yet angelic voice! I told Norm that I was anticipating a scene where he would be singing. He told me that there were talks about it at one point, but really just no room to incorporate it in the existing script. Needless to say, Lewis is doing his annual Christmas show 54 Below in New York, December 16 - 24th. He also mentioned that he’ll be doing Carnegie Hall in March of next year along with other productions in the near future.

For more on Norm Lewis, visit www.normlewis.com. And for more on the It’s A Wonderful Lifetime lineup, please visit www.mylifetime.com/movies.

DRESS LIKE A GENT