Drew Seeley, ‘American Idol’ Alum Grace Kinstler Lead Cast of ‘Love Actually Live’ for Film’s 20th Anniversary Celebration – High School Musical star Drew Seeley and American Idol season 19 finalist Grace Kinstler headline the cast of Love Actually Live, a Broadway-style concert experience created to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the beloved holiday film. This unique stage production blends live performances and a big-screen presentation of scenes from the movie, allowing audiences to experience the film’s most memorable moments alongside live musical interpretations.
Joining Seeley and Kinstler are standout vocalists from today’s talent platforms and entertainment world: America’s Got Talent Season 17 Golden Buzzer winner Madison Taylor Baez, viral YouTube star and The Voice finalist Chris Mann, actress Cheyenne Isabel Wells (known for Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies) and Nina Nelson of vocal group Citizen Queen. These lead performers are supported by an ensemble of seasoned stage and screen artists and a live band onstage, creating a cinematic concert that revisits the soundtrack and spirit of the original film.
As scenes play on the large screen, the cast sings a range of holiday classics alongside tracks associated with Love Actually, including the jaunty “Christmas Is All Around,” Kelly Clarkson’s “The Trouble with Love Is,” and Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now.” The theatrical format gives fans both the visual nostalgia of the film and the immediacy of live vocals and musicianship, offering a fresh way to experience the movie during the holiday season. Tickets are available through the theater box office, with preview prices listed from $69 to $119 for the run of previews (November 22–28) and standard performance prices ranging from $79 to $139 for shows running November 29–December 30.
The 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade returns with a high-profile musical lineup this year headlined by Cher. The parade’s entertainment roster also features Grammy winner Jon Batiste, Brandy, Bell Biv DeVoe, Chicago, En Vogue, K-pop group ENHYPEN, and a special appearance by producer and musician David Foster with vocalist Katharine McPhee. Rounding out the diverse lineup are performers such as Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors, Jessie James Decker, Ashley Park, a performance by the a cappella group Pentatonix, Paul Russell, Amanda Shaw, Alex Smith, and Latin star Manuel Turizo.
The parade’s broadcast will again be anchored by familiar faces from the Today show, with Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker returning as hosts. The live event is scheduled to air nationwide on network television and streaming platforms during the traditional morning window from 9 a.m. to noon in all time zones, continuing the parade’s long-standing role as a national holiday tradition.
Disney Junior Brings Holiday Cheer to Kids and Families With Festive Programming Premiering Throughout the Season – Disney Junior is rolling out seasonal specials and holiday-themed episodes for younger viewers. Among the new offerings is a 22-minute special titled “SuperKitties: Merry Mousemas,” in which the SuperKitties must recover gifts stolen by the mischievous Cat Burglar and restore the holiday spirit in Kittydale. Singer and actor Justin Guarini (from American Idol) reprises his role as the Cat Burglar for this festive installment, bringing a familiar vocal presence to the family-friendly adventure.
Carrie Underwood Partners with Allegiant Air in New Ad Campaign – Country music star and American Idol season 4 winner Carrie Underwood appears in a new advertising campaign for Allegiant Air. In sharing the commercial on social media, Underwood noted that the ad’s director designed multiple distinct visual environments using Unreal Engine, creating nine custom worlds that range from Nashville to Checotah, Oklahoma. The campaign emphasizes immersive virtual production techniques and a swift creative process to deliver memorable visuals that complement Underwood’s performance.
Instagram post shared by Carrie Underwood (reel excerpt)
Carrie Underwood Honors George Michael at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony – In a tribute performance at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Carrie Underwood honored the late George Michael by singing his ballad “One More Try.” The tribute highlighted her admiration for Michael’s songwriting and vocal artistry. Additionally, Adam Levine and Maroon 5 paid their respects with a cover of Michael’s hit “Faith,” contributing to a ceremony that commemorated Michael’s influence on pop and contemporary music.
Instagram post shared by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (reel excerpt)
These seasonal events and specials showcase a mix of live theatrical reinterpretation, large-scale televised spectacle, family programming, and artist-led tributes. From Love Actually Live’s concert-film hybrid to the Macy’s parade’s celebrity-studded procession, the season’s offerings provide familiar holiday entertainment alongside fresh creative presentations from both established and emerging performers.