Kat Harlton
Media: OWN Network
Deborah Joy Winans and Lisa Michelle Cornelius star in “A Sisterly Christmas” a new, original movie premiering December 7 (9 p.m. ET/PT), on OWN as part of the network’s annual OWN For The Holidays programming event.
About The Movie:
Two sisters, one who loves Christmas and everything that comes with it and the other who can be the scroogiest of Scrooges, receive an early Christmas gift: an inheritance that takes them on a once-in-a-lifetime luxury holiday vacation. Their Christmas proves to be more than they bargained for when they run into their childhood rival, now a Broadway star who digs in on these sisters, testing their resolve as women and their bonds of sisterhood.
We had the opportunity to chat with star Lisa Michelle Cornelius about her role, what she hopes the audience connects with, and her favorite holiday memories.
Kat: Was there anything about your role that was particularly challenging?
Lisa Michelle: Perhaps this wasn’t a challenge, but it certainly makes things interesting: we shot A Sisterly Christmas in the heart of Spring! It’s always funny to have to pretend your super cold, or that there’s snow all around, when there’s really an abundance of green grass and sunny skies!
Kat: What do you hope the fans will take with them from the story?
Lisa Michelle: There’s a lot of truth in the storytelling of the two sisters, because everyone can relate to not having a perfect family. So I hope folks find this film relatable in it’s honesty and also in it’s joy, warmth and humour. I had a lot of fun playing the “Vicky” to Deborah Joy Winan’s “Kristina”… I hope all that fun shines through!
Kat: What was your favorite scene to shoot, and why?
Lisa Michelle: The dance competition was probably my favourite scene to shoot! Every cast member, background performer and our director Jerry LaMothe gave that thang such good ENERGY. The vibes were high and it was just a really good time. One of those moments where I just smile and give thanks that this is my actual job!
Kat: Do you have a favorite holiday treat?
Lisa Michelle: I’m always down for just about anything my mom or my siblings cook. My family is Jamaican-Canadian and literally all of us can throw down in the kitchen! My mom makes an incredibly soft, delicious and perfect Rum Cake though. Just don’t try to drive home afterwards, lol.
Kat: What would be your ideal holiday party?
Lisa Michelle: I love big Christmas dinners with lots of loved ones, Christmas music on the stereo (Boney M of course), a few noisy kids running around, and at least two types of stuffing. I am definitely like my character Vicky in this way – the bigger the party, the better!
Kat: What’s the best Christmas present you’ve ever received?
Lisa Michelle: Years ago when I was about 6 months pregnant, my husband gifted me tickets to see Chicago and Aladdin on Broadway! We took our last pre-baby trip from Toronto to New York, and I got to see my first two Broadway shows ever. They were fantastic! I love musicals almost as much as I love Christmas movies!