Jen Lilley, Julia Reilly and Jesse Hutch joined Idaho Today host Mellisa Paul to discuss Christmas traditions and their heartwarming redo of the Alcott classic tale, Little Women. The movie will air during the fourth annual "Great American Christmas." Previously announced titles for their 2024 holiday slate include "Aurora Christmas," "A Christmas Less Traveled," "Love at the Kettle," "My Grown-Up Christmas Wish," "A Royal Christmas Ball," and "A Vintage Christmas."
The classics have been modernized for a wonderful holiday event at Great American Family, where Louise May Alcott's beloved classic, "Little Women," has a fresh new perspective on sacrifice, giving, and keeping the faith in these fractious times. "A Little Women's Christmas," the Great American Family Network's first ensemble Christmas movie, is a contemporary retelling of Louisa May Alcott's classic 1868 novel, infused with a modern twist that will surely capture your interest.
The film stars Jillian Murray as Jo March, Trevor Donovan as Friedrich "Fritz" Baehr, Laura Osnes as Beth March, Jen Lilley as Meg March, Jesse Hutch as John Brooke, and Julia Reilly as Amy March. Iconic award-winning singer Gladys Knight also stars and will perform her new original Christmas song, "Joy."
"A Little Women's Christmas" takes the story of the March sisters and adapts it to our time today, with Jo March (Jillian Murphy) as a writer working in New York City trying to adapt a novel for a young adult audience while her older sister Meg (Jen Lilley) awaits word about her husband, deployed in the army. Laura Osnes plays Beth March, who is incredibly enthusiastic and is everyone's biggest cheerleader. Beth keeps the home fires burning while their parents are on a church mission to help the less fortunate. She finds an opportunity locally to help teens and kids in trouble. Bubbly Amy rounds out the sisterly group as they reunite in Tennessee for an old-fashioned Christmas.
Great American Family's new adaptation of Little Women shows how small towns decorate festively and celebrate Christmas in many ways. Louisa May Alcott intentionally focused on the culture of young women, their hopes, ambitions, and dreams, and this classic remains one of the most widely read and beloved stories ever written. Much like the beloved 1947 Christmas film The Bishop's Wife, starring Cary Grant, Great American Family's new rendition of a well-loved story stresses the true meaning of the holidays: Less about the presents and more about finding fellowship and renewed spirit with loved ones.
The love and romance part of this sweet tale is served by Trevor Donovan, assigned as a minder to keep Jo on track for her writing assignment, all unbeknownst to Miss March. Together, they get acquainted in a slow build of romantic interest as the town rallies and prepares for the Christmas Eve service and music-filled celebration.
Make sure to cozy up for a down-home Christmas tale suitable for all audiences.
Tune In: A Little Women's Christmas premieres on Great American Family, Saturday, November 23 at 8 pm E/P.