Anne Kauffman directed the show from a stirring screenplay by Amy Herzog.

McAdams stars in the title role as Mary Jane, a struggling but strong single mother, who is in an impossible family situation as her two-year-old son is severely ill (who the audience never sees).

Her character is faced with seemingly lofty odds, so the protagonist relies on unflagging hope and wit, along with the wisdom of the women around her who have become a makeshift family, in order to take on each new day, especially since her form of parenting revolves around intensive care.

Will her inner strength and newfound friendships be enough to see her through this ordeal? This is a play that will certainly spark conversations among the viewers (especially since the playwright leaves it open to interpretation in the end).

Most importantly, it ought to be enjoyed for its melancholy, authenticity, and simplicity, especially since there are moments where Rachel McAdams will break your heart, and make you forget that you are watching a play, and she will make you feel like you are experiencing real life by bringing Amy Herzog’s words to life.

The Verdict

Overall, Rachel McAdams is able to paint a poignant picture of motherhood in “Mary Jane” in a performance that runs the gamut. It tackles such themes as family, love, allegiance, care, and finding peace.

Despite its depressing subject matter, McAdams is able to sustain the audience member’s attention for its entire 90-minute duration. “Mary Jane” garners four out of five stars.

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‘The Outsiders’ on Broadway

He stars in this new music production opposite such actors as Brody Grant (Ponyboy Curtis), Jason Schmidt (Sodapop Curtis), Brent Comer (Darrel Curtis), and Joshua Boone (Dallas Winston). This musical was directed by Danya Taymor.

“It has been a long journey,” he said. “I have been with this show for six years, so it has been such a wild ride. I never thought that we would actually make it to Broadway. This goes to show that patience is a virtue.”

Speaking of Brody Grant, Jason Schmidt, Brent Comer, and Joshua Boone, he said, “What you see on that stage is real. We are all great friends. I’ve known Brody for five years, and he is the perfect Ponyboy. Joshua Boone is the older Greaser and he is the best. Working with Joshua is like working with a legend.”

“Jason is just the truest person, and he is so raw, and one of the coolest people. Brent Comer is one of the sweetest people in the world; they are both such good dudes,” he added.

Portraying Johnny Cade in the show

On playing Johnny Cade, he remarked, “What I like the most about playing this character is that I get to be closest to myself, which is something that I don’t usually get to do. I’m a funny person in life and I played Jared [Kleinman] in ‘Dear Evan Hansen’; once you show the industry that, sometimes, they bottle it and they identify you as that.”

“I am lucky enough to pivot and to do something different,” he said. “With Johnny Cade, I was able to tell a part of myself.”

In the original 1983 “Outsiders” movie, this part was played by Ralph Macchio. “I had met Ralph a while ago because his daughter, Julia, used to be in the show. Julia and I are good friends still, so it is cool to be able to hear from him, and I get to ‘steal a lot’ from Ralph because he is the physical shell of what that role is,” he said.

“Of course, I borrowed some aspects of the role from Ralph, but the internal portion of Johnny Cade is Sky,” he acknowledged.

Lessons learned from this musical

On the lessons learned from “The Outsiders” musical, he said, “This musical has taught me to be patient with other human beings. You just never know what someone is going through. While it might sound cheesy and simple, it’s true.”

“Even though I am of color, people are people, and you don’t want to be too quick to judge. This is a lesson that I will continue learning for the rest of my life,” he added.

Working with director Danya Taymor

On working with Danya Taymor as director, he said, “Danya is wonderful. She is the perfect director for this musical. We have become great friends.”

“The story by S. E. Hinton is just so true. Getting to meet her was great too; she is the best,” he said, complimenting the author of the iconic book.

Working with Angelina Jolie as a producer on the musical

Lakota-Lynch had great words about Oscar winner Angelina Jolie serving as a producer on the musical. “I really got to know Angelina when we went to Tulsa as a cast,” he said.

“We all flew out to Tulsa, and Angie came, and we met the author S. E. Hinton. Angelina is just so down-to-earth; she is truly a normal human being who just happens to be on a pedestal by society and not necessarily by choice. Angelina has a heart of gold, and we are so blessed to have her,” he added.

He shared that he dedicates it in loving memory to his late grandmother, who passed away tragically. “My grandmother was like a mother to me, essentially, and I do it for her each time, and I also do it for everyone that we don’t have anymore that we want to remember,” he acknowledged.

Soundtrack album for ‘The Outsiders’

Lakota-Lynch is looking forward to the soundtrack album for “The Outsiders,” which will be available digitally on May 22. “I cannot wait for this album to be released. It is what you get in the theatre, but we’ve added our own touch to it, and I think it’s going to be a special album for all,” he exclaimed.

‘Stay Gold’ song

On performing the acoustic ballad “Stay Gold,” Lakota-Lynch said, “That song took the longest journey because it was the first song that Jamestown Revival ever wrote and finished.”

“Then, I came on shortly after that, and the journey of ‘Stay Gold’ has been wild. It’s the song that stayed the same lyrically but it has changed the most staging-wise because it is such a heartfelt moment,” he elaborated.

Rainstorm scene

Lakota-Lynch opened up about doing the rainstorm scene in the show. “Honestly, you would think that we dread doing it, but if you are tired or feeling low, getting out in that water just invigorates you and lets you finish the show. It truly is awesome,” he said.

“The Kuperman brothers (Rick and Jeff), who choreographed that are so amazing to work with. I hope I get to work with them and Danya for the rest of my life,” he added.

The digital age

On being an actor in the digital age, Lakota-Lynch said, “I’m getting used to it too because I don’t have TikTok or Twitter/X. I think there is positivity in communication and getting messages out there. Of course, there is a negative backlash but at the same time, it is important to stay connected to people and not self-isolate.”

Drama League and Outer Critics Circle nominations for ‘The Outsiders’

Most recently, “The Outsiders” was nominated for “Outstanding Production of a Musical” at the Drama League Awards, and for “Outstanding New Broadway Musical” at the 2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards. “Those nominations were great because it is such an ensemble musical,” he admitted.

“We just keep telling our story because we know that the show is bigger than us,” he underscored.

Stage of his life

On the title of the current chapter of his life, he responded, “Full Daylight.” “I feel like the sun is shining at its brightest,” he said.

Superpower of choice

If he were to have any superpower, it would be Nightcrawler possesses superhuman agility, the ability to teleport, and adhesive hands and feet. “My dream role would be Nightcrawler in ‘X-Men’, and he gets to travel through space and time. I would love that,” he said.

Favorite motto to live by

His favorite motto to live by is “keep it light and keep it moving.”

Advice for young and aspiring actors

For young and aspiring actors, he offered the following encouraging advice: “If you stick around the barber shop long enough, you are bound to get a haircut.” “Someone told me that a long time ago, and I stick by that to this day. That is true because I sat through some pretty long lines at a barber shop and I still got a haircut,” he said.

Success

On his definition of the word success, he said, “I think it changes. In the pandemic, there was no acting, so success for me was when I grew a pepper in my garden that came out full. That definition changes to me each day depending on where I am in life.”

“Now, success to me is being able to play my favorite character,” he added.

Closing thoughts on ‘The Outsiders’

For his fans and viewers, Lakota-Lynch said, “I want people to see that there can be truth in commercial theatre. It’s a story for everyone because everyone is an outsider.”

American track and field running legend Steve Prefontaine once said: “To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift.” Sky Lakota-Lynch embodies this inspirational quote.

To learn more about Sky Lakota-Lynch, follow him on Instagram.

For more information on “The Outsiders” musical, check out its official website.

Review: ‘The Outsiders’ is a new coming-of-age musical on Broadway

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This marks her first single and music video from her first pop album in 15 years.

“‘Legs (Keep Dancing)” was co-penned by songwriter and producer Chantry Johnson, songwriter Kjersti Long, and songwriter and producer Kipper Jones (who co-penned Williams’ early hits “The Comfort Zone” and “The Right Stuff”).

The song is mid-tempo, upbeat, liberating, and a great deal of fun. Williams allows her sultry, crystalline vocals shine on this tune; moreover, it is an anthem of female empowerment.

It has a retro ’80s disco vibe to it, which adds to its overall appeal. The contemporary radio airwaves ought to add it on their heavy rotation.

Presently, Williams is in rehearsals to star as fashion icon Miranda Priestly in the upcoming West End musical version of the hit feature film, “The Devil Wears Prada,” which features an original score by Sir Elton John and lyrics by Shania Taub.

“Legs (Keep Dancing)” is available on digital service providers by clicking here. It is worth checking out, and it garners two thumbs up.

To learn more about Vanessa Williams and her new music, check out her official website, and follow her on Instagram.

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On the experience doing this movie, she said, “Since I had so many hands in so many pies for this film, I had an absolute blast. I produced, starred in, and wrote the film.”

“The experience on set was so wonderful, the cast and crew were filled with amazing people and we all had a lot of fun,” she said. When you’re on set with people that feel like family, it doesn’t feel like work. I got to be creative every day, exploring my character with fantastic scene partners.”

“The cast and I went out for dinners together and we just had the best time,” she said. “It sounds like I’m making it up but I promise I’m not. The support they gave me throughout production was greatly appreciated. They put their faith in me to make a great film and I think it turned out that way.”

Playing her character Charley

On playing her character Charley, she said, “The thing I like most about Charley is her determination. She spends the film trying to solve this mystery, and even when it feels like she isn’t getting anywhere, she keeps going.”

“I carry that with me into my everyday life as I think it’s important to keep persevering for what you want. Being able to embody someone so powerful every day was a blessing,” she said.

“I wrote the character that way because I think it’s really important to continue to show strong women on screen. Showing Charley pushing through and fighting for what is right, is a great lesson to those watching,” she said.

Working with David Lipper

She had favorable words about working with David Lipper (“Full House”) on this new film. “It was so great working with David,” she said.

“We had a lot of fun playing the father-daughter duo. We’ve acted together before but this was the first time playing characters that were related. David played the character really well and it was super fun doing scenes together,” she added.

The digital age

As a producer, I love how instant it is to watch content. Everything is at your fingertips and it’s much easier to get your projects seen nowadays than it was 10-15 years ago. As an actress, I love that people can watch my old work so easily, especially the shows from when I was just starting out. I think it’s awesome that people all over the world can watch content that so many people put months and sometimes years of work into. 

Future plans

On her future plans, she said, “The near future has a few films in production, some new songs coming out, and hopefully some traveling.”

“For acting, I’m going to be starring in two films this year that I’m really excited to share with people. I am producing a couple of films this year two that we are currently in pre-production for. One is a western style thriller, and the other is a murder-comedy,” she elaborated.

“Music wise, I have a single coming out on the same day Karma is released (May 1st), it will be available on all platforms. The traveling part will go in between projects,” she said.

“It will be traveling and working, but I love visiting new places, and learning about the history of those places as I believe it makes me a better, actor, writer, and producer,” she added.

‘Murder at Hollow Creek’

She also opened up about doing “Murder at Hollow Creek.” “It was great fun filming this in Mississippi as I had not seen the state properly before,” she said.

“I had driven through in the past, but this was the first time I had been able to really ‘see’ it. We encountered a couple of tornados while we were there (my first ones) but it wasn’t too bad,” she said.

“The song I am releasing on May 1st is actually the end credit song for this film so I think people will love it. My character sets off the whole plot of the film and has a really great arc so I’m excited for people to meet her,” she added.

Success

On her definition of success, she said, “Success to me means accomplishing things in life that bring you joy, comfort, and peace.”

She continued, “So many of us push every day to be ‘successful’ but often we meet our ‘requirement’ for success without even realizing it. If you think back to childhood, what did you want to achieve as an adult? Have you accomplished those things already?”

“Success to me, is being happy with what you have but still pushing to be a better version of you,” she said.

Closing thoughts on ‘Karma: Death at Latigo Springs’

For viewers and fans, she remarked, “I really hope that they laugh, jump, and are on the edge of their seat the whole way through; the suspense in the film is palpable.”

“I also want them to take away the message to fight for what they believe in and for what is right. It’s amazing what you can achieve just by sticking with your gut and intuition,” she concluded.

To learn more about Isabella Blake-Thomas, follow her on Instagram.

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Daily motivations

On his daily motivations as an actor, he said, “Ever since I stepped on a stage, I’ve been motivated by connecting with and inspiring the audience.”

“With TV and film, I have the opportunity to reach so many people I could never meet. This work also requires me to endlessly be working on myself and to keep reaching for and evolving to the best version of me… It also makes for quite a ride along the way,” he elaborated.

The digital age

On being an actor in the digital age (now with streaming, technology, and social media being so prevalent), Roark said, “It gives, and it takes away. I love to connect with fans on social media, but all the instant access takes away some believability of characters on screen and some of the overall charm of the business.”

“There also seems to be this pressure to endlessly post and promote but I have never fell too much into that. In this season of my life and career, I have a healthy relationship with social media, it just needs to be kept in balance,” he said.

“As for streaming, it has opened up a pipeline for many new titles, but it has also
lead to a lot of consolidation in the business which is not such a great thing,” he said.

“Art wants to breathe and the more creative homes a project may find the better,” he admitted. “I think we are still in the early stages of what the streaming age is going to look like.”

“Ultimately, unless I’m producing and/or selling a project rather than just
acting and promoting, it’s out of my control so I don’t worry too much about it,” he added.

Advice for young and aspiring actors

For young and aspiring actors, he encouraged them to “focus on their craft.”

“My mantra as I was starting out was to only worry about getting better,” he said. “There will be many seasons of doubt, defeat and rejection along the way and endless opportunity for distraction. Take time for yourself as needed but don’t get blown off course.”

“You need to learn how to persevere in this game. Ultimately, the only thing that matters is what you do when the camera comes on or the curtain comes up,” he said.

Roark continued, “With where the business is today and where it is heading, you need to cultivate a healthy side hustle. For so long residual checks have kept many actors afloat in their early years, myself included.”

“As streaming gains a bigger foothold in the business, residuals will continue to recede. Take some pressure off yourself and have something going on outside of acting. It’s really hard to do your best work when you need the gig to pay the bills,” he said.

“If you are fortunate to be in a healthy financial position, you should still have something on the side for your own sanity. It brings a greater perspective to your life and to your characters,” he added.

Future plans

On his plans for the future, Roark remarked, “There is always another project on the way. I have a few movies in post and more to be filmed later this year. I still work as an attorney in between gigs.”

“I’m also working on a book and have gotten back into martial arts after some time
off. I have been toying with the idea of getting involved with running for office
as well,” he revealed.

“On the home front, I have been mostly on the East Coast the past few years but
will start spending more time on the West Coast and go bicoastal now that the
strikes are behind us,” he said.

“I’m so nomadic these days I never know where I will be in a few months’ time. I plan to continue spending time abroad as well and I’m working on adding EU citizenship to have more flexibility in globetrotting pursuits,” he added.

‘Bennett’s War’

Roark also recalled starring in “Bennett’s War,” where he worked with Alex
Ranarivelo as director and screenwriter. “I loved making it,” he said.

“Alex is a fantastic director and just a great and fun dude to be around,” he admitted. “As a director, he knows what he wants. He has both the technical skills behind the camera and also knows how to express to an actor what he needs to get the shot. Alex has a quiet confidence about him that sets a good tone for the set.”

“As a screenwriter, Alex was not married to the words on the page which gave me a lot of freedom to bring Marshall Bennett to life. I hope to work with him again,” Roark added.

Passionflix fan convention in Puerto Rico

Roark opened up about being a part of the Passionflix fan convention in Puerto Rico.

“Passionflix fans are such a committed and loyal fanbase,” he said. “I love to meet them and hear their stories about how much these books we adapt for the screen
mean to them.”

“The cast of so many of these films have all become such good friends,” he noted. “We love coming to the events to hang out with each other. It is actually quite a rare thing in this business, to be able to cultivate these friendships and look forward to future projects and events together.”

“Typically, you make a movie and there is a wrap party and a premiere and that’s it.
Passionflix is growing rapidly and its a cool feeling feeling to be on the ground
floor of something as it takes off,” he said.

“Also, I’ve been wanting to get to Puerto Rico for a while and it did not
disappoint. Such a beautiful place and I’m looking forward to going back to do
more exploring,” he added.

Career-defining moments

On his career-defining moments, he disclosed, “Too many to count, but I think one of the fascinating things about life is how we are constantly changing and become different people in different seasons of life. I think back to certain times in my life, and I sometimes ask, ‘did that actually happen in this life or another one?'”

“It is not so much the moments that define us, but our decision and our habits that
lead to those moments,” he admitted. “The habits we cultivate ultimately define who we become.”

“I have made it a habit and a practice to continually challenge myself,
to explore, stay curious, stay kind, always be learning… When I think of all I
have seen and done and accomplished thus far in life, it adds conviction to
stay the course,” he elaborated.

“In addition, I was a junior at Illinois State University and wanted to audition for spring theater shows. I found a monologue in the library and decided to just wing it. I was so nervous and without any training or experience,” he said.

He continued, “As I was anxiously waiting in the wings to go on stage to a packed audience, there was a moment where I thought ‘this is crazy, everyone here is a real actor and I don’t belong here, I should leave’… but I pushed through the doubt and fear in that moment.”

“It is strange to consider but If I turned back in that moment, maybe I would have given up my whole career. Early in my career nerves were wracking my performance in audition rooms. I arrived at certain moments of clarity where I thought, I have suffered and struggled and sacrificed too much to let nerves blow this opportunity,” he elaborated.

“If I go in and give it my all and don’t get the job, them I can live with that… But no more is it going to be because I got nervous and blew it,” he added.

Dream acting partners

On his dream acting partners, he shared, “Many of my dream acting partners have moved on but would love to work with John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell, Ben Foster, Matt Damon, Paul Giamatti, Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, and Michael Keaton… The list goes on.”

Success

On his definition of the word success, he said, “Success means knowing the person looking back at you in the mirror and being proud of them. I read a quote recently that goes something like this: ‘the only opinions that should matter to you are those of your eight-year-old self and your 80-year-old self. I think that is right on.”

To learn more about actor Michael Roark, follow him on Instagram.

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Director Lila Neugebauer is able to present Anton Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya” play in a new light by joining forces with playwright Heidi Schreck, where the result is more modern and refreshing.

In this show, Sonya (Alison Pill) and Uncle Vanya (Steve Carell) have devoted their lives to managing the family farm in isolation, but when her celebrated, ailing father and his charismatic wife move in, their lives are upended.

In the heat of the summer, the wrong people fall in love, desires and resentments erupt, and the family is forced to reckon with the ghosts of their unlived lives.

Steve Carell delivers a bold and charismatic performance as Uncle Vanya, where his acting runs the gamut: he is neurotic, witty, and frank, all in one.

Carell layers his emotions well and he is able to bring himself to the role, which helps elevate it to a higher level. Carell deserves to be nominated for a Tony Award for “Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play” at the very least.

Carell has incredible chemistry with Alison Pill, who is effervescent as Sonia. Alfred Molina is memorable as Alexander, and he works well opposite Carell, especially in their intense scenes together.

Anika Noni Rose is a revelation as Elena, while the matriarch figures played by Jayne Houdyshell and Mia Katigbak are able to provide some much needed comic relief as their characters Maria and Marina respectively.

The Verdict

Overall, this revival of “Uncle Vanya” on Broadway is compelling, dark, smooth, and engaging. The entire cast does Anton Chekhov justice, and they are able to introduce this iconic play to a younger generation of audience members. The special effects and rainfall are an added bonus.

Lila Neugebauer deserves to be commended for her vision and her exquisite direction. “Uncle Vanya” warrants a visit at Lincoln Center and it garners 4.5 out of 5 stars.

To learn more about “Uncle Vanya” on Broadway, check out its official homepage.

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Aside from Jordan and Noblezada, the cast includes Noah J. Ricketts, Samantha Pauly, Sara Chase, John Zdrojeski, Paul Whitty, and Eric Anderson.

This show was directed by Marc Bruni from a book by Kait Kerrigan, music by Jason Howland and lyrics by Nathan Tysen.

This production is a musical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, set in the Roaring Twenties, which is still read in high schools all over the country.

Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada had solid chemistry together as Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan respectively, and their rapport allows for more resonance. Jordan’s rich, rumbling vocals were resonant and reminiscent of such vocalists as Josh Groban meets Ryan Vasquez.

Noblezada allowed her crystalline soprano voice shine throughout the show. Samantha Pauly is sassy and spunky as Jordan Baker, and she nails her musical numbers.

Noah J. Ricketts was memorable as Nick Carraway while John Zdrojeski did decent in the role of Tom Buchanan. Everyone in the cast did a fine job with the material that they had.

The only downside was that although it was a little over two a half hours in duration, it felt like it was a lot longer; several of the musical numbers could have been trimmed down a bit in duration (or could have been excluded entirely); moreover, in several instances, it didn’t fully capture the heart and essence of the book by F. Scott Fitzgerald, yet this musical is still memorable in its own distinct way.

The Verdict

Overall, “The Great Gatsby” was a lavish and entertaining new Broadway musical. It was a different type of musical adaptation than one would expect, but it worked as a whole and it is worth checking out.

The costumes and the set design was able to transport viewers back to the 1920’s. “The Great Gatsby” on Broadway garners four out of five stars.

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Film is a medium that reaches the masses through the power of plot, performance, and especially visuals. Crafting immersive worlds as a director of photography, Shady Hanna’s innovative perspective and creative approach elevate the world of cinematography. Hanna’s journey from the streets of Cairo, Egypt, to the film community in Toronto, Canada, has infused each of his projects with a distinguished sense of depth and authenticity as he continues to prove his prowess in image-making. 

Hanna’s love for storytelling has been apparent since his childhood. Mesmerized by the enchantment of cinema, he pursued a career in film production. The visual visionary obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from York University intending to become a director of photography. Those studies cemented his passion for filmmaking and paved the way for his current success in the field.

Throughout his career, Hanna’s work has been recognized at festivals such as TIFF, VIFF, and BFI. Projects like Swan Song, a documentary offering an insider’s view of the National Ballet of Canada, exemplify Hanna’s talent for capturing unique experiences and reflections of humanity with palpable sincerity. Through compelling narratives and captivating visuals, Hanna establishes connections with viewers that evoke stirring and memorable emotions.

Apart from his contributions to filmmaking, Hanna has also instilled his creative vision into projects featured at major events like the Super Bowl. He has received acclaimed recognition for his commitment to pushing the boundaries of storytelling through technology and immersive visual aesthetics with nominations from organizations like the Canadian Society of Cinematographers and accolades from film festivals such as the Brooklyn Film Festival and the Telly Awards.

Hanna’s belief in collaboration lies at the core of his approach to filmmaking. Understanding that filmmaking is a team effort, he values the viewpoints and skills that each member of the production team brings. Fostering an environment of communication and mutual respect, he establishes a space where creativity can freely thrive. Despite facing obstacles like budget limitations and tight schedules, Hanna remains devoted to innovation and teamwork. He approaches each project with care and attention to detail, finding solutions to deliver top-notch work while skillfully working within constraints to ensure the crew’s vision is brought to life.

Hanna’s upbringing in Cairo, Egypt, has deeply influenced his perspective. Surrounded by an environment brimming with culture, he honed his ability to appreciate the nuances of human experiences. That deep immersion in culture constantly inspires him, adding richness and genuineness to his film creations. As a Director of Photography, Hanna champions visual storytelling’s ability to stir raw emotions, ignite conversations, and drive change. Through his camera lens, he strives to effectively capture timeless truths and relatable experiences and pull audiences into inventive worlds.

Overcoming challenges like translating directors’ visions into realities and balancing expression with practical considerations, Hanna remains dedicated to upholding integrity and delivering quality results. Along his path, Hanna has gleaned insights that have influenced his principles and personal and professional development. He valiantly advocates for collaboration and leadership and emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusivity to amplify often unheard voices in storytelling.

Having laid the groundwork for an illustrious career, Shady Hanna envisions a future focused on pushing boundaries even further in feature films and high-profile commercials. His goal is to partner with visionary directors to create captivating pieces that resonate with audiences on a global scale. Fueled by his creativity, enthusiasm, and perseverance, the enthralling cinematographer is on pace to redefine the standards of storytelling and become a filmmaker to remember.

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The cast includes Joel Smallbone, Daisy Betts, Kirrilee Berger, Lucas Black, and Jonathan Jackson, among others. Bure played the role of Kay Albright. This film will be released in theaters nationwide on Friday, April 26 via Lionsgate.

Synopsis of ‘Unsung Hero’ film

“Unsung Hero” is based on a true story. It follows David Smallbone as he moves his family from Down Under to the States, searching for a brighter future after his successful music company collapses.

With nothing more than their seven children, suitcases, and their love of music, David (played by Joel Smallbone) and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives.

Helen’s faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs.

With their own dreams on hold, David and Helen begin to realize the musical prowess in their children, who would go on to become two of the most successful acts in inspirational music history: five-time Grammy award-winning artists for King & Country and Rebecca St. James.

Playing Kay Albright

On portraying Kay Albright, Bure said, “My character, Kay, helped change the world in that she loved her community, and she loved her friends.”

“Kay was so giving, and she had such a great heart. Kay was really an answer to prayer. I think we all need to be more like Kay,” Bure added.

Experience working and producing this movie

“It has been incredible,” she said about being a part of this movie. “I am so proud of this movie, and I am proud to be a part of it. I executive produced it and my company, Candy Rock Entertainment, helped produce it. Getting to be in it and getting to play Kay Albright in it was the cherry on top.”

“This film is the incredible true story of the Smallbone family, I’ve been a big fan of their music for so long, and I became friends with them about eight years ago when they performed live on ‘The View,’ while I was co-hosting, and I formed a friendship with them,” she said.

“Over the years, I never knew their origin story of how they came from Australia to America, and they had lost everything and had to start from scratch and rebuilding their family.”

Closing thoughts on ‘Unsung Hero’ film

“This movie is an incredible story of hope, miracles, and adventure,” Bure said. “It is a wonderful family movie, and I hope that people run to the theaters to watch it and support it because there is a character in there for everyone. It is so relatable on so many different aspects and I am just proud to be a part of it,” she elaborated.

“I hope people walk away wanting to be changed to be a better mom, dad, friend, son and daughter,” she said.

In addition, Bure serves as the Chief Creative Officer (CCO) of the Great American Family network. She is also a lead actress and executive producer on many of the films. Most recently, she served as executive producer for “Just in Time.”

To learn more about actress and filmmaker Candace Cameron Bure, follow her on Instagram.

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Walker plays Tom Schultz opposite Nikki DeLoach, who portrays Goldy Berry. Paul Ziller directed from a screenplay by Julie Kim and Kariné Marwood. “The whole cast and I are a family at this point,” he acknowledged.

“Each time I work with Nikki DeLoach, it is like being reunited with my on-camera wife, and it never gets old,” he said. “Nikki is just amazing and such a giving actress and person.”

‘Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans’

“We are four movies in, and from the first movie we felt like we already knew each other. We’ve really formed a family with the cast and the crew. It is nice to trust and to be trusted, and have a great relationship with everybody,” he said.

The synopsis is: When Goldy Berry’s Medieval feast at Hyde Castle gets interrupted by a murder, she teams up with Detective Shultz to solve the mystery before the murderer strikes again.

“I am very excited for this film,” Walker said. “It takes place in a masquerade ball where a couple of murders happen at this costume party. We are all snowed in.”

“I think it’s going to be one of the best ‘Curious Caterer’ installments yet that we’ve had,” he exclaimed.

“There has been no mystery wheel that has taken place in a castle before, this is the same castle where they shot X-Men in. This film is about fathers and songs coming together.”

“It showcases the relationship between a father and a son and how much that can fracture a relationship or allow somebody to blossom. It also deals with guys in their 30s facing their father issues, and that’s a beautiful side story to this movie. There are two fathers that are introduced in this movie,” he foreshadowed.

Christmas Con

Walker also recalled being a part of Christmas Con in New Jersey this past winter. “It was great. It is always awesome and it’s a whirlwind. Amidst the chaos, you slow it down a little bit,” he said.

“I try to have moments with people, I don’t want to rush them through, and I don’t want to make anyone feel like they are just a number. Everyone there waited so long to see me,” he added.

For his fans, Walker remarked about the new “Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans” film, “We are back at it again with another mystery. When we tell you that it’s going to be a ‘historical night,’ you better believe it.”

“This is the biggest escape movie that I’ve ever done, and I want people to be taken away and wowed by the scenery and costumes. I just want people to enjoy the ride, and be taken on this journey with us,” he concluded.

To learn more about Andrew Walker, follow him on Instagram.

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