Ladies of the '80s: A Divas Christmas is a 2023 American Christmas comedy television film directed by Christie Will Wolf, written by James Berg and Stan Zimmerman, and executive-produced by Larry A. Thompson. It stars Loni Anderson, Morgan Fairchild, Linda Gray, Donna Mills and Nicollette Sheridan as five glamorous soap opera divas as they reunite to shoot the final Christmas episode of their long-running former (fictional) series, The Great Lakes.[2] The supporting cast includes Travis Burns and Taylor Ann Thompson as producer and soap director, Christopher Atkins, Patrika Darbo, Alec Mapa and Donna Mills' daughter, Chloe Mills.
| Ladies of the '80s: A Divas Christmas | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Written by | |
| Directed by | Christie Will Wolf |
| Starring | |
| Music by | Steve Dorff |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Executive producer | Larry A. Thompson |
| Producers |
|
| Cinematography | Robert Hayes |
| Editor | Misty Talley |
| Running time | 85 minutes |
| Production companies |
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| Original release | |
| Network | Lifetime |
| Release | December 2, 2023[1] |
It premiered on Lifetime as a part of It’s a Wonderful Lifetime holiday movie slate on December 2, 2023.
Cast
edit- Loni Anderson as Lily Marlowe. Anderson played Jennifer Marlowe in the CBS sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati
- Morgan Fairchild as Margaux Roberts. A reference to her role of Jordan Roberts on the CBS prime time soap opera Falcon Crest
- Linda Gray as Lauren Ewing. Gray played Sue Ellen Ewing on Dallas
- Donna Mills as Dana Cunningham. Mills played Abby Cunningham on Knots Landing
- Nicollette Sheridan as Juliette Matheson. Sheridan played Paige Matheson on Knots Landing
- Travis Burns as Alex, the show' producer
- Taylor Ann Thompson as Nell, the show' director and Alex's college friend
- Christopher Atkins as Pete
- Patrika Darbo as Julie
- Alec Mapa as Jeffrey
- Chloe Mills as Dana's Daughter
- Scott Evans as Tommy Johnson
- Layne Herrin as Gary, Juliette's son[3]
- David Michael Lewin as Mover
- Andreer Henderson as P.A.
- Aimee La Joie as Worker
Production
editThe film was executive produced by Larry A. Thompson and written by James Berg and Stan Zimmerman. It was directed by Christie Will Wolf and filmed in Los Angeles in 2023.[4] Loni Anderson, Morgan Fairchild, Linda Gray, Donna Mills and Nicollette Sheridan was cast as a lead characters in the movie. Travis Burns, Taylor Ann Thompson, Christopher Atkins, Patrika Darbo, Alec Mapa and Chloe Mills round out the cast.[4][5] The film's theme song "Ladies of the 80's" was written by Steve Dorff and Michael Jay and is performed by 80's pop singer Tiffany.[4][6] First-look photos were released on October 3, 2023.[7][8][1] The official trailer was released on November 8, 2023.[9]
Mills and Sheridan worked together on Knots Landing and Fairchild and Sheridan were both in Paper Dolls.[10] Christopher Atkins appeared with Gray on Dallas.
Reception
editThe film received positive reviews from critics.[11][12] Jasmine Blu from TV Fanatic praised the performances and the production overall writing: "No one can quite deliver like veteran actresses, and there wasn't a single moment of this film that wasn't delightful."[13]
See also
edit- These Old Broads (2001) another made-for-television comedy film with a similar premise.
References
edit- ^ a b Boyle, Kelli (October 3, 2023). "'Ladies of the '80s' First-Look: Loni Anderson, Donna Mills & More Reunite for Soap-Themed Lifetime Holiday Movie (PHOTOS)". TV Insider. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
- ^ Wang, K.L. Connie (October 4, 2023). "Meet the Stars of Lifetime's 'Ladies of the '80s: A Divas Christmas'". Parade. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
- ^ "Start your Christmas holiday season off this year with a cleverly written script by @zimmermanstan , directed by @christiewillwolf and produced by @larrythompsonorg . Starring the legendary, amazingly funny, and talented line up of ladies @nicollettesheridan @thedonnamills @morganfairchild1 @loniandersonfan @lindagray_ . Along with other wonderfully talented cast including @mrtravisburns @alecmapa @tayannthompson . It was an absolute pleasure to share the screen. Special shout out to the best screen mom I could ask for, @nicollettesheridan ! Be sure to mark your calendar for Dec 2nd when @lifetimetv unleashes this upon the world. Big thank you to my team for connecting all the dots 🫡 ❄️ 🤶 🎅 🎄 ⛄️". Instagram. November 15, 2023. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
- ^ a b c Rice, Lynette (October 3, 2023). "Lifetime To Air '80s Themed Holiday Movie With Loni Anderson, Morgan Fairchild, Linda Gray, Donna Mills & Nicollette Sheridan". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
- ^ Silver, Carly (October 4, 2023). "Primetime Soap Stars Sign on For Lifetime's Ladies of the '80s: A Divas Christmas". Daytime Confidential. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
- ^ "Breaking News - Legendary Actresses Loni Anderson, Morgan Fairchild, Linda Gray, Donna Mills and Nicollette Sheridan Join Together for "Ladies of the '80s: A Divas Christmas" for Lifetime's It's a Wonderful Lifetime Holiday Slate". The Futon Critic. October 3, 2023. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
- ^ Baldwin, Kristen (October 3, 2023). "Get a first look at Lifetime's 'Ladies of the '80s' Christmas movie". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
- ^ Mangalindan, JP (October 3, 2023). "See Lifetime's Ladies of the '80s Donna Mills, Loni Anderson, More Unite for A Divas Christmas (Exclusive)". People. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
- ^ Heldman, Breanne L.; Mangalindan, JP (November 8, 2023). "Watch 5 TV Legends Assemble in Lifetime's Ladies of the '80s Trailer: 'Fasten Your Facelifts' (Exclusive)". People. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
- ^ "Stars of 'Ladies of the '80s' talk revisiting soap genre in new film". Today. November 22, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
- ^ "Ladies of the 80's: A Divas Christmas - Lifetime Movie". TV Insider. December 2, 2023.
- ^ Barnert, Deanna (December 1, 2023). "'Ladies of the '80s: A Divas Christmas': Catch Up With Five Legendary Soap Stars in Lifetime's New Holiday Rom-Com".
- ^ Blu, Jasmine (December 3, 2023). "Ladies of the '80s: A Divas Christmas Review: Soap Icons, Sisterhood, and Sass Delivers Epic Fun That Invites A Sequel". TV Fanatic.