REVIEW: The Hallmark Sequel "Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up" Is as Silly as the First One

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Emily and Jared are looking forward to celebrating the holidays together as a couple, and they prepare to work with their neighbors on Evergreen Lane to make this year's Christmas celebrations the best yet.  When a house on the block goes up for sale, the soon-to-be-neighbors are holiday royalty, but they are so competitive that they nearly ruin Christmas for everyone. Starring:   Lacey Chabert, Wes Brown, Stephen Tobolowsky, Ellen Travolta, Melissa Peterman, Seth Morris, and Jennifer Aspen Image:  Hallmark Media Haul Out the Holly:  Lit Up Has a Moral When the residents of Evergreen Lane learn that their new neighbors are the Jolly Johnsons--famous holiday reality stars--they are thrilled to welcome them to the block.  Everyone assumes the Johnsons will fit right in since they share their same affinity for elf culture. Emily, Jared, and the rest of the holiday crew quickly realize that the Johnsons aren't interested in joining in on the fun--they plan to take over. Image:  Tw
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What Did You Think of Lucia Micarelli in Hallmark's "The Christmas Bow?"

Starring:  Lucia Micarelli and Michael Rady

Released:  2020

Summary: A promising musician's dream is put on hold by an accident, but she reconnects with an old family friend while recovering at home during the Christmas holiday.

Image:  Crown Media

Lucia Micarelli Is An Actual Violinist

Before Jerry Seinfeld moved from stand-up comedy to the iconic sitcom, there were doubts whether a comedian could act.  Critics expected the show to flop.  Instead, it ran for nine seasons.

Similarly, you may have been skeptical that a violinist with little acting experience could do justice to a Hallmark movie, but Lucia Micarelli pulled it off and held her own.  

From the age of three, Micarelli was practicing dance, piano, and violin.  At age eleven, she was accepted into the prestigious pre-college division of Juilliard before switching to the Manhattan School of Music at age seventeen.


Her musical talents brought great opportunities:

  • She once toured with the Trans-Siberian orchestra as a featured violinist and concert master.
  • She was a soloist in two of Josh Groban's world tours.
  • Not only did she tour with Chris Botti, but she also was featured in his PBS special.
  • In 2013, she was part of Barbara Streisand's international tour.
  • She has released two solo albums.
  • Currently, her own PBS special is airing throughout the U.S.

In addition to her music virtuosity, she has dabbled with acting.  She played "Annie" for four seasons on the HBO series, Treme, a drama about the life or New Orleans residents trying to rebuild their lives after Hurricane Katrina.  

Micarelli has contributed her violin expertise to TV and film productions too, including Frozen II, Cars 3, The Mandalorian, and so many more.

Here's Micarelli in concert with Botti performing Emmanuel--a song that has earned them over 12 million views!

​

Micarelli Injured Her Hand In Real-Life

In A Christmas Bow, Micarelli plays Kate Malone, a violinist vying for a spot with the Rocky Mountain Philharmonic.  When a door closes on her hand, it causes serious damage.  The violin is Kate's life, and she fears she won't be able to continue playing at the same level.  With the help of Dr. Burk and the physical therapy provided by Patrick Walsh (Michael Rady), she eventually recovers.  A year later, she nails her audition for the Philharmonic, so the viewer can assume she will be offered the spot once more.

Micarelli shared with Esquire that one Fourth of July, she cut her left hand open and severed nerves after tripping and falling on a wine glass.  Just like her character "Kate," she feared she would not be able to play again.  The incident necessitated surgery and months of rehabilitation.  Even though her muscles completely healed, she did lose some sense of touch.


AfterBuzzTV reported when Micarelli read the script for A Christmas Bow, she said she got goosebumps.

"I don't know if it was written based off of me, but certainly the parallel was uncanny," she said.

If you love listening to the violin, here are Micarelli's two solo CD's.

     

Micarelli Married A Violinist

Micarelli was born in Queens in 1983, so it made sense for her base to remain in New York as she toured the world.  Friends encouraged her to visit Los Angeles though, so she sublet a place there to give it a try.  She was enthralled by all the talented and creative people she met in the city, many doing outside the box type of musical things, so she kept extending her stay.

Eventually, she met her husband, Neel Hammond, who was also a violinist, so L.A. became her home.  The couple married in 2011 in California's Renegade Forest.

If you were wondering how Micarelli acquired that exotic look, it's because her mother is Korean, and her father is Italian.

In 2011, Micarelli married fellow violinist, Neel Hammond.  Image:  Michelle Pullman

Share Your Thoughts On Lucia Micarelli's Acting

Pairing Micarelli with Michael Rady was a smart move.  Rady never disappoints and can provide cover for less experienced co-stars.  

Still, Micarelli seemed quite capable of expressing her creative and artistic side in this tailor-made Hallmark movie that reflects so much of her own musical journey.

What do you think?  Take the poll below to share your opinion!

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