Princess Violet of Wingravia must complete a tough leadership boot camp in Colorado or risk losing her throne to her uncle.
Usually, when I see a Hallmark holiday films has Prince or Princess in the title, I skip them. Although there are a few I've enjoyed, most of the Royalty focused films are cringe worthy. Yes, I know, most Hallmark movies could be considered cringe worthy, but the majestic movies more than most...
Although they may hire a few English actors to play the parents of the prince or princess, or for a supporting role, the leads are usually American or Canadian actors struggling with their accents. They also often include royals from obscure or made up countries, just to ensure viewers can never really pin-point where that strange accent comes from.
When I saw Private Princess Christmas on the guide, I almost skipped it. Reading the description didn't help. What made me press 'record' on my DVR was noticing the male lead was played by actor Derek Klena. I only discovered Klena few months ago when I was researching the many actors I featured in my feast of Fiyeros from Wicked. (HERE:) Klena played Fiyero on Broadway from May through December back in 2013.
Since first seeing his beautiful face, and hearing his beautiful voice, I'm been going down the Youtube rabbit hole of his past performances. There are many great videos featuring Derek from his turns in Wicked, Moulin Rouge, Anastasia, Jagged Little Pill and more. I especially loved his turn as Joe in Sunset Boulevard. (see below)
In addition to his many roles on stage, Klena also appeared a semi-regular on television shows including; Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, The Code, City on a Hill and Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin. Klena also appeared in episodes of; Law & Order, The Carrie Diaries, Blue Bloods and Quantico.
I do have to admit, I didn't exactly love Private Princess Christmas, it had so many of the regal annoyances I often find in Hallmark's representations of royals. I did enjoy watching Klena though an his turn as Captain Ryan Douglass. Like the many cadets he was whipping into shape, I had to obey his orders and watch the entire thing.
Derek Klena as Joe Gillis
Sunset Boulevard
Sunset Boulevard
Kennedy Center, 2023
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