Vegas Headliner Stephen Sorrentino and Victoria Rowell Have "A Rich Christmas!" Read More Here -->>
Las Vegas headliner Stephen Sorrentino has an impressive list of titles associated with his name. The actor, comedian, impressionist, and singer brings his incredible talent to any project he is part of.
His latest film, A Rich Christmas, is set to premiere this holiday season on BET+. The movie, which is directed by Victoria Rowell (The Young and the Restless, The Rich and the Ruthless), tells the story of a spoiled and ungrateful socialite who learns a valuable lesson one Christmas after her mega-rich father forces her to work at the first property he ever owned – a family homeless center.
Check out what Sorrentino had to say about the project below:
Soap Opera News: You co-star alongside an all-star cast in "A Rich Christmas" -- please tell us about the role.
Sorrentino: I was happy to get a call from actress Lin Tucci from "Orange Is the New Black" telling me about casting for an English butler role for a movie filming in Washington DC. I had just played several parts in the Broadway musical "Annie" with Sally Struthers, and one of the parts that I enjoyed was "Drake," the English butler.
It was very much the same type of role, and I quickly put myself on tape and sent it to the Casting Director. Within 24 hours, I got the part of "Henley" in “A Rich Christmas."
I was excited to learn that I had worked with or had connections to some of the cast members: in 1998, I appeared in the TV series "7 Days" with Blair Underwood and Denise Boutte, and I shared talent management. Of course, I enjoy being a smart ass anytime I have a chance -- with a British accent is icing on the cake!
Soap Opera News: Tell us about your experience filming under the direction of Daytime Queen Victoria Rowell.
Sorrentino: I received limited information on who was directing or producing the film before showing up on-set. Upon arrival, I was immediately overwhelmed by the confidence and structure of our work environment. The beautiful mature woman wearing two masks was calling the shots with a muffled voice and piercing, wise eyes. I have been in show business for the better part of my life, and you can tell when somebody is experienced and has a demonstratable body of work -- I had similar feelings working with Debbie Reynolds, Jerry Lewis, and other iconic legends. This set was a dream. Victoria Rowell knew precisely what she wanted from me, where I was supposed to be, where I was to look, and so on. Before I began, she said, “my darling, you ARE this character! Just do what you do!” I didn’t mean any other direction. I felt like I was being guided by this magical force. On the way back to the hotel, we had a pleasant conversation about the lack of stress on the set and how calm and orderly her style was. She said, “I tried running it the other way, but it just doesn’t work.”
Victoria shared that when she saw my audition tape, I was cast immediately because of my character development and I had the confidence to improve within the character. For me, that is such a fantastic compliment from such an amazing lady.
Soap Opera News: Speaking of Christmas, how do you think that Holiday 2021 will differ from last season?
Sorrentino: I would like to say that things will be back to normal this year, but I’m afraid that’s not the case. However, with the better part of the population being vaccinated and many of us having the booster shot, things will feel a little bit more like the classic holidays that we love. Christmas is always such a special time of year because it brings back those beautiful memories of childhood, family, and the happiness of being together. I think this year will be a heck of a lot closer to what it used to be -- fingers crossed.
Soap Opera News: How do you spend the holidays?
Sorrentino: On-stage. This year, I will be on the road for most of the holiday season performing in Las Vegas, and at Foxwoods Hotel and Casino in Connecticut. I will make the trip back to my ranch in rural Virginia to be home for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with my family, including my 85-year-old father, spouse, dog, “Mr. Bones,” and sister and her family. We will spend an old-fashioned Christmas together, opening presents by the fireplace and enjoying wonderful food, and making music. My home in Virginia is called “The Whisper Hill," because of its quiet 50-acre lakefront surroundings in the country. Throughout Winter, it’s a storybook type of scene from a children’s book and we decorate to reflect Christmas times of old. It is my favorite time of year there.
Soap Opera News: We recently saw your starring turn as “Sunny” — tell us more about that film?
Sorrentino: A Tale of Redemption and Regret With Sunny the Heat is a story of a South Philadelphia wise guy who is past his prime but refuses to let the old days go.
When I read the script, I wanted to do the movie immediately because I think anybody over 40 can identify with staying relevant in an ever-evolving world. We all need to change with the times, and as we do, we watch those who don’t change end up losing touch and falling by the wayside. It’s an amusing, touching romp in the life of Sunny. I’m delighted to see this film winning awards around the world. Aside from playing the lead character, I’m also an Executive Producer and composed an early '60s style song for the film. Also, we are currently developing a series around "Sunny" -- ironically, he has yet to stream any of his favorite TV shows.
Soap Opera News: If you could be on a Daytime soap currently on-air, which would it be?
Sorrentino: Book me on the next flight to Port Charles! Carolyn Hennesy as "Diane Miller" and Kathleen Gati as "Liesl Obrecht" are Master Classes in Daytime drama.
Soap Opera News: What are your social accounts for fans to send holiday greetings (there are no Scrooges among Daytime fans)?
Sorrentino: I would absolutely love to receive holiday greetings -- any time of the year!
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