The UB Interview: ‘Mr. Santa’ Cast + Director Talk New Film

“Mr. Santa: A Christmas Extravaganza” hit theaters yesterday December 6th.

Starring comedic genius Tommy Davidson, Geoffrey Owens and featuring Wakeema Hollis.

“Mr. Santa: A Christmas Extravaganza” is the story of three child prodigies who work to put on a huge Christmas musical at their high school.

Fifteen year old seniors AJ, Keyara and Logan – the Jewish kid who loves Christmas– battle bullies and personal struggles to finally create “The Musical Christmas Extravaganza” in their last chance before graduation.

Their only supporter is their very pregnant teacher Mrs. Mackey. When her abrupt maternity leave puts the show in jeopardy, in comes Mr. Santa.

Santa Claus and his best elf Bernie show up to save the production. Santa has another agenda, if he can bring the rival kids together it will restore the fading spirit of Christmas.

“Mr. Santa The Musical Christmas Extravaganza” is full of music, dancing, hijinks and an overflow of Christmas spirit.

“Director’s Statement”

Ask any Director and their most important film is usually his/her next film. That may be true but I don’t know that I’ll change my mind in saying Mr. Santa: A Christmas Extravaganza is my favorite.

Writing this film with my daughter Kellen was a dream for me, seeing her words come to life and proudly appreciating how much better her voice made the script is an absolute honor. She helped the film meet it’s purpose and I don’t think I could have done it without her. My name is Noel, I think I was born to love Christmas and I do. I love the decorations, the music and mostly the movies. Most of my favorite Christmas movies are decades old.

I watch them every holiday season and I enjoy sharing them with younger people all the time. It’s a little disheartening when they don’t attach to the films the way I did. That’s when I realized, these are my movies, they need their own.

Mr. Santa is me accepting that challenge, the charge to create a timeless holiday film that the kids today will share with their kids tomorrow. My hope is that it stands the test of time but more importantly that it inspires someone in 10, 20 or 30 years to create their own classic Christmas film for the kids of that distant future the way my favorites inspired me.

Produced by Ten Media and Jay Stern, Yandy Smith and Kristi Kilday, directed by Noel Calloway. Written by daughter-father duo, Kellen Calloway and Noel Calloway who also serves as a producer.

The film and soundtrack features original Holiday music by Kenny Lattimore and Yandy Smith.

Tishelle from UB recently spoke to the talented Geoffrey Owens, Tommy Davidson and director/producer Noel Calloway about the new film “Mr. Santa: A Christmas Extravaganza.”

Noel shares with us why he wanted to bring this story to film, while Tommy tells us about his hilarious character in the film.

Geoffrey dishes on what he enjoyed most about filming with the cast and they all share why people should check out “Mr. Santa: A Christmas Extravaganza.”