James Denton, the talented actor known for his roles in various Hallmark movies, has once again joined forces with the network for a musical treat. Denton, who recently bid farewell to his long-running character on Hallmark’s “Good Witch,” is now headlining the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries film “Perfect Harmony.” In this movie, Denton takes on the role of Jack Chandeller, a former pop star whose claim to fame was the catchy yet peculiarly titled hit song, “Ooh Wee Ooh,” released over a decade ago.
The storyline of “Perfect Harmony” revolves around Jack’s best friend, Simon (played by Peter Benson), who is about to tie the knot and requests Jack to be his Best Man. However, things take an interesting turn when the Maid of Honor turns out to be Barrett Woodward (portrayed by Sherri Saum), a poetry professor with a contrasting outlook on life compared to Jack’s laid-back approach. As the plot unfolds, it becomes evident that both Jack and Barrett are grappling with personal challenges, such as Jack’s grief over losing his wife to cancer and Barrett’s reluctance to publish her original poetry. Amidst these struggles, their potential romance is nurtured by Jack’s son, Teddy, who is played by Denton’s real-life son, Sheppard Denton, and coincidentally happens to be Barrett’s student.
“Perfect Harmony” marks Denton’s third collaboration with Hallmark. In 2015, he starred in “For Love and Honor,” which also featured Sheppard Denton, and in November of the previous year, he reunited with his former “Desperate Housewives” co-star Teri Hatcher for “A Kiss Before Christmas.” Adding to the allure of the film, Denton and Saum showcase their musical talents by performing two original songs together, as well as a duet rendition of the timeless classics “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” and “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”
Reflecting on his experience, Denton expressed his enthusiasm for the project, sharing that the concept of a music-centered film was born out of a conversation with his co-producer, Jonathan Eskenas. As a producer on “Perfect Harmony,” Denton had the opportunity to be involved in various aspects of the production, allowing him to experience a new level of creative fulfillment. Notably, Denton appreciates the chance to provide input during post-production, ensuring that the final product accurately captures his artistic vision.
One of the highlights of “Perfect Harmony” is the on-screen collaboration between James Denton and his son, Sheppard. Denton explained that they wrote the role of Jack’s son specifically for Sheppard, emphasizing his admiration for Sheppard’s acting skills. The father-son duo had a memorable time working together on set, forming a strong bond and enjoying the experience to the fullest. Denton expressed his gratitude to Hallmark for trusting his decision to cast Sheppard without an audition, recognizing his son’s exceptional talent.
In addition to the captivating performances, Denton praised his co-star Sherri Saum, remarking on her grounded and heartfelt portrayal of Barrett. He commended her regal qualities, admitting that he falls in love with her character every time he watches the movie. The mature and relatable nature of the characters’ relationship in “Perfect Harmony” adds depth to the story, allowing viewers to witness their personal growth and navigate themes of self-doubt and insecurities.
While Denton hopes that audiences will find different takeaways from the film, he specifically highlights the power of apologizing as a significant lesson conveyed by the characters’ journeys. Furthermore, Denton humbly admitted that although he doesn’t consider himself a professional singer, he was able to lend his voice to the movie thanks to the assistance of pitch correction technology. Despite this, he emphasized the authenticity of their performances by recording their singing before the filming process and only slightly enhancing the final product.
“Perfect Harmony” delves into deeper emotional territory compared to many other Hallmark movies, finding its home on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries channel. Denton acknowledged that the film explores themes that may elicit more profound feelings in viewers, thanks to the channel’s willingness to take a slightly more introspective approach. The inclusion of certain scenes that tackle sensitive topics, such as the scene where Denton’s character’s son confronts him, showcases the creative freedom that Denton and the team had while making the movie.
As “Perfect Harmony” concludes with a happy ending, Denton expressed his enthusiasm for the possibility of a sequel, hinting at the chemistry between him and Sherri Saum and the potential for further development of their characters’ story. While nothing is set in stone, Denton remains optimistic and engaged in ongoing conversations with the network about the potential continuation of the narrative.
Looking ahead, Denton shared that Hallmark has approached him about an upcoming movie centered around empty nesters, set to go into production in the spring. Denton will not only star in this film but also serve as a producer alongside Jonathan Eskenas, showcasing his commitment to expanding his involvement behind the scenes.
As James Denton continues to captivate audiences with his versatile acting skills and musical talents, fans eagerly anticipate his future projects, eagerly awaiting the announcement of new ventures that will further enrich the world of Hallmark movies.