As a seasoned movie buff with a penchant for pop culture and a soft spot for Christmas-themed productions, I must say that “A Nonsense Christmas With Sabrina Carpenter” has undeniably become one of my favorite holiday specials this year. The collaboration between Sabrina and Chappell was nothing short of magical – like a modern-day version of BFF duets straight out of an ’80s high school musical.
During the festive season, having a Netflix subscription is always a delight due to the numerous Christmas movies available on their platform. However, this year, we were treated to an additional treat with “A Nonsense Christmas With Sabrina Carpenter“. In a year where Carpenter has excelled in the music charts, it was heartwarming to see her collaborate with this season’s other rising pop star, Chappell Roan, for an amazing performance of “Last Christmas”.
How did these two wind up in fur coats performing a karaoke number in front of an antique TV? TopMob interviewed Jason Sherwood, the production designer for this special, about how the scene reminiscent of “Last Christmas” was created, and it’s clear that some memorable decisions were made. According to Sherwood:
When Chappell was confirmed and it became clear that ‘Last Christmas’ would be the chosen song, there was a discussion about how to make the performance feel less formal. We had this impressive staircase that we usually used for the grand finale. Initially, before knowing the song or their specific preferences, our thinking was along the lines of, “Ah, this is the highly anticipated duet, let’s perform it on the grand staircase.
Initially, Sabrina and Chappell’s duet was planned as a grand spectacle on a large, multi-tiered stage that took the crew two weeks to build. This stage was later used for the opening and closing numbers. However, when they collaborated, they opted for a more personal interpretation of George Michael’s timeless Christmas song. As Sherwood explained further:
Later on, Sabrina and Chappell expressed their desire for a more laid-back setting, something less formal where they could enjoy themselves, interact, and simply hang out as friends. The concept of karaoke was also floated. So, we proposed transforming the immaculate holiday-themed house set often seen into a post-party mess, giving an impression of a lively gathering or home party.
Previously responsible for the production design at the 2020 Oscars, RENT Live, and shows featuring the Spice Girls, Sara Bareilles, and Sam Smith, Sherwood was approached for A Nonsense Christmas project. This came at a time when Carpenter’s Grammy-nominated album and global tour were about to take off. Given his extensive background, he had the ideal expertise to handle this transition smoothly and effectively.
Following the request to alter their initial approach, the scene between Sabrina and Chappell became even more delightful. It unfolded within the Friends-inspired lounge created by Sherwood specifically for this special occasion, yet in a unique setting tailored exclusively for the song. As described by the production designer himself:
This experience has a touch of Euphoria mixed with an ’80s prom vibe. It evokes that typical suburban Americana ambiance – with solo cups strewn about. They excitedly shared their plan, “We’ll walk down the stairs in our glamorous ’80s dresses and perform karaoke!” We created a lyric video for the song in an eight-bit style and played it on a vintage TV. We even secured corded microphones, and as we were putting everything together, we couldn’t help but hope that people would enjoy this creation as much as we do because we certainly do!
Without a doubt, these two could’ve nailed a power ballad duet, yet there’s an endearing and memorable charm to them singing karaoke together, set against a more melancholic backdrop of a love song about heartbreak. While we were aware that Carpenter can pull off the rocker look and Chappell Roan enjoys incorporating references in her fashion, this change of direction truly showcases the nostalgic bond and camaraderie between these popular musicians. Sherwood also commented:
We thought it was such a fun moment in the show, and really sort of spoke to their personalities and also their dynamic. We did a handful of takes and each time was just sort of them improvising and having a good time together. And it was really fun to make. I think it’s probably my favorite number in the special.
The humorous Christmas special titled “A Nonsense Christmas With Sabrina Carpenter” was filmed over a span of three summer days. It features an array of talented musical guests, including Shania Twain, Tyla, Kali Uchis, as well as Cara Delevingne, Jillian Bell, Megan Stalter, Nico Hiraga, Quinta Brunson, and Kyle Mooney in the sketch segments. Don’t miss out on admiring the impressive production design work by Sherwood showcased in this Netflix special.
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2024-12-22 02:37