Ritesh Sharma
Helmed by Marco Deufemia, Hallmark’s ‘Hearts Around the Table: Shari’s Second Act’ is a romance drama that follows Shari, who returns to Washington, D.C., after a breakup, hoping to reignite her passion for painting. As she searches for inspiration, she crosses paths with Evan, a repairman who is secretly a gallery owner. Their unexpected connection sparks a journey of self-discovery, creativity, and new beginnings.
Part of the ‘Hearts Around the Table’ collection (originally called ‘The Hearts of Robin Lane’), this heartfelt drama explores themes of second chances, personal growth, and the power of art to heal. Set against a charming backdrop, the story weaves together romance, ambition, and the courage to embrace change. As Shari rediscovers her artistic voice, she must decide whether to open her heart to new possibilities. With warm storytelling and a celebration of creativity, ‘Hearts Around the Table: Shari’s Second Act’ captures the beauty of finding love and purpose in unexpected places.
Where was Hearts Around the Table: Shari’s Second Act Filmed?
Much like the other films in the collection, ‘Hearts Around the Table: Shari’s Second Act’ was also filmed in Ontario despite being set in Washington, D.C. The production team made use of scenic locations such as Georgian Bay, Newmarket, and Orillia. Filming took place from August 2024 to November 24, 2024, following the typical schedule for Hallmark productions.
Georgian Bay, Ontario
Several key outdoor sequences in ‘Hearts Around the Table: Shari’s Second Act’ were filmed in Georgian Bay, located in southeastern Ontario. The area’s waterfront and natural landscapes were likely used to replicate scenic views of Washington, D.C. Production crews set up along the shoreline to capture establishing shots, while local businesses and parks provided backdrops for various scenes.
Newmarket, Ontario
Newmarket served as the primary location for urban and indoor scenes. Downtown streets were possibly modified to resemble D.C., with storefronts and signage adjusted accordingly. A local art gallery was potentially used as a key filming site, doubling as the gallery owned by Evan in the movie. Additional filming took place in residential areas, where selected homes and cafés were possibly transformed into settings that matched the film’s aesthetic.
Orillia, Ontario
Orillia, located in central Ontario, Canada, also served as a filming location for ‘Hearts Around the Table: Shari’s Second Act.’ The charming streets and scenic surroundings provided the perfect backdrop for key outdoor scenes. Filming seemingly took place in select public areas and local businesses, contributing to the film’s warm and inviting atmosphere. Orillia’s blend of small-town charm and vibrant community spaces helped bring the movie’s setting to life, complementing the visuals captured in Georgian Bay and Newmarket.
Ontario has been a popular filming destination for numerous Hallmark productions and other major films. Movies like ‘The Holiday Sitter,’ ‘A Royal Christmas,’ and ‘The Perfect Pairing’ were also shot in Newmarket and Georgian Bay. Beyond Hallmark, Ontario has doubled for various other cities in films like ‘Good Will Hunting,’ ‘X-Men,’ and ‘The Shape of Water,’ showcasing its versatility in bringing diverse stories to life.
Other Locations in Ontario
‘Hearts Around the Corner: Shari’s Second Act’ was also filmed across several picturesque towns in Ontario, each lending its own charm to the Hallmark movie’s heartwarming narrative. Barrie, located on the western shore of Lake Simcoe, provided scenic waterfront views and cozy downtown streets perfect for romantic strolls. Midland, situated in the southern Georgian Bay area, offered its quaint harbor and historic murals that added a nostalgic touch to the film’s setting. The Hallmark movie was also filmed in Mulmur, a quiet township nestled in the rolling hills of Dufferin County, where the countryside lent itself beautifully to reflective, soul-searching moments.
Penetanguishene, located at the tip of Penetang Bay, enriched the movie with its vibrant marina and French-Canadian heritage. Meanwhile, Alliston, located within the town of New Tecumseth, brought in its small-town warmth and charming local businesses that helped ground the story in authenticity. The mix of lakefront beauty, rural serenity, and intimate community settings in these locations helped create the heartfelt, second-chance atmosphere that defines Shari’s journey.
Hearts Around the Table: Shari’s Second Act Cast Details
‘Hearts Around the Table: Shari’s Second Act’ features a talented cast led by Mishael Morgan, an acclaimed actress known for her strong screen presence and emotional depth. With years of experience in film and television, she brings a compelling performance to the story. Brendan Morgan stars alongside her, adding charm and natural charisma to the film. He has been a familiar face in romantic dramas and continues to captivate audiences with his engaging performances.
Mishael Morgan as Shari Adams
Mishael Morgan stars as Shari Adams in the film. An accomplished actress, she won a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Performance as Amanda Sinclair in ‘The Young and the Restless,’ becoming the first Black actress to do so. Her notable credits include ‘Total Recall’ as Rekall Receptionist, ‘Sway’ as Lisa, and ‘Family Biz’ as Tracy Dupont-Roymont, along with roles in ‘Dark Rising: Warrior of Worlds,’ ‘Backpackers,’ ‘Republic of Doyle,’ and ‘The Best Years.’
Brendan Morgan as Evan James
Brendan Morgan plays Evan James in the film, a repairman whose fate changes completely. A versatile actor, he is known for ‘F*** Marry Kill’ as Mitch, ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ as Commander Elijah Vance, ‘Meet Me Next Christmas’ as Tanner, and ‘The Big Cigar’ as Larry. His other credits include ‘Saint-Pierre,’ ‘A Season to Remember,’ ‘The Jane Mysteries: Too Much to Lose,’ and ‘Christmas with a Kiss.’
The remaining cast members include Mindy Cohn, who plays Angie Hartman; Ashley Newbrough takes on the role of Jenna Whitaker; and Jake Epstein plays Josh Adler. Kathryn Davis appears as Kiki Mercer, and Darlene Cooke portrays Lindsay James. Gage Arbuthnot joins as Kyle, with Brian Cook as the Auctioneer. Eddie Bizarria plays Mr. Berardi, and Nathaniel Stephenson takes on the role of David. Maya Camastro stars as Sasha, Nicolas Grimes as Harley, and Justice James round out the cast as Rory Nelson.
Read More: Hearts Around the Table: Jenna’s First Love: Filming Locations and Cast Details
