Twas the Night Before Christmas

Madison Rush arrives in Troy, New York, to direct a play written by her friend Hayley that explores whether Clement Clarke Moore or Henry Livingston Jr. truly authored the famous Christmas poem. Madison, once a child star known for the catchphrase 'Great googly!', is desperate to be taken seriously as a director. She is joined by her former co-star Connor Avery, who plays the defense attorney for Moore. The production is funded by Jefferson, a producer who insists on casting his talentless girlfriend, Lena, in the lead role. Madison and Connor, who have a pact never to date actors, find themselves growing closer as they research the historical case at the local library. The production takes a turn for the surreal when a man claiming to be the 'genuine article' Major Henry Livingston Jr. appears and joins the cast, followed later by an equally convincing Clement Clarke Moore; both men seem to possess knowledge and mannerisms that suggest they are the actual historical figures. To help the struggling Lena, Madison teaches her a mnemonic technique using gingerbread houses to memorize her legal arguments. However, just before the premiere, Lena lands a major film role in New Zealand and quits. With the play in jeopardy and a Broadway producer in the audience, Madison is forced to take over the lead role herself. During the performance, the mysterious actors playing Livingston and Moore deliver profound, unscripted testimonies that challenge the audience's perception of truth and legacy. The play concludes with a deadlocked jury, mirroring the real-world historical ambiguity. Following the success of the show, Madison is offered future directing opportunities, and Connor reveals he plans to move to New York to finally pursue a law career. Realizing they no longer have to worry about the 'no dating actors' rule, Madison and Connor share a romantic kiss as they look forward to a future together.