Behind the Screens with Joshua Maloni

On Thursday night, “Rewinding Christmas” leads Mario Lopez and Taylor Kalupa were joined on set by another star.

Center Street.

Lewiston’s main thoroughfare served as the backdrop for a key “walk and talk” between the actors leading the Great American Media holiday feature.

Lopez and Kalupa – in character – strolled down Center Street and past Apple Granny Restaurant, Second Story Thrift Boutique, Carmelo’s Coat of Arms, Mastantuono Allstate and the Village Bake Shoppe.

Crews worked in front of Ashley’s Lingerie & Swimwear. Down the street, merchants including Deal Realty, Inspirations on Canvas and Viva Nostalgia were decorated for Christmas.

Across the street, people watched the actors film scenes from in front of Gallo Coal Fire Kitchen and the Brickyard Pub & BBQ.

In fact, the Brickyard crowd was loudly cheering in between takes – “Action”; “Cut”; “Mario! Mario! Mario!” Production crew members said they hadn’t encountered anything like that before, as they laughed and encouraged the onlookers. When filming wrapped for the evening, Lopez walked over to the Brickyard where he took one drink with fans, posed for a few photos, and received a brand-new hoodie.

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Video courtesy of Debbie Filosofos and family.

Grace Frosolone with “Rewinding Christmas” stars Mario Lopez and Taylor Kalupa. The Frosolone family and the Apple Granny Restaurant team welcomed extras to their Center Street restaurant. (Photos courtesy of Enrico Frosolone)

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Lopez and crew later had dinner at Casa Antica Italian Restaurant.

Earlier in the day, filming took place just off Center Street, inside The Point Church on Plain Street.

During the week, movie scenes were shot at 155 S. Fifth and 401 Plain streets.

Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce President Amanda Haseley said, “It was incredible to see Center Street filled with both local residents and visitors eager to watch the filming. The excitement throughout the village was contagious, and it was especially rewarding to see our local businesses not only featured in the movie but actively involved in the production. Having Mario Lopez and Tony Danza visit our businesses and share their experiences on social media created a level of exposure that simply can't be purchased.

“We're especially grateful that the production team chose to keep the village name as Lewiston and preserve the names of our local businesses, allowing audiences to experience the authentic character of our community. I truly believe that, when the movie is released, viewers from across the country will be inspired to visit Lewiston and see these locations for themselves.

“With networks like Great American Family and Hallmark Media continuing to invest in productions throughout Western New York, this project highlights the tremendous opportunities film and television can bring to our region. We look forward to seeing how this exposure helps showcase Lewiston as a destination and opens the door to future productions.”

“Rewinding Christmas” is set to premiere during the upcoming holiday season as part of “Great American Christmas.”

There’s talk another project could be set in the River Region.

Last July, Deadline reported Great American Media signed on to create more than 20 films and original series at Great Point Studios Buffalo over a two-year period. That pact reunites venue head Robert Halmi with GAM President Bill Abbott – two men who were instrumental in starting the Hallmark Channel.

Mario Lopez and Taylor Kalupa on the Center Street set of “Rewinding Christmas.”

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See also >> Tony Danza & Mario Lopez arrive in Lewiston to film Great American Media holiday feature 'Rewinding Christmas'

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