After Kylee Evans was cast in Mistletoe Murders, a hit Audible podcast series led by Cobie Smulders, she was determined to land the same role in Hallmark’s live-action adaptation of the cozy mystery series. Season 1 of the TV series, starring Grey’s Anatomy’s Sarah Drew, launched last year, and as the festive season quickly approaches, Evans is returning for a new chapter of mysteries and murders in the small town of Fletcher’s Grove.
“My character, Brooke Carmichael, was so fun and just a little bit cutting,” Evans says. “It’s very different from what I usually get cast as, so I was in!”
Evans is known for her role on The Good Witch, which ran for seven seasons before concluding in 2021, and can also be seen in the Netflix thriller Luckiest Girl Alive. With training in classical music, musical theatre, and comedy, the Canadian actress has built a multi-faceted career as a performer, host, and voice actress.
With Mistletoe Murders returning for a second season on November 7, and a fourth season of the podcast out now, we caught up with Evans to hear more about what to expect from the new episodes, her most memorable roles to date, and her must-watch holiday films.
What can fans of Mistletoe Murders expect from your character in Season 2?
Brooke is lost in her own little world a lot and always has an agenda to serve, well, Brooke. That certainly hasn’t changed in season 2. In Season 1 she got to show off her singing ability. In season 2, she gets to show off some more of her “artistic skills”…or lack thereof. Brooke’s got some really fun stuff and some REALLY great wardrobe!
What has it been like to work with Sarah Drew on this series?
Sarah is a dream! To work with, to hang out with, to laugh with, to be nerdy about all things musical theatre with….she is such a light and I’m so lucky to know her. Her commitment to the show and to her character is inspiring to say the least. She knows every second of what’s happening, and why, in the script. Not just for her, but for the whole cast. It just makes you want to be better.
Can you share any behind-the-scenes anecdotes from filming Mistletoe Murders?
We actually filmed season 1 in the hottest heat wave of all time. Talk about makeup melt. It was intense. We were all in wool and cashmere and hats and gloves in 40 degree heat and it was the most uncomfortable thing I’ve ever done. I look very padded out in most scenes because I have an ice vest and cooling wraps under my clothing. Anywhere I could hide ice, I hid it. In my hair, my bra, my back pockets, my boots. You name it—there was ice present.
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What did being part of The Good Witch mean to you, and how did it feel to close that chapter after seven seasons?
Good Witch was an incredible seven years of my career. It was like going to work every day with family. The cast was exceptional, the crew was the best in the business and our fans were the greatest. I loved my time on that show and it was really upsetting when it was over. It’s like anything that ends, it’s bittersweet. I was happy to have the opportunity to explore new roles and projects, but I was sad to leave the people I loved and the job I knew for 7 years.
You also have a passion for musical theatre—how has this background shaped your acting career?
I think being trained in the theatre or on the stage just gives you a different foundation. Not better, just different. It’s technique, but also stamina. It’s 8 shows a week, or 8 dances a week, or 8 songs a week, in front of a live audience, where you have to deliver and hopefully, land jokes. The pressure and the responsibility to entertain a group of people sitting in front of you is very real. So, I take all of that training and foundation and try to bring it to set. Sometimes I’m successful, sometimes I’m not. But it’s always a privilege to try.
What was it like working with your husband on Just Like Mom and Dad? How do you two work together as co-hosts?
My husband, Sandy Jobin-Bevans, may be the most difficult person I’ve EVER had to work with! Joking!!! He’s a dream! We are both game show fanatics so when we booked Just Like Mom and Dad together we were the most excited. Sandy is a born host, like the best of the best, so I had to step up my game. We work so well together. He’s a great wingman, always has my back and sets me up for success in any situation. I hope he says the same about me…
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Do you have a favourite holiday movie you watch every year?
Hallmark Christmas movies are a staple in my house. As soon as I start wrapping gifts the first Hallmark movie goes on. Fun fact: I’ve never been in a Hallmark holiday movie. Hint, hint. Moving on. Christmas is huge for me (I’d put my trees up in October, if I didn’t feel judged) and my favourite movies to get me in the decorating mood are A Charlie Brown Christmas and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. I also have to watch Love Actually and The Holiday every year and Planes, Trains and Automobiles, even though it’s technically not Christmas.
Season 2 of Mistletoe Murders premieres on the Hallmark channel on November 7.
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