‘A Very Merry Toy Store’: Meet the Cast of Lifetime’s New Movie

A Very Merry Toy Store is the story of 2 people that run family-owned toy stores in Connecticut. Connie Forrester (Melissa Joan Hart), a young single mom, and Will DiNova (Mario Lopez) have been business rivals for years, but that all starts to change when a big box toy store has a grand opening in their town right before Christmas.

In the wake of the box toy store “Roy’s Toys” moving into their town, Connie and Will must band together to save their businesses that have been in their families for generations. They might just find love in the process, just in time for Christmas.

A Very Merry Toy Store is produced by Hartbreak Films and is executive produced by Paula Hart and Melissa Joan Hart. Paula Hart directs the film, which was written by David Breckman.

Read on to meet the cast of Lifetime’s new movie.


Melissa Joan Hart as Connie Forrester

Melissa Joan Hart attends the 2017 Americares Airlift Benefit at Westchester County Airport on October 14, 2017 in Armonk, New York. (Getty)

Melissa Joan Hart stars as a young single mom, Connie Forrester. Hart is an American actress, director, producer, singer, fashion designer and business woman. She’s known primarily for her roles in the television sitcoms Clarissa Explains It All from 1991 to 1994, Sabrina the Teenage Witch from 1996 to 2003 and Melissa & Joey from 2010 to 2015. Hart has been in the acting business since before she was 5 years old, having made 25 commercials before she turned 5.


Mario Lopez as Will DiNova

Mario Lopez attends The Brent Shapiro Foundation Summer Spectacular on September 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Getty)

Mario Lopez stars as Will DiNova, a toy store owner in Connecticut. Lopez is a Mexican-American television host and actor. Lopez is known for his portrayal of A.C. Slater on the teen TV show Saved by the Bell, which he worked on from 1989 to 1993. He hosted America’s Best Dance Crew for MTV and co-hosted the 2nd season of the American version of The X Factor. Lopez has also published 3 non-fiction books and 1 children’s book.


Dan Amboyer as Randy Forrester

Dan Amboyer attends the Worldwide Orphans 13th Annual Gala on November 13, 2017 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. (Getty)

Dan Amboyer stars as Randy Forrester. Amboyer is an American actor best known for his role as Prince William of Wales in William & Catherine: A Royal Romance, a Hallmark Channel original film. Amboyer has starred in many regional theatre productions in various arenas. He has worked with the Shakespeare Theatre Company, Old Globe Theatre and has performed with the Utah Shakespearean Festival multiple times.


Mario Cantone as Mayor Stevens

Mario Cantone attends the 2017 Fragrance Foundation Awards Presented By Hearst Magazines at Alice Tully Hall on June 14, 2017 in New York City. (Getty)

Mario Cantone portrays Mayor Stevens. Cantone is an American comedian, writer and actor. He has made numerous appearances on Comedy Central. He also played Anthony Marentino on Sex and the City from 2000 to 2004 and again for 2 movies in 2008 and 2010. Cantone has been a regular guest on the ABC daytime talk show The view since 2005. He was also a judge in the 2014 Miss America pageant.


Billy Gardell as Toy Barnes

Billy Gardell attends the premiere of Vertical Entertainment’s “Undrafted” at ArcLight Hollywood on July 11, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Getty)

William “Billy” Gardell is an American stand-up comedian, actor, game show host and voice artist. Gardell is known for playing Chicago police officer Mike Biggs on Mike & Molly. He also appeared in 12 episodes of My Name is Earl as a police officer. Gardell has had stand-up comedy specials released and aired on Comedy Central including his special Halftime in 2011.


Beth Broderick as Pam Forrester

Beth Broderick takes part in a Q&A following the “Two Step” premiere during the 2014 SXSW Music, Film + Interactive Festival at the Topfer Theatre at ZACH on March 9, 2014 in Austin, Texas. (Getty)

Beth Broderick is an American actress known for portraying Zelda Spellman in the TV show Sabrina the Teenage Witch alongside Melissa Joan Hart from 1996 to 2003. Broderick also starred as Rose Twitchell on the TV series Under the Dome. Broderick has also acted in movies such as Man of the Year, Psycho Beach Party, Fools Rush In and Timber Falls. Broderick also directed 3 episodes of Sabrina the Teenage Witch and wrote A Cup of Joe, Wonderland and Literatti alongside Dennis Bailey.


Also Starring:

Brian Dennehy as Joe Haggarty
William Ragsdale as Pete Griffin
Gina Hiraizumi as Aviana
Anthony Del Negro as Ed

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