Love Actually in Concert tour hits more than 30 U.S. cities this holiday season

GEA Live, RoadCo and Fifth Season are taking Love Actually in Concert to more than 30 U.S. cities starting Nov. 16 in Washington, D.C. The tour pairs a live orchestra with the full 2003 film as tickets go on sale July 24.

Why it matters: - The tour turns a familiar holiday movie into a live event that can play in major theaters and performance halls nationwide. - The format gives fans a seasonal outing centered on one of the most enduring Christmas rom-coms. - The production also expands a proven concert-film model for studios and live-event promoters.

What happened: - GEA Live, RoadCo and Fifth Season announced LOVE ACTUALLY IN CONCERT will visit more than 30 U.S. cities this holiday season. - The tour launches Nov. 16 in Washington, D.C., and runs coast-to-coast with stops including Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, New Orleans and Chicago. - Presales began July 22, and general tickets go on sale July 24 at 10 a.m. local time. - Venue websites will carry ticket information.

The details: - A live orchestra will perform the film’s soundtrack while the complete movie plays on a cinema screen. - The score includes Mariah Carey’s "All I Want for Christmas Is You," Craig Armstrong’s score and "Love Is All Around." - The tour schedule lists a preview on Nov. 15 in Williamsport, Pa., and a premiere on Nov. 16 in Washington, D.C. - The itinerary includes 30 listed dates from Nov. 15 through Dec. 27. - U.S. stops include Atlantic City, Columbus, Louisville, Dayton, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Brooklyn, Milwaukee, Chicago, St. Louis, Omaha, Denver, San Jose, San Diego, San Antonio, Dallas and Sugar Land. - The schedule also includes Kitchener, Ontario. - The announcement notes the schedule is subject to change. - The film, released in 2003, follows 10 interweaving love stories during the festive period. - The cast includes Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Bill Nighy, Martine McCutcheon, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Rowan Atkinson and Martin Freeman. - Craig Armstrong is a Golden Globe, BAFTA and Emmy winner known for work including "Moulin Rouge!" and "Me Before You."

Between the lines: - The tour leans on nostalgia and communal viewing at a time when holiday programming tends to draw family audiences. - The live-orchestra format gives the production a premium angle compared with a standard movie screening. - Floris Douwes, producer and managing director at GEA Live, said the show is designed as a shared, heartwarming celebration for fans and families.

What's next: - More cities may be added or adjusted because the schedule is subject to change. - Fans can follow #loveactuallyinconcert on social media for updates and additional information. - Press assets are available for media viewing and download.

The bottom line: - Love Actually is heading back to theaters as a live holiday event, with tickets opening July 24 and the first show set for Nov. 16.