THE OFFICE star Melora Hardin joined For KING + COUNTRY’s latest project, a musical movie called THE DRUMMER BOY, after OUTER BANKS actor Charles Esten asked her to join the cast.
“It was a last minute thing,” the actress shared in a recent social media clip. “Charles ‘Chip’ Esten, who plays Lord Balfour, is a friend of mine and he basically was like, ‘What about Melora Hardin?’”
Esten sent her a video of himself in his full costume of Revolutionary War regalia.
“’Do you want to come to Ireland and do this wonderful little movie that I’m doing?’” he asked her.
Angel Studios’ synopsis of the movie reads, “In this epic musical, two brothers are driven onto opposite sides of the American Revolutionary War. With love, loyalty and family caught in the crossfire, each must decide who he will become, as the fight for freedom turns into a deeply personal battle for forgiveness.”
Hardin plays Rachel, the mother of the two brothers, who are played by For KING + COUNTRY’s Joel Smallbone and Lucas Leach.
“Can’t wait for you all to see this movie!! I loved my experience filming it and think you’ll love it!!❤️🎥🎦” Hardin shared in the comments.
Related: Get a First Look at Angel Studios’ Revolutionary War Musical DRUMMER BOY
Two of the Smallbone brothers, Joel and Ben, co-direct. Producers are Chip Diggins, Kristy Choo, Luke Smallbone and Justin Tolley. Executive producers David E. Fischer and Jon Walter.
Other cast members include India Brown, loan Gruffudd, lain Glen, Beth Easdown and Olivier Award-winner Beverley Knight.
“DRUMMER BOY is Angel’s first live-action theatrical musical, and we are bringing it to the big screen with an exceptional team of filmmakers and creative partners,” said Brandon Purdie, Executive Vice President of Theatrical at Angel. “This is a milestone for Angel and a reflection of what the Angel Guild champions: bold, distinctive stories meant to be experienced in theaters.”
Co-directors Ben and Joel said the project has been highly rewarding to work on. And it’s not just a war musical, but a Christmas-war musical. After being at odds on different sides of the war, a Christmas-inspired forgiveness may be the only way forward.
“The sweeping storytelling with striking music will prompt audiences to claim it as their new favorite holiday tradition and, I hope, favorite musical,” Joel said.
Joel’s other acting credits include UNSUNG HERO and JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM. Ben directed Angel Studios’ HOMESTEAD and JOHNNY CASH: THE REDEMPTION OF AN AMERICAN ICON.
THE DRUMMER BOY comes out in theaters on Nov. 6.
Read Next: FOR KING + COUNTRY: A DRUMMER BOY CHRISTMAS – LIVE
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