Eddie Izzard, “Glee” star Kevin McHale, Josh Lucas and three-time Oscar nominee Debra Winger will join Dustin Hoffman and Kathy Bates in the indie drama “Boychoir,” it was announced Monday.
Newcomers Garrett Wareing, Joe West and River Alexander have also been cast in the film, which Francois Girard (“The Red Violin”) is directing from an original screenplay by Ben Ripley (“Source Code”).
Story follows Stet (Wareing), a troubled and angry 12-year-old from the wrong side of the tracks who ends up at a Boy Choir school, which is fashioned after the actual American Boychoir School in Princeton, New Jersey.
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Completely out of his element, Stet finds himself in a battle of wills with a demanding Choir Master (Hoffman) who recognizes a unique talent in the young boy as he pushes him to find his creative heart and soul in music.
Alfred Molina was previously attached to co-star in the movie, though Izzard will now play a teacher who serves as Hoffman’s right-hand at the school.
Lucas will play Stet’s estranged father, while McHale will play a young music teacher who champions the boy. Winger will play the principal of Stet’s school in Odessa, Texas, while West and Alexander will play members of the choir.
“Boychoir” is being financed and produced by Informant Media, whose Judy Cairo (“Crazy Heart”) will produce with Carol Baum (“The Good Girl”) and Jane Goldenring. Informant’s Michael A. Simpson and Eric Brenner will executive produce with Ripley. Casting director John Papsidera of Automatic Sweat will serve as co-producer. Principal photography started Feb. 24 in Connecticut.
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Embankment Films represents international sales and has already pre-sold more than 30 major territories.
Informant is currently in post-production on “Kidnapping Freddy Heineken,” which stars Anthony Hopkins, Sam Worthington, Jim Sturgess and Ryan Kwanten.
Winger is represented by Framework Entertainment. Izzard is represented by APA and Conway Van Gelder Grant. Lucas is repped by WME and Principato-Young Entertainment. McHale is repped by Greene & Associates Talent Agency and M/C Talent Management.