Alexandria’s Charles Esten Returns to Revolutionary Roots in New Film “Drummer Boy”
In an exclusive interview with The Zebra Press, Alexandria-raised actor, singer and songwriter Charles “Chip” Esten reveals his Revolutionary War role in “Drummer Boy,” opening nationwide November 6 as America celebrates its 250th anniversary and the holiday season approaches.
ALEXANDRIA, VA — From Old Town Alexandria to the battlefields of the American Revolution, Charles Esten has come full circle. The Alexandria-raised actor, singer and songwriter trades his hometown’s patriotic traditions for a British red coat in “Drummer Boy,” opening nationwide November 6.
The historical musical drama arrives as America celebrates its 250th anniversary of independence and prepares for the holiday season. Moreover, the film explores family, faith and forgiveness during a time of national division.
For Esten, the story brings his childhood memories and professional career together.
Esten Remembers His Alexandria Childhood
Long before Hollywood, Charles Esten, known as “Chip” to family and friends, explored Alexandria’s historic streets with childhood friends. Among them were future actors Dermot Mulroney and Diedrich Bader.
“We ran around as young kids, sort of pretending we were in movies,” Esten recalled during an exclusive interview with The Zebra Press.
Their adventures took them to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, King Street and the waterfront.
Meanwhile, Alexandria’s colonial landmarks and George Washington Birthday parades helped shape his imagination.
Esten later attended the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg. Consequently, American history remained a familiar part of his life.
From American Patriot to British Officer
Ironically, Esten never imagined himself wearing a British uniform.
“You always cast yourself as the hero,” he explained.
As an Alexandria youngster, he naturally identified with George Washington and the American revolutionaries.
However, “Drummer Boy” offered an unexpected opportunity.
“It was rather a treat that I would get to play a part in a role like this,” he said.
Lord Balfour Brings Complexity to Drummer Boy
Esten portrays Lord Balfour, a British officer whose loyalty to the Crown drives his decisions.
The film follows Jeremiah Clem, portrayed by Joel Smallbone, as the American Revolution divides families and tests their convictions.
Esten believes audiences should understand both sides of the historical conflict.
“History is written by the winners,” he observed.
Rather than portraying Balfour as a heartless villain, Esten explored his conflicting loyalties.
“He loves his daughter very, very much, loves his property and his land, loves his king and the Crown.”
Nevertheless, Balfour’s inability to forgive eventually leads him toward darkness.
Nashville Star Understands Music’s Emotional Power
Music also drives the film’s storytelling.
The Grammy-winning duo for KING + COUNTRY, brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, brings original music to the production.
Esten knows firsthand how songs deepen a dramatic scene.
His television career includes “Nashville,” “Outer Banks” and the improvisational comedy “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”
Additionally, he has performed at the Grand Ole Opry and built a successful songwriting career.
“There’s a song and it takes you to a deeper place, a more subconscious place,” Esten explained.
Drummer Boy Blends Music and Revolutionary History
Esten performs in “Same Blood,” a dramatic musical sequence featuring marching soldiers, horseback riders and battlefield action.
Another song, “Land Ho,” captures the excitement of approaching the New World.
Esten particularly admired how the music complements the action.
“The rhythm of the scene drives the rhythm of the song and vice versa,” he said.
Furthermore, the production filmed several scenes in Ireland, north of Dublin.
Surprisingly, the distant landscape reminded Esten of Alexandria.
“It was a little bit like being home,” he recalled.
A Timely Message for America’s 250th Anniversary
As the nation marks 250 years of independence, Esten sees parallels between America’s founding struggles and modern divisions.
The film explores how political differences can separate even the closest families.
However, Esten believes faith and forgiveness offer a path forward.
“What this story tells and shows is the power of family and faith,” he said.
Above all, one phrase captures the film’s central message.
“Forgiveness is revolutionary.”
That message also gives the November release special relevance as families gather during the holiday season.
Alexandria Remains Close to Chip Esten’s Heart
Despite his success in television, music and film, Esten maintains strong ties to Alexandria.
When he returns, he enjoys strolling along King Street, visiting familiar establishments and reconnecting with friends.
His favorite starting point? The waterfront.
“Alexandria is such a part of me,” he said.
Ultimately, Esten hopes audiences leave “Drummer Boy” feeling something meaningful.
“Making people feel something,” he explained, remains the guiding purpose of his career.
For an Alexandria boy who once imagined Revolutionary War adventures, this new film brings history full circle.
“Drummer Boy” opens nationwide November 6. https://www.angel.com/tickets/drummer-boy
