VING RHAMES SCORES 'MASTER HAROLD' ROLE

Ving Rhames is preparing to step into the shoes of noble waiter Sam, the lead character in a big screen adaptation of "Master Harold ... and the Boys," a role Danny Glover originated on Broadway.

Based on Athol Fugard's 1982 play, "Master Harold" is set on the southeast coast of South Africa and follows the relationship between a white young man named Hally (Freddie Highmore), and two black waiters, Sam (Rhames) and Willie.

In the play, Sam and Willie were servants of Hally's family and have been a part of his upbringing. Hally educated Sam with the knowledge acquired from school textbooks, and Sam tried to teach Hally vital lessons amidst the influences of a racist environment and a boorish alcoholic as a father.

"Master Harold" will begin shooting on location in South Africa and is being directed by Emmy Winner Lonny Price, who also plays Willie and makes his feature debut with the film, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Price played opposite Glover in the Broadway play under Fugard's direction and directed the 2003 revival.

South African actor Patrick Mofokeng rounds out the cast as Willie, the younger, more lighthearted waiter who is preparing for a ballroom dancing competition.