Melissa Archer (“Days of our Lives,” “One Life to Live”) has joined the cast of “Haven Falls,” the new audio drama series created and executive produced by Casey S. Hutchison (“Forever and a Day”).
The actress is the third veteran of daytime soaps to be cast on the new scripted series, following the previously announced Frank Dicopoulos (Frank Cooper, “Guiding Light”) and Jeff Branson (Jonathan Lavery, “All My Children”; Shayne Lewis, “Guiding Light”; Ronan Malloy, “The Young and the Restless”).
Set in a fictional Midwestern town where everyone has a secret and loyalty is always up for sale, the story follows two warring families locked in a relentless battle for control, legacy, and survival. As the story unfolds, buried sins resurface, and alliances fracture, love becomes dangerous, truth becomes weaponized, and no one escapes unscathed.
Archer will portray Julia Lowe, a strong-willed and hardworking attorney whose presence is sure to make an impact on the residents. Dicopoulos plays businessman Victor Hale, the ruthless, unforgettable patriarch whose influence reaches into every corner, while Branson voices his son, Lucas Hale.
Distributed by Spotify for Creators, the 15-episode series, which blends the tradition of classic daytime drama with the freedom and intimacy of audio storytelling, premieres Thursday, June 25, with weekly drops across all major podcast platforms, and full episodes available on the show’s official YouTube channel.
Although Archer and Dicopoulos will be featured at the outset, Branson will make his debut in episodes releasing in July, as he replaces Nick Kretz in the role of Lucas Hale.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Melissa to the ‘Haven Falls’ family,” said Hutchison. “Melissa is a phenomenal actress whose work has resonated with audiences for years. She brings tremendous strength, heart, and authenticity to Julia, and we cannot wait for listeners to experience her performance.”
Beyond her ambition and fierce dedication to her clients, Julia is said to be unafraid to stand her ground when faced with adversity, and with Haven Falls residents becoming increasingly intertwined through family conflict, long-buried secrets, and unexpected romances, she finds herself at the center of some of the town’s most compelling stories.
Archer is best known to soap fans for her roles as Natalie Buchanan on “One Life to Live” and as Serena Mason on “Days of our Lives.” She also starred as Monica Reynolds on “Youthful Daze” and portrayed a Young Mickey Walker on “The Bay,” and later had roles in “Ladies of the Lake: Return to Avalon” and “Beacon Hill.”
In addition to Archer, Dicopoulos and Branson, series regulars include fan-favorite performers from “Forever and a Day,” like Elizabeth von Isser, Kristina Sullivan, Benjamin Bryant, BJ Van Griffin, Candice Mack and Ashley Stewart, among others.
Additional casting and storyline information are expected to be announced in the days and weeks leading up to the show’s premiere.