STAGE TUBE: Sneak Peek - Disney Channel's Original Movie LET IS SHINE, Premiering 6/15

By: May. 23, 2012
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A rousing, modern day story inspired by the ghostwritten love letters of Cyrano de Bergerac, LET IT SHINE is set in the world of hip-hop, rap and gospel music and expresses the importance of staying true to oneself. Geared towards kids, tweens and families, the story follows a shy, talented musician who pens romantic hip-hop verses only to stand idly by as they're delivered to the girl of his dreams by a proxy, his best friend.

The movie premieres June 15, 2012 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) as part of the popular Disney Channel Original Movie franchise, the industry's gold standard when it comes to relevant stories, diversity and pro-social messages for a generation of kids. A Disney Channel Original Movie has delivered cable television's #1 original movie telecast among Tweens 9-14 and Total Viewers for the past 10 and five years, respectively. The 80+ movies share attributes that reflect Disney's heritage and core values: trust, quality, optimism, self-expression, creativity, storytelling, imagination and entertainment.

The inspiring story unfolds in Atlanta, Georgia, as Cyrus DeBarge and his best friend Kris McDuffy reunite with their childhood friend, teenage singing sensation Roxanne "Roxie" Andrews, whose music label is sponsoring a songwriting contest at a teen club. Cyrus, who writes music under the name "Truth," crafts a heartfelt and contest-winning rhyme about Roxie but to his dismay, his work is mistakenly attributed to Kris. Lacking the confidence to step forward, Cyrus stands by while Kris not only takes credit for the lyrics but ultimately begins to win Roxanne's heart too. Now, it's up to the true poet to overcome self-doubt, seize the opportunity to reveal his authentic self and pursue his dreams. All the while, Cyrus must convince his preacher father that hip-hop music can have a positive message.

Starring are Tyler James Williams ("Everybody Hates Chris") as Cyrus DeBarge, Coco Jones (Radio Disney "N.B.T.”) as RoxAnne Andrews, Trevor Jackson ("Eureka") as Kris McDuffy, Brandon MychAl Smith ("So Random!") as Lord of Da Bling, Dawnn Lewis ("A Different World") as Cyrus' mother Gail De Barge, Alex Desert ("Becker") as Levi, the owner of Off The Street, the teen music club where Cyrus works, Nicole Sullivan ("MADtv") as Roxanne's music manger Lyla and Courtney B. Vance ("FlashForward") as Cyrus' preacher father, Jacob DeBarge.

The movie's soundtrack features 12 original songs by acclaimed music producers/songwriters/performers: Rock Mafia, Toby Gad, David Banner, Antonina Armato, David Banner, Andy Dodd, In-Q, J-Doe, Glorious Foreman, actor/recording artist Adam Hicks (of Disney Channel's "Lemonade Mouth" and Disney XD's "Pair of Kings"), Tim James, Steven Jones, Jay L'Oreal, Justin Mobley, Tocarra Phillips, Lindy Robbins, Thomas Armato Sturges, Dapo Torimiro, Anya Vasilenko, Jon Vella, Lambert "Stereo" Waldrip and Adam Watts.

"Let It Shine" was directed by two-time DGA award winner Paul Hoen ("Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam," "JONAS"), written by Eric Daniel and Don D. Scott ("Barbershop," "Barbershop 2: Back in Business") and choreographed by Danny Teeson ("American Idol") and Brandon Shaw.

Get a sneak peek at the upcoming film below!



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