Disney Channel to Premiere SYDNEY TO THE MAX on January 25

"Sydney to the Max," a sitcom introducing 13-year-old actress/musical artist Ruth Righi (Broadway's "School of Rock The Musical") in her first leading role, is set to premiere FRIDAY, JAN. 25 (8:30-9:00 p.m. EST/PST), on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW. Created by Mark Reisman ("Frasier," "Wings," "The Exes"), the series is geared for kids ages 6-14 and families. It also stars Ian Reed Kesler ("Suits"), Caroline Rhea ("Sabrina the Teenage Witch," "Phineas and Ferb"), Jackson Dollinger ("Puppy Dog Pals"), Ava Kolker ("Girl Meets World") and Christian J. Simon ("The Amazing World of Gumball").

Set in the present day with flashbacks to the 1990s, the comedy revolves around outgoing middle schooler Sydney Reynolds who lives with her single dad Max in the house he grew up in, along with her progressive grandmother Judy-three generations under one roof. As Sydney's preteen pursuits begin to expand with unexpected and funny twists, Max tries to get a better sense of the guidance, perspective and support she needs. Grandma, full of both parental wisdom and wisecracks, has a razor-sharp memory that proves Max's own teenage antics parallel Sydney's. Flashback scenes to a young Max and his best friend Leo juxtapose the funny predicaments invented by Sydney and her vivacious friend Olive.

Caroline Rhea plays Judy in both eras. Ian Reed Kesler is adult Max, Jackson Dollinger is young Max, Ava Kolker is Olive and Christian J. Simon is Leo.

In the premiere episode, "Can't Dye This," Sydney wants to radically change up her hairstyle for the first day of 7th grade. Her dad Max is resistant, but with Olive's help, Sydney takes matters into her own hands.

The theme song, "Stay The Same," was written and produced by Kay Hanley, Michelle Lewis and Dan Petty, and performed by Righi and Dan Conklin.

"Sydney to the Max" is a production of It's A Laugh Productions, Inc. It carries a TV-G parental guideline.

Photo credit: Disney Channel/Ron Tom

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