Disney Channel's Original Movie LET IT SHINE Premieres Tonight, 6/15

The classic Cyrano de Bergerac story, re-imagined and set in the contemporary world of hip-hop, rap and gospel music, is told in the Disney Channel Original Movie LET IT SHINE, premiering tonight, JUNE 15 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT). The movie stars Tyler James Williams ("Everybody Hates Chris"), Hollywood Records recording artist and Radio Disney N.B.T. ("Next BIG Thing") finalist Coco Jones, Trevor Jackson ("Eureka"), Brandon MychAl Smith (Disney Channel's "So Random!"), Courtney B. Vance (ABC's "Revenge"), Dawnn Lewis ("A Different World"), Alex Desert ("Becker") and Nicole Sullivan ("MADtv").

"In order to truly connect with our viewers, we need to truly reflect them - by embracing characters, stories, and music that's as diverse, layered, and unique as they are. 'Let It Shine' does just that, putting a contemporary and timely spin on a story that's classic and timeless. With its themes of self-expression and self-determination - not to mention an inspired soundtrack - it contains all the elements that consistently make our 'DCOMs' a first-choice television event for kids and families around the world," said Gary Marsh, President and Chief Creative Officer, Disney Channels Worldwide.

The Walt Disney Records soundtrack will be available Tuesday, June 12. It features stars of the movie performing songs written and produced by: David Banner, Tim James and Antonina Armato, Toby Gad, Andy Dodd, In-Q, J-Doe, Adam Hicks, 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.

One track, "Don't Run Away," is now climbing the Radio Disney Top 30 charts based on listener requests. Radio Disney will premiere the full soundtrack on Saturday, June 9 and will interview cast members in studio leading up to the Disney Channel premiere of the movie.

Upholding Disney's long legacy of presenting great stories for kids and families, the movie was written by Eric Daniel and Don D. Scott ("Barbershop," "Barbershop 2: Back in Business") and directed by two-time DGA award winner Paul Hoen ("Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam," "The Cheetah Girls One World"). "Let It Shine" was choreographed by Danny Teeson ("American Idol") and associate Brandon Shaw ("So You Think You Can Dance," NAACP Image Awards). The movie is a production of G Wave Productions, LLC.

Set in Atlanta, and filmed in and around Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia, the "Let It Shine" story introduces Cyrus DeBarge (played by Tyler James Williams), who's the musical director at his father's church, and an aspiring rap artist who pens poems under the name "Truth." While Cyrus has been having some challenges convincing his dad, Preacher Jacob DeBarge (played by Courtney B. Vance), that hip-hop is not the devil's music, his challenges continue when, through a freestyle rap competition at the local teen club, he tells his childhood friend and longtime crush, recording artist RoxAnne Andrews (played by Coco Jones), how he really feels about her. When it's all said and done, his best friend, Kris McDuffy (Trevor Jackson), is mistakenly named the author of the rap song and winner of the contest. As Roxanne begins to fall for Kris, it's up to the true poet Cyrus to overcome self-doubt, seize the opportunity to reveal both his talent and his feelings, and pursue his dreams. All the while, Cyrus must still convince his father that hip-hop music can convey a positive message -- despite the rap battle that the younger DeBarge is about to throw down with his nemesis, "Lord of Da Bling" (Brandon MychAl Smith) at the club. Dawnn Lewis plays Cyrus's mother, Gail DeBarge. Alex Desert plays the club owner Levi, and Nicole Sullivan plays Roxanne's music manager Lyla.

For the past decade, a Disney Channel Original Movie premiere has been TV's #1 original movie telecast of the year among Tweens 9-14 and for five years running, the year's #1 cable TV movie in Total Viewers. Many of the music-focused titles over the past six years have contributed to Disney Channel's significant successful track record in youth music.

The DisneyChannel.com site dedicated to the movie, www.DisneyChannel.com/ LetItShine, features the "Let It Shine: DJ Dash" game and a variety of clips, music videos, behind the scenes photos and more. In June, a tool will be added that allows users to make their own music slideshow using characters from "Let It Shine."

The television premiere schedule is:

FRIDAY, JUNE 8

"Let It Shine" exclusive preview available via Disney Channel On Demand, a video-on-demand service available to a variety of affiliates including AT&T U-Verse, Cablevision and Time Warner Cable

FRIDAY, JUNE 15

The premiere of "Let It Shine" (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel with simulcasts on Sprint TV and MobiTV

SATURDAY, JUNE 16

Disney Channel presents an encore of "Let It Shine" (7:30 p.m., ET/PT)

SATURDAY, JUNE 30

Disney Channel presents "Let It Shine - Rap Battle Edition" (7:30 p.m., ET/PT) giving viewers the chance to sing along to the songs

The "Let It Shine: Extended Edition," featuring an exclusive extended music scene, will be available on Disney DVD + Digital Copy on Tuesday, August 7.

Disney Channel is a 24-hour kid-driven, family inclusive television network that taps into the world of kids and families through original series and movies. Currently available on basic cable in over 99 million U.S. homes and to millions of other viewers on Disney Channels around the world, Disney Channel is part of the Disney/ABC Television Group.

Photo credit: Bob Mahoney/Disney Channel

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