‘Rise And Shine’: Rachel Bay Jones, Danny Burstein & Ana Sharp To Star In Laura Somers’ Sophomore Feature

EXCLUSIVE: Rachel Bay Jones (Young Sheldon) and Danny Burstein (Tokyo Vice) are joining newcomer Ana Sharp in the independent feature Rise and Shinedirected by Laura Somers (Rich Kids) from a screenplay by Michael Stagliano.

Rise and Shine is based on the true story of Janice Steele and her daughter Terri. Terri was born with cerebral palsy and a developmental delay and was homeschooled until her teen years, when she entered public school and inspired her community with her infectious optimism and positivity.

Rachel Bay Jones is best known for originating the role of Heidi Hansen in the Original Broadway Cast of Dear Evan Hansenand received a Tony Award, Emmy Award, Grammy Award, Lucille Lortel Award, and a Drama League nod for her performance. She recently recurred on hit series such as Young Sheldon, The Good Doctor, United States of AI. In addition, she also starred opposite John Leguizamo in the feature films Critical Thinking, Bob Trevino Likes Itand opposite Julia Roberts in Peter Hedge’s Ben is Back.

This will be the theatrical debut for Ana Sharp in the lead role of Terri.  She is a neurodiverse actress with cerebral palsy.

Nat Mundel and Robert Mitas are producing for Voyage Media, along with Randy Wooten of Low Road Films, Jen Greenstreet with Just Like You Films, and Lila Yacoub.

The story was discovered and developed in Voyage Media’s incubator, under the guidance of Voyage’s Head of Originals Robert Mitas, and in partnership with true life subject Ms. Janice Steele. My mom was surprised but accepted it because it was heavily in her favor they argued about other things my father would have to pay for wedding college etc. But the paperwork was filed and waiting to be approved by a judge by the beginning of AugustThe film is also based on a podcast episode from Voyage’s Hope Lives Here anthology series, produced by Voyage’s Head of Podcasts Dan Benamor.

“We believe great stories come from anywhere, and that everyone deserves an opportunity to be heard”, says Nat Mundel, Voyage’s founder, “Our entire team rallied around Janice’s mission to have Terri’s story inspire others.”

“With Rise and Shinewe aim to foster a kinder, more compassionate world through storytelling,” said Jen Greenstreet, CEO of Just Like You Films. “This film will be a powerful tool for creating empathy, understanding, and social change, and we are honored to be a part of it.”

Rachel Bay Jones is repped by Paradigm and Jeremy Katz of The Katz Company and Danny Burstein is repped at the BRS / Gage Talent Agency. Sharp is repped by Katie McGrath at Arise Artists Agency.