Rachel Bay Jones and Ana Sharp to star in Rise And Shine

Laura Somers’ sophomore feature, Rise And Shine has added Rachel Bay Jones, Danny Burstein and debut actor Ana Sharp in lead roles. The film's screenplay comes from Michael Stagliano. 

Rise And Shine, based on a true story, will revolve around Terri, born with cerebral palsy and developmental delay, and her mother Janice Steele. She entered public school only in her teen years, as she was homeschooled during her childhood, and she inspires her community with her infectious energy and optimism. 

The film will also star Jordan Walker Ross, Analesa Fisher, Jordan Nichole Wall and Halie Strickler. Rise And Shine is also based on a podcast episode from Voyage Media's Hope Lives Here anthology series. It has been discovered and developed by real-life Janice Steele along with Voyage's Head of Originals Robert Mitas. 

Jones is known for winning the Grammy, Emmy and Tony awards for her performance in the Broadway revival of Dear Evan Hansen. She was last seen in Bob Trevino Likes It and Young Sheldon and also has Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage coming up. 

Sharp, who is a neurodiverse actor with cerebral palsy, will be marking her theatrical debut with Rise and Shine, as she is set to play the lead, Terri.