Keke Palmer (True Jackson, VP, Akeelah and the Bee, Madea's Family Reunion) has been cast in the Nickelodeon's brand-new original TV movie, Rags. The modern-day fairy tale, starring Palmer as Kadee Worth and Max Schneider (How to Rock) as Charlie Prince, began production in May in Vancouver. Set to premiere in 2012, Rags is a music-infused, modern twist on the classic Cinderella story set against the backdrop of New York City. Bille Woodruff (Honey, Beauty Shop) will direct, with original music produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins (American Idol, Lady Gaga, Beyonce).
"Rags gives a contemporary spin to a classic story, and is told through a relatable filter that speaks to our audience," said Marjorie Cohn, Nickelodeon's President, Development and Original Programming. "The project was brought to us by Nick Cannon, as this concept was inspired by his own reverence for The Wiz, one of his favorite movies growing up. This also marks the first collaboration on a television movie between music industry titans Rodney Jerkins and Bille Woodruff, and Keke Palmer and Max Schneider are the perfect young actors to bring this urban fairy tale to life."
"I am thrilled to work with my Nick family and bring across my vision of a classic fairy tale with a hip-hop flare," added Executive Producer Nick Cannon. "I am having such a great time working with so much amazing young talent on this project."
Rags follows the story of Charlie Prince, an orphan living with his acerbic and unloving stepfather and spoiled, simple-minded stepbrothers. Charlie's dream is to be a singer, and while he is vocally talented and can write music, he can't seem to catch a break. Kadee Worth, on the other hand, is the daughter of music mogul Reginald Worth and is an international pop phenomenon. While the world knows her as a glamorous superstar, she is secretly frustrated with singing other people's songs and wearing clothes other people choose for her. Kadee wants the world to hear and see her true talent. Despite every obstacle that gets thrown in their way, once Charlie and Kadee find one another, they each finally get what they have been looking for – a voice, a stage, an audience and each other.
