The female-driven original movie Drumline: A New Beat will debut on VH1 this fall and the network’s showing off a new trailer from the dramatic film starring Alexandra Shipp (who also recently signed up to play Aaliyah in a Lifetime biopic). The cast also includes Leonard Roberts, Jordan Calloway, and LeToya Luckett, with Nick Cannon appearing in a cameo. Cannon also executive produced the movie.
The Plot:
Drumline: A New Beat will capture the sound and spirit of the first film while welcoming a whole new class to the Atlanta A & T drumline. The story follows Danielle (Dani) Bolton, an upper-class Brooklyn girl who defies her parents in order to attend Atlanta A & T so she can join – and revitalize – their once-prominent drumline. Dani’s quest to become the first female section leader of the drumline in the school’s history will be hampered by upperclassmen (including her cousin, Tyree), her feelings for fellow bandmate and rival, Jayven, and the school’s crosstown competitors.
Details on the Cast, Courtesy of VH1:
Alexandra Shipp will star as Danielle “Dani” Bolton, a brilliant drummer whose goal is to become the first female percussion section leader in the famous Atlanta A&T drumline. As Dani fights to get what she thinks is rightfully hers, she will learn a few life lessons about ego, teamwork and courage.
Leonard Roberts will return to his Drumline roots as Sean Taylor, a charismatic and determined new Band Director looking to make his mark at his alma mater while navigating the ghosts of his past.
LeToya Luckett joins the cast as Dr. Nia Phillips, the beautiful, intelligent, and determined dean at Atlanta A&T with former romantic ties to Sean. Her support of Sean’s return to lead A&T’s band proves to be difficult as the Panthers take on a rival band led by Dr. Phillips’ ex-husband, and Sean’s brother, Kevin Taylor.
Jordan Calloway will play Jayven Lapierre, an extremely gifted, yet cocky freshman at Atlanta A&T who is immediately attracted to Dani and vice versa. However, their relationship will be challenged when there may not be room for both of them on the drumline.
Jeff Pierre is set to play Tyree, Dani’s cousin who is a big supporter of her drumming talent. As the head of the percussion section on Atlanta A&T’s legendary Panthers marching band, Tyree is bound to become involved in Dani’s escalating troubles.
Jasmine Burke will take on the role of Tasha Williams, a self-described schoolgirl and one of Dani’s roommates. Tasha is being wooed by Josh, but the tables may turn as she ends up helping him in a way she least expected.
Scott Shilstone will play Josh, a Boston native with J.Crew looks who has his eye on Tasha. His feelings may not be reciprocated until Tasha is tasked to help him out.
