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Mandy Moore is 'Oki' for Disney Junior

By April MacIntyre Oct 21, 2011, 17:31 GMT

05/11/2011 - Mandy Moore - National Movie Awards 2011 - Wembley Arena - London, UK © Landmark / PR Photos

Mandy Moore will voice the new Western-themed character for Disney Junior.

Production has begun on the animated series "Oki's Oasis," the first western for preschoolers.

It stars actress and singer-songwriter Mandy Moore (Disney's "Tangled") as the voice of Oki, a kitty cat sheriff who ensures that the town of Nice and Friendly Corners remains the friendliest town in the West.

From Disney

The series will premiere in 2013 on Disney Junior channels and programming blocks around the world. The announcement was made today by Nancy Kanter, Senior Vice President, Original Programming and General Manager, Disney Junior Worldwide. 

Kanter said: "'Oki's Oasis' uses the legend of the Old West to impart social skills and lessons for young kids about being a good friend and neighbor, reinforcing what parents are already teaching their children at home about forgiveness, honesty and sharing. The series further demonstrates Disney Junior's dedication to programming that highlights the importance of great, heartfelt storytelling as an impetus for learning and development."

Set in the colorful Wild West, "Oki's Oasis" follows Sheriff Oki and her deputy woodpecker, Peck, as they watch over their pleasant little frontier town. Although known as the friendliest town in the West, Oki and Peck work hard to keep it that way and when trouble comes a-callin', they make sure it doesn't stay long. By their side is Oki's sweet-natured sidekick, Kiko, a loveable cactus with a predisposition to see the good in everything and who is always ready to lend a helping hand. Each episode features two 11-minute stories and has two original songs.