HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - R&B thrush Monica is set to star as an aspiring singer in "Angel of Mine," an ABC "Wonderful World of Disney" TV movie to be produced by Whitney Houston.

The musical project, still in the early stages of development, is based on the 1992 novel "Strut" by Bruce and Carole Hart. The working title, "Angel of Mine," also refers to Monica's recent pop hit of the same name.

Monica will play a 17-year-old high school girl whose dreams of stardom are aided by a rock star- cum-guardian angel who died young at the peak of his fame in the 1970s.

The rocker believes his mission is to help the girl realize her dream, but in fact, the real purpose is for him to fall in love and thereby earn his backstage pass into heaven.

Debra Martin Chase, Houston's producing partner at Brownhouse Prods., described the picture as "uplifting and fun." Brownhouse plans to hold an open casting call for the role of the rocker.

The project is the first TV effort from Brownhouse since 1997's musical "Cinderella," also for the "Wonderful World of Disney" showcase. Chase said the company is developing a range of other made-for-TV projects.

Monica had her first big crossover hit last year with "The Boy Is Mine," a duet with fellow one- name chantoosie Brandy. Brandy, coincidentally, was Houston's co-star in the "Cinderella" film.