Beloved Disney movie “Beauty and the Beast” will be celebrating its 30th anniversary with a star-studded television special scheduled to air later this year.
“Beauty and the Beast” premiered in 1991 and was the first animated movie nominated for a best picture Oscar. While it didn’t take home the trophy for that award, it did win for original score and original song for the movie’s title hit, “Beauty and the Beast.”
It’s only fitting that the movie’s 30th birthday celebration would feature some of the biggest names in music and film, including country-pop crossover queen Shania Twain.
Twain will be filling the role of Mrs. Potts, the character originally voiced by the late Angela Lansbury who passed away last week at the age of 96.
Shania announced her addition to the cast with a post to Instagram that read, “I am unbelievably honoured… and excited… and all of the emotions(!!) to announce that I will be joining the cast of #BeautyAndTheBeast30th to play the part of my favourite character – Mrs. Potts ? And of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t pay tribute to the iconic Angela Lansbury, I mean she IS Mrs. Potts and the reason why this character is so beloved. To follow in the foot steps of such an icon is a huge honour and I hope to do the part justice.”
View this post on Instagram
Joining Twain for the television special will be Martin Short (Father of the Bride) who will play French candlestick Lumière, David Alan Grier (The Cool Kids) as clock Cogsworth, Rizwan Manji (“Schitt’s Creek”) as LeFou, Jon Jon Briones (Blood Ransom) as Belle’s father Maurice, and Leo Abelo Perry (“Cheaper By the Dozen”) as Mrs. Potts’ son Chip.
Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter H.E.R. will star as Belle, vocalist Josh Groban will appear as Beast and Joshua Henry (Hamilton) will portray Gaston.