Disney's having some really intriguing concerts at the Hollywood Bowl as of late. Not long ago it was the Muppets, now they've got my attention with Beauty and the Beast In Concert . A pity I'm on the wrong coast to get to this. I'd even check this out "pay per view" just to see Taye Diggs take a shot at playing Gaston. That's not the only unique casting choice either. Zooey Deschanel as Belle, Kelsey Grammar as Lumiere, Rebel Wilson as Lefou, Jane Krakowski as Mrs. Potts, & Anthony Evans as Beast? This thing just has strange casting all around. This kinda, actually makes me curious if they can pull it off? Beauty and the Beast is the gift that keeps on giving for Disney. So, for me it's cool to see them take chances. My big question though is, with a female Lefou, what will people complain about now? Anyway, it's May 25th & 26th if you're around that way. Wish I could be, record it for me. Meanwhile, what do y'all think of this cast? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
RIP David Ogden Stiers
David Ogden Stiers was lost to us to cancer over the weekend at the age of 75. He will be remembered to most for his role on M*A*S*H , but to me he'll always be for his voice roles in many Disney animated classics. Many of my favorite characters including, Cogsworth in Beauty & The Beast, the Arch-deacon in The Hunchback of Notre Dame , Governor Ratcliffe in Pocahontas, & Dr. Jumba in Lilo & Stitch . Those iconic roles are just a small piece of this man huge career that even saw him come back for the sequels. I always hate when we lose people, but try to take small comforts in knowing that they will always be immortalized in the characters they played. My condolences go out to all his friends & family.
D23 Announces One-Man Show "A Whole New World of Alan Menken"
Do you know who Alan Menken is? If you don't, he's the reason for all the music that was stuck in your head when you left Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Enchanted, or Tangled just to name his Disney contributions. He has written and will be performing a one-man show called A Whole New World of Alan Menken for D23 this year on Sunday, July 16th. There will be two performances in Hall D23 at the Anaheim Convention Center at 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.. This guy's amazing he's won eight Oscars with 19 nominations, more Academy Awards than any other living individual. Then on top of that, 11 Grammy Awards, 7 Golden Globes, and a friggin Tony Award. He's also been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. To be directed by Richard Kraft, all I'm hoping right now isif I can't make it to D23, they're at least going to stream it like they streamed Star Wars Celebration. This man's definitely has a track record where I can vouch for this definitely being an unforgettable experience and I don't want to miss it.
Disney & Lego Take On Beauty and the Beast
Disney and The LEGO Group give us another one of these gems in their As Told by LEGO series. This time they've decided to take on the tale as old as time. What this one lacks in effects as opposed to The Rogue One setup, it makes up for in comedy. This one was pretty funny. In fact, the battle with Gaston actually made me laugh out loud. Check it out though, it's quick and love it or hate it let us know in the comments.
Wanna Sing? Disney Says Be Our Guest!
That's right, according to The Disney Blog, starting this Friday, April 7 you can sit in one of 1,200 theaters nationwide & sing your hearts out. Why then you ask? That's the day that Beauty & the Beast will start it's run in "sing along" form. Yes, that's where they put the words to all the songs & you get to belt them out with the rest of the theater. I've never actually done this, but I bet it's definitely an experience. Especially if you get in there with an involved audience. When everyone sings it doesn't matter how bad you are. Is there anyone who's went to one of these? Let us know about it in the comments.
First Live Action, Now Beauty and the Beast to Go Manga
A tale as old as time, still raking in money at the box office is already getting yet another revisioning. This time in manga form. Entertainment Weekly reports on April 26 Tokyopop & Disney will release a manga adaption of "Beauty and the Beast". This will come in two parts. One will be told from Belle's point of view as she falls for her beastly captor. While the other will be told from the Beast's point of view, dealing with his curse, turning hopelessness into love. The art is amazing even if I feel it could use a splash of color here and there, but that's not manga's style. I'm probably the only person wondering why Gaston doesn't get one for his side of the story, but oh well. What do you think manga "Beauty and the Beast", manga more classics? Put it in the comments & please, like & share.
