ABC’s “Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration” has found its Lumière, Cogsworth and Mrs. Potts in Martin Short (“Only Murders in the Building”), David Alan Grier (“In Living Color”) and country music star Shania Twain, respectively.
Rounding out the ensemble cast are Rizwan Manji (“Schitt’s Creek”) as Gaston’s loyal sidekick, LeFou; Jon Jon Briones (“Ratched”) as Belle’s loving father, Maurice; and Leo Abelo Perry (2022’s “Cheaper by the Dozen”), playing Mrs. Potts’ son Chip.
Presented by the anthology series The Wonderful World of Disney, the two-hour reimagining of the beloved story of “Beauty and the Beast” will be taped in front of a live audience at Disney Studios and will air Thursday, Dec. 15 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, with next-day viewing on Disney+.
Grammy nominee Joshua Henry has been tapped to play Gaston. EGOT winner Rita Moreno will serve as the night’s narrator. Jon M. Chu will executive produce the hybrid animated/live-action special and Hamish Hamilton is set to direct, taking viewers on a memorable journey through the classic enchanted tale.
Short is a two-time Emmy-winning comedian and actor, who has had a prolific television, film and theater career since his “Saturday Night Live” breakout more than three decades ago. He has also won a Tony for his role in the revival of “Little Me.” Currently, he stars opposite Steve Martin and Selena Gomez in Hulu’s popular “Only Murders in the Building.”
Grier is a Tony-winning theater, TV and comedic icon. He was a principal cast member in the Emmy-winning sketch comedy show “In Living Color.” He starred in all three seasons of NBC’s “The Carmichael Show” and appeared in the network’s Emmy-winning live television production of “The Wiz Live!” as the Cowardly Lion. Grier currently co-starring in FX’s “The Patient,” opposite Steve Carell, and is set to headline and executive produce a limited series adaptation of “A Soldier’s Story” for Sony Pictures TV.
(Excerpt) Read more in: The Wrap