Shania Twain Will Fill Angela Lansbury’s Shoes In ‘Beast’
Shania Twain posted a photo of herself drinking from a tea cup and announced that she would officially become Mrs. Potts In the ABC version of Beauty and The Beast in a special set to air mid-December.
On Instagram, Shania posted an image of her drinking tea in a hot pink dress suit. She captioned the photo, “I am unbelievably honored… and excited… and all of the emotions(!!) to announce that I will be joining the cast of #BeautyAndTheBeast30th to play the part of my favorite character – Mrs. Potts. And of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t pay tribute to the iconic Angela Lansbury, I mean she I.S. Mrs. Potts and the reason why this character is so beloved.”
She added, “To follow in the footsteps of such an icon is a huge honor, and I hope to do the part justice. Airing December 15 on @abcnetwork.”
Many fans reacted to the post, including one who commented, “O.M.G.! Congratulations!! You are so deserving. I can’t wait to see you absolutely slay! Come on, Mrs. Shania Potts.” Another Shania dye-hard wrote, “You’re the triple threat for sure! How fun!!”
ABC announced on Monday (10/17) the Beauty and the Beast 30th anniversary special has invited a few more guests to the table. Martin Short will play Lumière, David Alan Grier will play the clock as Cogsworth, and Twain will portray Mrs. Potts.
Schitt’s Creek’s Rizwan Manji as LeFou, Broadway vet Jon Jon Briones as Maurice, and young performer Leo Abelo as Chip are racing out the cast. It was previously announced in July that R&B performer H.E.R. was tapped to play Beast’s leading lady Belle.
When asked about their favorite memory from the movie-making process during the 25th anniversary of “Beauty and the Beast,” Paige O’Hara, who voiced Belle, told the audience about how Lansbury recorded the “Beauty and the Beast” song in a single take.
Paige said, “I remember the day we were in the recording studio with the amazing Broadway singers in the background chorus and the amazing [New York Philharmonic] orchestra,” O’Hara said. “And then Ms. Lansbury, who I have admired my whole life, came in after being up all night and was a trooper. We were all worried she would be too exhausted, and then she comes out and sings ‘Beauty and the Beast’ in one take.”
After the 2016 screening, Lansbury returned to the stage to perform “Beauty and the Beast” with Alan Menken, the song’s original co-writer.
Angela Lansbury surprised the audience of the 25th anniversary screening with "Beauty and the Beast" 😭 pic.twitter.com/zm3i59WEBk
— Playbill (@playbill) September 18, 2016
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