In a few short days, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast will return to the big screen. The live-action remake has been the topic of conversation for some weeks now. Disney’s been the talk of the town, from the uproar in response to having an openly gay character to having to, yet again, defend and define feminism. We’d like to step away from the talking points surrounding Beauty and the Beast and focus on the music.
With every great Disney movie release comes great music. Lion King gave us “The Circle of Life” and Princess and the Frog gave us “Almost There”…right before they made the first black Disney princess a frog the whole movie, but no matter. Before the movies March 17th release, Disney released a new version of the movie’s theme, cleverly titled “Beauty and the Beast”. The movie’s titular song was released March 4th with a moving performance by singers by John Legend and Ariana Grande.
Legend has been inching closer and closer to Broadway, having produced the 2017 premiere of August Wilson’s Jitney and scoring musical films within the past couple years. Grande is no stranger to Broadway, before making her way to TV and pop music, she originated the role of Charlotte in 13 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, she also played Penny Pingleton in Hairspray Live!
Both musicians give an enchanting performance that captures the spirit of this classic tale. In the music video’s short four minutes, we are welcomed into the fantastical Beast’s castle and lulled through Belle and the Beast’s waltz by Legend and Grande’s flawless falsetto. The story’s most precious characters make appearances throughout the song and we are even guided through the video by the tale’s infamous rose. Disney really put their foot in this one!
What are your favorite Disney classics and who are you most excited to see in the remake? You all know my answer, Audra McDonald through and through! Leave your comments below!
