Dreamgirls' Anika Noni to Voice Disney's "The Frog Princess"

Disney has a new princess and now that princess has a voice.

Walt Disney Studios has announced that Dreamgirls star, Anika Noni, will voice Disney's newest princess, Maddy, in the upcoming "The Frog Princess." Maddy, Disney's first black princess, had been rumored to be voiced by Tyra Banks, Jennifer Hudson and Alicia Keys. It was Noni that won the the title role, however, due in large part to a successful Broadway career.

"The Frog Princess" is set in 1920s New Orleans and is Disney's return to the traditional hand-drawn animation that made its feature films famous. Disney's last hand-drawn animated features haven't fared so well at the box office. "Home on the Range" and "Brother Bear" failed to meet box office expectations and was thought by many to signal the end of the traditional animation that Walt Disney had pioneered. In fact, after the disappointment of "Home on the Range," Disney announced it would cease to produce any traditionally animated films and all subsequent animated films would be computer generated.

With changes in the hierarchy of Disney, so changed the plans. John Lasseter, the new Chief Creative Officer at Walt Disney Studios, announced his interest in going back to traditional 2-D animation. Lasseter then recruited Ron Clements, director of Disney's "Aladdin," to helm "The Frog Princess."

Another Disney veteran joining "The Frog Princess" will be Randy Newman, best known for his Academy Award winning compositions on films such as "Toy Story. "

"The Frog Princess" is being billed as an American fairy tale which takes place during the height of New Orlean's Jazz Age. A look at a casting call released in December of 2006 gives a brief description of the characters to be found in "The Frog Princess." Besides Maddy, described as a 19 year old chambermaid, is Charlotte La Bouff, an 18-year-old spoiled debutante and Dr. Duvalier, who is described as "an African-American Voodoo magician" and the villain of the film.

According to the casting list, the story will also include a number of verbally-fit animals including a "love-sick cajun firefly" by the name of Ray and a Jazz singing alligator named Louis.

"The Frog Princess" will also more than likely issue in a new face among the present Disney royals - Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine and Snow White. No doubt, many young girls will gladly welcome this new beauty among both the coveted Disney Princess merchandise and among the many face characters that circulate Disney's theme parks.

"The Frog Princess" is currently in production and will be released in theaters in 2009.

SOURCE: Associated Press: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/T/THEATER_PRODUCERS_CLOSING?SITE=VAROA&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT