STRAIGHT OUT OF A STORYBOOK!

OFFICIAL FIRST LOOK AT THE STAR-STUDDED CAST FOR ABC'S UPCOMING SPECIAL

'Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration' Airs Thursday, Dec. 15, at 8/7c on ABC

In honor of the 30th anniversary of the beloved Disney animated classic and its Academy Award(R) nomination for Best Picture, The Wonderful World of Disney and ABC presents "Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration." This two-hour animated and live-action blended special will pay tribute to the original Disney Animation's "Beauty and the Beast" and its legacy by showcasing the fan-favorite movie, along with new memorable musical performances, taking viewers on a magical adventure through the eyes of Belle.

"Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration" airs THURSDAY, DEC. 15 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on ABC and will be available the next day on Disney+.

As previously announced, five-time GRAMMY(R) and Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter H.E.R. will play the role of Belle; Tony(R), Emmy(R) and GRAMMY-nominated artist Josh Groban will play the Beast; Tony and GRAMMY-nominated star Joshua Henry will play Gaston; EGOT winner and legend Rita Moreno will serve as the night's narrator; celebrated comedian and Emmy Award-winning actor Martin Short will play Lumière; Tony Award winner David Alan Grier will play Cogsworth; Rizwan Manji will play Gaston's loyal sidekick, LeFou; and Jon Jon Briones will play Belle's loving father, Maurice. Viewers are also in for a major treat as five-time GRAMMY Award winner and top-selling female country pop artist Shania Twain is joined by rising star Leo Abelo Perry, playing everyone's favorite mother-son duo, Mrs. Potts and Chip. Jon M. Chu will executive produce the special and Hamish Hamilton is set to direct, taking viewers on a memorable journey through the classic enchanted tale.