The greatest tale of all time, "Beauty and The Beast," gets a modern retelling for its 30th celebration this year.
From the on-point casting and modernized interpretation of the songs up to the extravagant spectacle and set design, "Beauty and The Beast," exceeded the expectations of fans worldwide.
One of its show-stoppers, H.E.R., who played Belle, stole the show in every scene she was in.
From singing the company chorus "Belle" to "Something There," and finally singing "Beauty and The Beast" with Josh Groban, H.E.R. gave her modern interpretation of the Stockholm Syndrome-ridden Belle.
H.E.R., formally known as Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, is the first Black-Filipina Belle of the entire franchise, may it be on film, television, and stage.
At the grand ending of the television special, aired by ABC., H.E.R., wearing the iconic golden yellow dress of Belle, looked stunning as ever with Josh Groban.
Singing "Beauty and The Beast," H.E.R.'s voice, as always, was flawless, but at the start of the final chorus, she hid behind the walls for a grand reveal at the end.
At the highest point of the song, H.E.R. revealed herself wearing her iconic shades, but in a yellow-gold color, and a glass stained and opaque rose electric guitar - giving the classic song a modern rock interpretation.
Ultimately, the crowd goes wild in the studio, but after a few riffs, H.E.R. ditches the guitar and continues to belt out the rest of the song.
Among the other lauded moments of the evening were Shania Twain and Alan Menken's heartwarming tribute for Dame Angela Lansbury, the music icon who originated the role of Mrs. Potts, the same maternal pot that Twain gracefully played in the 30th celebration.
Joshua Henry was also spot-on and showed that Gaston is dominating with his brute force in singing on "Gaston," sharing a well-choreographed dance break with the whole ensemble, along with the amazing Rizwan Manji, who played Le Fou.
Martin Short and David Alan Grier were spot-on in their interpretation of the bickering candelabra and clock, Lumiere and Cogsworth. Especially during the spectacular performance "Be Our Guest," which featured a plethora of moving plates, dishes, and hors d'oeuvre!
"Beauty and the Beast Live!" aired exclusively on ABC last Dec. 15, 2022.
Josh Groban played Beast, H.E.R. was cast as Belle, while Shania Twain was Mrs. Potts, Joshua Henry as Gaston, Martin Short as Lumière, David Alan Grier as Cogsworth, and Jon Jon Briones as Maurice.
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