Josh Groban, Rita Moreno join cast of 'Beauty and the Beast' special

MANILA, Philippines — Singer Josh Groban and multi-awarded artist Rita Moreno join Filipino-American R&B singer H.E.R. in the cast for the upcoming animated and live-action hybrid 30th anniversary special of the Disney classic "Beauty and the Beast."

Groban will star opposite H.E.R.'s Belle as the titular Beast who was initially a prince but was cursed by a witch after he turned her away from his castle.

The singer had recorded the song "Evermore" for the 2017 live-action remake of the 1991 film which saw Dan Stevens in the role of the Beast opposite Emma Watson.

Moreno will be the special's narrator, while Broadway actor Joshua Henry — best known for his roles in "In The Heights," "Hamilton," "Into The Woods," and "Carousel" — will play the antagonist Gaston.

The special will feature never-before-seen musical performances, brand new costumes and set designs, all inspired by the original French fairytale as the cast performs songs from the original 1991 animated film in front of a live audience at Disney Studios.

Jon M. Chu, director of "Crazy Rich Asians" and "In The Heights," serves as one of the special's executive producers alongside director Hamish Hamilton and H.E.R.

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