The animated Disney classic "Beauty and the Beast" will be shown on two evenings in May at the Hollywood Bowl as Zooey Deschanel, Kelsey Grammer, Taye Diggs, Rebel Wilson, Jane Krakowski and Anthony Evans perform songs from the Oscar- and Grammy-winning score, accompanied by a full live orchestra.
Tickets for the May 26-27 shows go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster.com.
The singing cast includes Deschanel as Belle, Grammer performing "Be Our Guest" as Lumiere, Diggs singing as Gaston, Wilson singing the role of LeFou, Krakowski performing the title song as Mrs. Potts, and Evans as Beast singing "Evermore," written for the 2017 live-action version of the film that starred Emma Watson.
"Performing 'Beauty and the Beast,' one of my favorite movies growing up, in a special concert at the legendary Hollywood Bowl is a dream come true," Deschanel said. "I am looking forward to what I'm sure will be a magical event."
Grammer and Diggs said they, too, were excited to be taking part in the program, with eight-time Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken signing on as executive producer.
"I love this film, I love Alan Menken and I loved Jerry Orbach -- the title song, as sung by Angela Lansbury, makes me cry to this day," Grammer said. "Walking in the footsteps of such a brilliant cast is an honor; and as for singing the music of the incomparable Alan Menken -- it goes without saying."
Digs said he's "been a fan of 'Beauty and the Beast' both as a parent as well as a Disney animation supporter. I've seen the Broadway production more than once and have harbored jealousy of every actor who has ever played Gaston every time I've been in that theater. I'm giddy with excitement at the opportunity to finally sing the role. To be able to do this while staying in L.A. and at the famed Hollywood Bowl only sweetens the pot. I'm hyped and oh so grateful."
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"This cast is nothing less than enchanting," said concert director Richard Kraft, who previously helmed live-to-film events for Disney's "The Little Mermaid," "La La Land" and "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" at the Hollywood Bowl.
"Like our celebration of Disney's 'The Little Mermaid in Concert' at the Hollywood Bowl, we are mixing film, live music, singers, dancers, digital projections, effects and special guest artists to create an event that pays homage to the original movie but also delivers something that can only be experienced live," Kraft said.
Menken said "The Little Mermaid" program at the Hollywood Bowl "was an amazing and unforgettable event. Now 'Beauty and the Beast' at the Bowl is coming, with an extraordinary cast and a world-class orchestra. I am beyond excited to be a part of what will be another fantastic evening."
Doors will open at 6:45 p.m. both nights, with a costume contest to follow and the concert beginning at 8:15 p.m.
