Disney Princess voices sing together at the 2011 D23 Expo

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LAST YEAR Soprano singer Lea Salonga (the singing voice for both Mulan and Jasmine) and actress Anika Noni Rose appeared @ 2011 D23 Expo and performed "A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes" and the songs of their respective films ("Almost There" and "Reflection"). Also present at the ceremony was Jodi Benson of Little Mermaid fame. Both actresses were made honorary Disney Legends at the ceremony alongside many other actors who contributed their talents to the animated canon of Disney.

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The Obligatory "Pocahontas (1995)" Trivia Post

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PRODUCTION:

• In the very first draft of the script for Pochahontas, the character of “Grandmother Willow” was written as a male character who was the spirit of the river, the character was named “Old Man River”. The song “Just Around the Riverbend” was written for this character to be sung. Gregory Peck was offered the role and as much as it pained him to do it, he turned down the role because he felt the title character needed a motherly figure to turn to for advice. Soon the filmmakers agreed with him and the character was changed.
• In their quest for authenticity, the Disney studios hired mostly Native American actors to do the voices. They also employed Native American consultants and had a session with a real shaman. Despite these efforts, prominent Native American activists issued an open letter condemning the film for its historical inaccuracies and stereotyping of the Indian people.

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Also, be sure to check out Bluray.com's "Making of Walt Disney's Pocahontas" article, which has plenty of interesting material in it (from concept art to producer intentions via interviews).

Rumors of Upcoming Disney on Broadway Productions

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The Hunchback of Notre Dame
In 2008, Stephen Schwartzsaid, “I think we’re starting up Hunchback of Notre Dame, hopefully, next year (2009). Rumor has reached my ear that it’s happening.” Thomas Schumacher, head of Disney Theatrical, discussed current and future stage productions in an article published by the Columbus Dispatch on September 21, 2008. In the article, a US-version of Hunchback is listed among others as being in development, “Disney’s first original foreign-language production, which ran from 1999 to 2002 in Berlin, is being revamped for its U.S. premiere.” In a recent interview, Alan Menken confirmed an American revival coming soon to New York. No casting has been announced.

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