This is a clever retelling of the classic tale, which mixes production information with clips of the original film and live action. The blend is delightful and engaging. A live audience helps build the energy and the choreography is outstanding -- mixing traditional big Disney musical-style dancing with some new and innovative pieces. There is "hand-dancing" in the opening segment and innovative modern dance to represent the fading rose. Casting choices show that Disney is "all in" on inclusive casting ... every kind of inclusivity. Race, ethnicity, body size, you name it. It works beautifully. Rita Moreno's dulcet tones, as narrator, are a welcome thread holding it all together. My very minor complaint comes with H.E.R. and Shania Twain. Both have the vocal chops and H.E.R. has some real skill in acting. But neither woman is used to singing in this style. Both tend to "croon" -- sliding into and out of notes. It was a distraction. This kind of music needs super-clear consonants and the notes need to be attacked directly and cleanly. See the work of Josh Groban and Joshua Henry as the Beast and Gaston, respectively. You could cut glass with their specificity while singing. It's a style issue, not a lack of skill per se. In any case the production was incredibly entertaining. More so than many of the holiday films. Worth the watch. (PS, as a giggle, I found it ... interesting ... that they referenced the Broadway show but not the live action remake. Just sayin'.)
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