Set in New Orleans, "The Princess and the Frog" introduces first African American Disney Princess

/Home/New Orleans Media/New Orleans Movies

Set in New Orleans, "The Princess and the Frog" introduces first African American Disney Princess
August 6, 2009
Peggy Macdonald
Examiner.com

he Princess and the Frog, the first animated Disney film to feature an African American princess, opens in Los Angeles and New York November 25 and opens across the country December 11.

Set in New Orleans, the comedic film's jazzy soundtrack breathes new life into the standard Disney score, which typically involves pieces sung by an ingenue who dreams of true love. In addition to its groundbreaking character, setting, and musical choices, The Princess and the Frog differs from most modern animated features--which tend to be produced digitally--in that it is hand drawn.

The subdued colors of the film's Louisiana bayou setting serve as a lush backdrop to the hilarious courtship that ensues between the beautiful Tiana and a frog prince longing to be human again.

Disney animators have once again partnered with Oscar-winning composer Randy Newman, who produced the classic "You've Got a Friend in Me" for Disney-Pixar's Toy Story. Although Disney and Newman have a proven track record, it is surprising that the first major animated feature film with an African American lead favors Newman over fellow New Orleans native Wynton Marsalis.

The Princess and the Frog features the voice talents of Oprah Winfrey, Terrence Howard, John Goodman, and Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana. The film is directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, whose credits include The Little Mermaid and Aladdin.

Kids who cannot wait for the newest animated Disney film to come out can view the trailer, play video games, and even wish upon a star at Walt Disney's Princess and the Frog Web site.