By Tyler Slater
Over the past weekend, D23’s Fanniversary brought enchantment to four cities as members relived Beauty and the Beast on the big screen. On September 17, D23 members took their seats in theaters in Chicago, Miami, and Washington, D.C., to celebrate the film wearing their most “beastly” and most beauteous attire—and picked up their D23 Fanniversary-exclusive postcard set and complimentary snack. Then, the following day, The Walt Disney Studios extended the invitation for D23 to join in a magical evening where it all began 25 years earlier in New York City.
Moments into the introduction in Chicago, a menacing-yet-familiar voice bellowed, “Why did you come here?” The started audience quickly realized there was a special guest afoot, as Robby Benson—voice of Beast—came out to surprise members. Benson, looking young and spry, recalled how special it was to work on the film. He revealed that numerous big stars came in to audition for Beast, but that he believes he got the role because of his knowledge as an audio engineer—upon seeing that his audition was going to be taped on a small Walkman recorder, he altered his intonation to make sure the tiny microphone picked up his resonant nuances. Five auditions later, he was cast as Beast.
Then in Miami, Jesse Corti—the voice of LeFou—delighted members with a special guest appearance just before the film! The audience was thrilled to hear about his audition process and how he relates to Belle the most out of any character in the film.
At the same time, D23 members in Washington, D.C., erupted into applause as Disney Legend Paige O’Hara surprised members! Paige shared her special connection to the Beast, and how she feels he is truly the heart of the film. She also shared how excited she is about the upcoming live-action release! Paige said that they could not have a cast a more perfect Belle (Emma Watson) and expressed absolute delight in seeing future generations being swept away with this tale as old as time.
The following day, The Walt Disney Studios extended an invitation for a select number of D23 Gold Members in New York City to attend an incredible evening and relive the story back where it all began. Before the screening, members of the original cast, including Robby Benson, Richard White, and Angela Lansbury, returned to the stage in the Alice Tully Hall to recount some of their favorite memories from the past 25 years.
The audience then traveled back to the provincial town and enchanted castle, but were encouraged not to leave their seats at the conclusion of the film for a very special surprise.
Then, as the lights came back up, Disney Legend Alan Menken appeared on stage at a piano and performed a medley of Disney fan-favorites. At the very end, the audience gasped as Angela Lansbury, at the age of 91, returned to the stage and performed “Beauty and the Beast.”
Relive the magic yourself in the video here.
D23’s Fanniversary continues through September 30—what has been your favorite moment so far?
