Oprah Joins Disney's THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG Musical Film

Disney's John Lasseter annouced today at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood news about the upcoming animated musical film THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG. After jazz legend Dr. John performed a song from the film, Lasseter anounced that daytime queen Oprah Winfrey had joined the cast as Eudora, the mother to Princess Tiana (voiced by Anika Noni Rose).

Currently appearing in Shrek, Jen Cody is in the film as well, voicing Charlotte LaBouff.  

The movie is written and directed by John Musker and Ron Clements and features the music of Randy Newman, who wrote 6 new songs for the film.

A musical set in the legendary birthplace of jazz -- New Orleans -- "The Princess and the Frog" will introduce the newest Disney princess, Tiana, a young African-American girl living amid the charming elegance and grandeur of the fabled French Quarter. From the heart of Louisiana's mystical bayous and the banks of the mighty Mississippi comes an unforgettable tale of love, enchantment and discovery with a soulful singing crocodile, voodoo spells and Cajun charm at every turn.

The film is set for release in late 2009.

Photo Oprah Winfrey by Walter McBride