The long wait is over. Finally, after years of waiting, Disney has created their first black princess in the upcoming animated version of the classic, The Princess and the Frog.

The heroine of the Disney film, Tiana, was played out by Tony-award winner Anika Noni Rose.

This is Rose’s first lead role since her starring in Dreamgirls opposite Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson. She also starred alongside singer-actress Jill Scott in the HBO series, The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency. She got her Tony for the Broadway musical, Caroline, or Change.

The Princess and the Frog was created by the makers of the The Little Mermaid and Aladdin.  The score was composed by Oscar-winner Randy Newman. The film promises timeless romance, as well as frogs, voodoo and a singing alligator.

The Princess and the Frog opened in New York and Los Angeles exclusively on November 25 and in theaters nationwide on December 11.

(via Black Voices)