Rizwan Manji and Joshua Henry Perform 'Gaston' - Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration

Rizwan Manji (LeFou) and Joshua Henry (Gaston) perform 'Gaston.' Watch 'Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration' THURS DEC 15 8/7c on ABC and Stream Next Day on Disney+ and Hulu.

[@Sharpe1502]

Broadway fans knew Joshua Henry was gonna absolutely demolish this role (in a good way).

[@cookingwithchristopher3227]

And did!

[@mk.mn.8684]

I WAS SO EXCITED WHEN IT WAS ANNOUCED OMG

[@KirstenFaithy]

I’m a new broadway fan 😂 I’m still learning about all this

[@arachne6074]

He’s almost too good. Lol! He needs to be in more things.

[@Dearevanhansen223]

Of course. Was even more excited when I saw him in costume

[@littlemissworry4ever]

I have never liked Gaston but this man has me swooning like one of those towns girls!

[@bubukittee24]

I always rooted for Gaston. He’s a protector and strong leader. Everything a man should be. But Joshua Henry’s Gaston is more than I could ever want! So handsome 😍🤤

[@jacobmccain8794]

@@bubukittee24 everything a man should be! He’s the stereotypical man, being rude to a woman and thought he was the best because he looks the way he does and so, he could get anyone he wanted. I see many many things wrong with that🤷🏾‍♂️. Many different portrayals in life of what men can be, I don’t thin in there’s just one way a man should act. I definitely don’t think like Gaston, imo😅. However, I love him for the fiction!

[@birdie3rdie]

Gil's father?

[@randompersoninc.815]

@@bubukittee24 and also care for the person they are interested in not just their beauty but I guess that’s not everything a man should be right?

[@bubukittee24]

@@randompersoninc.815 right. I was just being a floozy.

[@undead.rising]

It's rare to see someone that huge in musical theatre - and to have exactly the right voice for the part is truly something. I couldn't imagine anyone finding someone better than this for the part. I've never seen this actor before, but all I can say is that he is PERFECTLY cast!

[@paytonhartman9261]

100% agree - kills it

[@JacksG13]

He played Aaron Burr in Hamilton in Chicago and then on the first US tour! From there he was in the revival of Carousel (for which he was nominated for a Tony) and was in the movie adaptation of Tick, Tick, Boom!

[@nicolelouise7295]

​@@JacksG13 Good to know, Aaron Burr was ripped at one point

[@bigengineproductions-g7m]

@undead.rising which character do you mean

[@H.K.5]

Well Gaston is supposed to be huge.

[@ESPHMacD]

Y’all, peep his dreads! I knew Josh was gonna kill the role, his voice is just fantastic and powerful… but the representation of “the epitome” of big, burly, and manly having a beautiful set of long hair, and locs at that. He looks incredible.

[@cloudambient]

in this one, he's black

[@Olivia-Little-Dove]

Yessss I love the locs. Great styling choice

[@ddthewolf]

​@@cloudambient and?

[@steampunkgamez9703]

​@@cloudambient I'm pretty sure Josh has always been black, idk last time I checked

[@cloudambient]

@@steampunkgamez9703 obviously meant the character, not the actor, dummy.

[@ashddd]

Theatre fans already KNEW Joshua Henry was THAT DUDE - but it's always nice for the reminder

[@anneofcleveswithinternet]

Finally, a gaston that looks like he really eats five dozen eggs every morning.

[@hummersd]

So proud of Josh Henry! He was the first national tour's Burr in Hamilton SF, and currently in the Broadway revival of Into the Woods. His future is so bright!

[@jaqui1401]

yesss he was my first Aaron Burr when I saw Hamilton for the first time in SF as well. So proud of how far he has come

[@sarahmoore8219]

he also has three Tony nominations

[@winter_s_44]

They did a really good job. Touched on my childhood nostalgia. That’s not easy with these live versions. Good work everyone!

[@bubukittee24]

Yeah, the live action movie didn’t even come close to capturing the grandeur and beauty of the animation. And Emma waston sux.

[@louiesworld8265]

Sorry but Josh Gad as LeFou was the only thing that was Amazing about the live action from 2017. He captured the original character so well while putting on his original take. there's no better actor for LeFou than Josh Gad he's a legend and an Icon.

[@TheOuterBanks]

This song always cracks me up. They did a great job. I always wonder how the performers sing flawlessly while running, dancing, jumping. Impressive.

[@HijackedHarmony]

They weren't singing it live. You can tell. The voices didn't match their movements.

[@isabelharouny]

@@HijackedHarmony it actually is live. You can tell by the ad lib grunts and yells and there are a few out of breath moments from the lead singers

[@HijackedHarmony]

@@isabelharouny meh, that is some spot on flowing movements then. It looks like how they film singers at the Macy's day parade. You can still lip sync and make your own grunts in between. Just sayin.

[@isabelharouny]

@@HijackedHarmony yes, but the whole point of this entire production is that it was live

[@SongsFromASuitcase]

It was live. You can can hear it by the singing. Yes this is possible. How else do you think they do this on broadway.

[@hrvollman]

Joshua Henry is a gift to the arts. The dance break slayed. The option up?! Okay. 🎉

[@kimamethyst6338]

Not to mention he's really cute. Great job Joshua

[@justinlamphere2950]

Ok i knew he was going to be great. He definitely has the voice and he is a big muscular guy! And the option up was much better than Luke Evans’s in the movie

[@sunnyorange180]

so perfect

[@londonunderground790]

The option up made me leap from the couch.

[@vincentjohnflorio]

Crazy how well he could sing after all that athleticism

[@MrNeilTV]

Okay but why is this so much better than the live action?!

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

Because they changed it up without dumbing it down.

[@louiesworld8265]

@@rosesweetcharlotte How was Josh Gads LeFou Dumbed down? I see no reason on how he dumbed it down? He Played the Character Perfectly Exactly how He wanted to Reinterpret The Character with More Development, More Depth, More Charm, And A Proper Arc of him realizing He made a Fool out of Himself of Letting Gaston use and Manipulate Him as His Tool to save his own skin. He Played him way Better with more of an Important Role going from Gaston's Admiring Sidekick To his Own Person Unlike what the original did. Please don't Offend Me Im autistic.

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

@@louiesworld8265 I didn't say he was the problem. The problem was trying to explain everything little thing. We don't need to know where Belle's mom is!

[@louiesworld8265]

@@rosesweetcharlotte Im sorry i didn't know

[@SammiEnka]

Seriously,…but actually keep Josh Gad in I loved him as LeFou

[@thefilmwatcher1216]

This performance is incredible. The set is awesome, the dancing is great, the performances are perfect, and whoever thought of Gaston doing curls with a bar with two barrels on the end deserves an award.

[@louiesworld8265]

Joshua Henry was Terrific as Gaston and the sets and Costumes were great. However I would've preferred if they had Josh Gad reprise his role as LeFou for this special better.

[@thefilmwatcher1216]

@@louiesworld8265 He was one of the best parts of the live action film.

[@louiesworld8265]

You know what I think, I think Disney World should Create a Live Action Face Character version of LeFou inspired by Both the 1991 Animated And 2017 Live Action in order for Gad's LeFou to be Respected More.

[@thefilmwatcher1216]

@@louiesworld8265 That is bothersome.

[@louiesworld8265]

@@thefilmwatcher1216 what does that mean? You agree to what I said about some people being disrespectful to gad's LeFou?

[@JABTube]

He's such a strong singer, you forget that he came from the ensemble and really has the moves too

[@JeanineBruen]

Joshua Henry's voice is unparalleled. THE POWER!!!!!!

[@michaellucejr.6374]

The actors who played LeFou and Gaston are perform at their best here! The movement, pacing, rhythm and the vocal structure are all great examples of how this song can work in live. Way to go ABC!

[@krisw.5025]

The way he belts out Gaston at the end! Wow! What a voice and lungs!

[@__Insanity_]

Finally! A Gaston that could realistically pull the ladies

[@MoonlightBrillance]

Right! I’m not fan of the character but this Gaston could get it😂😂

[@ElonMuskrat-my8jy]

More like grape the ladies.

[@Ruuehxbfiqkxn]

He’s making me swoon

[@terastadtmiller]

I had never heard of Joshua Henry, and I immediately fell in love with him. I'm now going down a rabbit hole watching all of his performances. I just watched him do Agony from Into the Woods, and my god, his voice is perfect. He's incredibly talented (and beautiful), and I hope to see more of him in the future! ❤️

[@bernice_anders]

I love how he makes those boots look so heavy at 3:20 with his stride. The details make the character so much greater

[@jaadkins148]

Holy moly Gaston’s voice is superb 😭

[@kingdingaling6516]

Would not be surprised if Joshua Henry goes on to play Gaston in the London cast soon after this

[@VictoriousSage]

Is he from london??

[@jennifera.4511]

Gaston is the perfect role to test whether or not an actor is good. Never heard of him, but daaaamn, Joshua is simply amazing! I dare say his charisma goes side to side with Hugh Jackman's, the presence on stage, the voice, the acting (still swooning for his acting when he moved his arms in 2:17 sooo like Gaston!)!

[@lifebyjo3999]

They captured all of the wit and humor of the animated performance while also adding the modern elements of the dance break down and turning up the campiness all while keeping the song quality. Soooo good!!!! I love it

[@NenadlPopovic]

Joshua Henry really nailed both the singing (which is even better in Mob Song) & good acting! He really impressed me! Other highlights were HER as Belle & Shania as Mrs Potts

[@JustNess78]

Totally agree, but don't forget our national treasure Martin Short of Lumiere. SO GOOD! :D

[@louiesworld8265]

Joshua Henry was terrific as Gaston but I would've preferred Josh Gad to come back as LeFou for this Special he played him better than Rizwan Manji did. What doesn't help is that this LeFou played by Rizwan Manji didn't turn against Gaston or Pull a Heel-Face-Turn like in the 2017 movie which I loved about him seeing for what a monster Gaston was. His line in the mob song from 2017 was one of the highlights and a powerful development to his character.

[@SparkleMuffin22]

Might be my new favorite version of this song.

[@Kadagirl777]

2:04 "As you see, I've got biceps to spare-" Yes, yes you do 🤩 Man, he was the PERFECT choice for Gaston, both in physique, acting and singing! He is by far my favorite Gaston 😍 He was so intense (in the best way) and brought so much life to the role that it was like you were actually there sitting in the theater with everyone.

[@winniewong]

Why couldn't they hire these performers for the actual live action movie? So good!

[@mao_hj_]

Everyone!!!! The actor who plays Gaston is Joshua Henry. Please remember him and see more of his performance. Thank you.

[@LaineMann]

Also, that is not Riswan Manji. Like, at all.

[@brianlynch996]

@@LaineMann Nope, that’s him. He’s wearing a weird balloon suit and pitching his voice up, but it’s him.

[@LaineMann]

@@brianlynch996 but he has like, NO accent. And his accent is normally VERY noticeable.

[@brianlynch996]

@@LaineMann that’s because he’s normally playing characters with accents. What you’ve heard on his other roles isn’t what he actually sounds like. He’s Canadian. While he clearly picked up some quirks and inflections from his parents, who are Gujarati that immigrated to Toronto from Tanzania, his normal speaking voice is actually a pretty ordinary Canadian accent.

[@LaineMann]

@@brianlynch996 I guess since that’s what I’m used I thought he ACTUALLY had an accent. 😅

[@ItsKatinasWorld]

THE VOICE. THE PRESENCE. JUST EVERYTHING!! EVERYTHING was magnificent!! 😍😍😍

[@kellyp136]

This guy is absolutely fantastic as Gaston.

[@domenicoangelopiotomeo7252]

Yes

[@zackstark24601]

Joshua Henry was my favorite part of the whole celebration He nailed Gaston Glad I saw him live on Broadway in Carousel and Into The Woods

[@xenathunder]

Wow he has a powerful lovely voice. It was so crystal clear. Great job!!! I was nostalgic seeing and hearing this.

[@aisukururimu7515]

This man right here is definitely the very best version of Gaston. I can't help but keep coming back here just to watch his portrayal of Gaston alone, it's just so damn perfect!

[@SandyDelMar42]

Joshua Henry makes any song perfect he has such a good voice

[@princess_tamia_25]

Joshua is amazing!! I loved him in Waitress as Dr. Pomatter last year. His range is amazing, and that dance break was solid.

[@spacebutterfly_]

Joshua Henry killed that! Choreo throughout was really good too.

[@jasonrobert3849]

Okay- the Broadway tours need to start switching up the diversity in the casts for this show cuz I’m all in on Black Gaston. He is fantastic.

[@Monique-im2wg]

Lol. He stole the show.

[@YOSSARIAN313]

​@@Monique-im2wgyeah looks more like gaston than the white twinks they usually cast

[@vampirelove75]

This cast is amazing and I love the costumes and staging (aside from the creepy beast puppet) I really wish they had done a full production of the musical with the extra songs.

[@popstar0585]

Same!!!! it would of been perfect it they would of used a beast costume like they do in the broadway version instead of a puppet. Besides that I loved it

[@quesoqueso7598]

Isn’t the beast supposed to be kinda unappealing?

[@carolynv8979]

The beast puppet still looks better than that fat-suit they have LeFou in 😒 his pants look inflated, and it’s clearly difficult to move around in.

[@louiesworld8265]

@@carolynv8979 They Should've had Josh Gad Reprise His Role of LeFou to Make this Better.

[@simonreyes9088]

"I really wish they had done a full production of the musical with the extra songs." Dude! Josh Groban singing "If I Can't Love Her" and HER singing "Home" and "A Change in Me" would've blown the house down.

[@MalleySimpson]

This is actually better than The Little Mermaid Live in my honest opinion.

[@-i_own_you_-]

Right

[@Menehune3461]

I agree!! This has that Disney quality shimmer on it

[@ashtoncguthrie]

Wasn’t hard to top that one

[@neptunie5171]

Wholeheartedly agree. I feel like for The Little Mermaid Live who they cast as Ariel wasn't the best vocal wise so it brought down the whole production imo. (She was fine voicing/singing as Moana but the musical numbers were very much tailored to her vocal capabilities). Added to this was also various other choices they made that made it feel lackluster.

[@luminousbanjo]

This was hilarious and so fun. Proof that you can always breathe new life into an old song.

[@katrinas8128]

This was amazing!!!! ❤

[@indievariety]

Never knew the name Joshua Henry but that man would make me choose Gaston 😳

[@timlester1867]

I guess you don't see too many Broadway shows. Josh has been in many different productions for at least a decade. Nominated for several Tonys.

[@karentecott640]

Joshua Henry can act almost any role and sing any style. He is remarkable.

[@AaronMeade-gj9pl]

It's the fact gastons big bulky voice works perfectly with leofous whimpering little voice it's comedy gold really 😂

[@YOSSARIAN313]

Thank Howard Ashman. RIP 😢😢

[@dublog4416]

He can sing, he can dance, he is Gaston!

[@JF-wn2yb]

They absolutely crushed the casting! I love it

[@Olivia-Little-Dove]

Joshua Henry is an absolute star 🔥

[@wildtk123]

This is better than the live action.

[@louiesworld8265]

Sorry but I Love Josh Gad's Live Action LeFou Better he embodied the character and sang better.

[@killerblademurderslasher8616]

​@@louiesworld8265 He really did I still think this Gaston is better. Gaston is more of a character than LeFou so I don't see why it matters

[@louiesworld8265]

@@killerblademurderslasher8616 I was talking about josh gad's LeFou. josh gad did better as LeFou with more of a character than just some comic relief

[@killerblademurderslasher8616]

@@louiesworld8265 The original guy isn't talking about LeFou tho. He's talking about the thing as a whole. LeFou is a side character. So whether or not he's the best in either show doesn't mean much at all.

[@thomaschristopherwhite9043]

It's crazy how much of that original movie's personality they captured.

[@YOSSARIAN313]

The original movies are intentionally designed to be animated broadway musicals it's really easy to transition to stage

[@Storm-iw7sm]

Not too knowledgeable on Broadway. But this dude’s voice is awesome! He killed it

[@Cajunish]

Ohhhh his voice gives me chills! And his acting is great

[@ilahmaecunanan2629]

I like Joshua Henry so much 😊😊😊😊

[@robynwilliams2859]

When he said “as you see I’ve got biceps to spare!!” I almost died 😂 Lord that man is swole 😅

[@birdkingcaw2492]

This is the live action we actually deserve

[@DemiSemme]

Optioning up is the only option, Joshua Henry CRUSHED IT.

[@domenicoangelopiotomeo7252]

I think this Is the best Gaston ever!!!

[@elainesarnecky182]

I happened upon this and fell in love with josh henry. Oh my God he was the best.Representation of gaston i've seen😊 Perfect choice

[@lazyazzdork]

Naaah Joshua Henry was born to play this role. He's perfect!!!

[@JimTerry-rw9pv]

What good acting and singing love it

[@beatricedunnavan4576]

Wonder if they let Joshua keep that picture of himself? If I was him, I'd keep it!

[@TheSarahBackwards]

I was Cogsworth in my high school production of B&tB and I loved that role, but I was always jealous of the chorus that got to be in this song😂 it looks so fun

[@zbotello1439]

Honestly… what a serve. Icon.

[@ve957]

Brilliant! Gaston and that choreography was amazing!!

[@captaintalon4485]

Seeing Gaston in this stage version makes me think they could've easily found a big dude who could sing for the live action movie

[@cloudambient]

in this one, he's black

[@oshikuru09]

Childhood objective complete. I just saw a stone cold stunner in beauty and the beast

[@Jonathan_Davis66]

Gaston giving Lefue a stunner made my day

[@Shyrden1]

My goodness Joshua Henry was the hottest version of Gaston ever! And his voice…*shiver*

[@greenarrow.]

This is way better than the 2017 live action movie

[@domenicoangelopiotomeo7252]

Yes ofc

[@multifandom5942]

Both r good

[@louiesworld8265]

Sorry, But I liked the 2017 Movie and Josh Gad as LeFou in it Hands Down.

[@domenicoangelopiotomeo7252]

I don' t like the 2017 movie / film i love this version

[@mao_hj_]

When your favorite actor plays favorite role😭💓 Joshua is killing it🫠💓💓💓💓💓 awesome

[@AutumnPeir]

OMG! He's the perfect Gaston!

[@shpei88]

Josh Henry stole the whole damn show! Would have liked to see him with Josh Gad’s LaFou though.

[@louiesworld8265]

Me too! Josh Gad should've reprised his role as LeFou for this Special since he's going to reprise his role for this upcoming Gaston and LeFou Prequel Series on Disney Plus, which I hope Gets back into Production by the upcoming new year 2023.

[@craigharvey-gurr337]

I now have a Broadway crush on Joshua Henry. ❤❤❤

[@MrsMayaMiami]

If I haven’t said it once ima say it again BLOWN AWAY

[@TheNMan64]

Two straight Live Shows where the actor/actress playing the villain hands down carried the show. I expect the same next year when they inevitably do Aladdin

[@eduardomantilla2143]

He perfectly portrays Gaston and hes got me swooning for him. The voice, the body, the confidence. I need my fainting couch. 😂

[@kylerobin6718]

that was fantastic!!! great casting choices!!!

[@jqsoul4667]

One of my absolute favorite Disney moments and they rocked it!

[@lacreatura9146]

1:56 A kick, stunner, and a chug of beer STONE COLD GASTON 💀🍻

[@youbelong2me]

LOL I'm so glad to see this comment. I was looking to see if anyone else caught it 😂

[@Pilutta100]

This is wonderful, and this is the first time I see Joshua since winning SYTYCD, very Merry Christmas to me ( and all)

[@Kpopk1ng]

I personally would’ve preferred Josh Gad as LeFou like he was in the live action version, but the guy who played him in this was kind of funny. However the guy who played Gaston was FANTASTIC

[@louiesworld8265]

Josh Gad Should've Reprised His role As LeFou for This Special to Begin With. 😔

[@propogandalf]

@@louiesworld8265 Nah, Rizwan was great

[@louiesworld8265]

@@propogandalf Rizwan Was Ok But he's Not as Good As Josh Gad. Josh Gad Played LeFou Better With More Depth, More Development, And A Proper Arc Of Him Realizing He made a Fool Out of Himself of Letting Gaston Use And Manipulate him in his Plans to Save his own Skin and What a Monster Gaston Was. No Body Can Play a Better Live Action LeFou than Josh Gad Hands Down.

[@propogandalf]

@@louiesworld8265 I'm not sure if you're aware but Josh Gad did not co-write the script for the film anymore than Rizwan did for this live performance. Neither of them are responsible for any character arc or development. Thus, that's no basis to judge the performance

[@louiesworld8265]

@@propogandalf Gad Played And Created The Character Exactly How He Wanted To Reinterpretate The Character! What makes you think he Didn't co write the Script anymore than Rizwan? The Original Was Nothing But a 1 Dimensional FLUNK While Gads Was A Well Developed Character. They Should've Made This LeFou Turn Against Gaston after Realizing he Fooled him and Others in the Village. If It wasn't For Gads LeFou, Disney Would NEVER make That Beauty And The Beast LeFou Redemption Sing Along Show At Epcot. News Flash Josh Gads LeFou Was Better.

[@goldviolinist1]

Bro did that role so well

[@sofianavarrete4231]

AMAZING

[@chrisbetsy898]

Who is this Joshua Henry and why isn't he everywhere all the time? Good Heavens what a performance. He wins Gaston, hands down.

[@MadBoyChes]

1:57 I would like to start a petition that every version of this song should include a stone cold stunner 😂

[@VictoriousSage]

My brother also picked up on that!🤣

[@palomavonwood3423]

One of my favorite performances♥️♥️ Amazing !!

[@ericaceous1652]

Joshua Henry killing it here. Fantastic vocals and great stage presence The Lefou chap puts in a fun performance, but he sounds pitch corrected to heck

[@kikiiovesmusic10]

Omg I’m so sad I missed it because this was incredible!!! I couldn’t picture a more perfect Gaston!!!

[@kellyj3806]

This is soooooo awesome love it, the diversity of the cast, and Gaston is so likable and talented❤

[@EdwardSanchezProductions]

Joshua Henry killed it as Gaston

[@earlgaytea]

joshua henry was obviously having fun playing gaston and it was such fun watching him in this as well!

[@djkingatlas4642]

Yeah, he nailed it! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@georgeberry1753]

And so every musical continues the heighten the notes that every character sings.

[@sillynah_8]

this was my fave part

[@cloudambient]

in this one, he's black

[@msanjelica]

@@cloudambient Good job, Nancy Drew. You figure that out on your own?

[@cloudambient]

@@msanjelica I'm just letting you know

[@msanjelica]

@@cloudambient Whatever would we do without you. 🙄

[@Webb_Studios]

That grin spreading across his face as the rest of the bar joins in was incredible.

[@do9532-e1e]

That Dance Number!!🔥🔥

[@eloisaaranguiz6176]

I like how there's always domeone to catch lefou when he's knocked down , at least peapole care a little about him in this version

[@Rosannasfriend]

These two actors are Canadians, add that to Shania Twain and Martin short, this was practically a Canadian production!

[@Independenceweare]

He pulled it off 😁💯

[@adrianTCH]

DIOOOOSSSSS que buen gaston

[@mariasullivan2281]

Joshua Henry is *fans myself* he was FANTASTIC! Everyone was!!! Fantastic job everyone!