“DWTS ”Will Celebrate Decades of Disney on Broadway with Performances by Sherri Shepherd, Heather Headley and More (Exclusive)

**Dancing with the Stars Celebrates Disney on Broadway with Spectacular Episode**

The popular television show “Dancing with the Stars” (DWTS) is set to pay tribute to Disney’s illustrious Broadway history during a special episode airing on Monday, November 2. This year’s Disney Night promises to be a memorable celebration, featuring a range of live performances from some of Broadway’s biggest stars, including actress and comedian Sherri Shepherd and Tony Award-winning singer Heather Headley. The episode will also welcome acclaimed performer Cynthia Erivo as a guest judge, adding to the glitz and glamour of the night.

As part of this unique celebration, the competition’s eight remaining celebrity contestants will showcase their dance skills while performing routines inspired by beloved Disney songs. The line-up includes hits from iconic productions such as “The Lion King,” “Aida,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Hamilton.” Back by popular demand will be the show’s team dances, promising a high-energy evening filled with both competition and entertainment.

Disney Night has become a beloved fixture on DWTS, with fans eagerly awaiting the opportunity to enjoy choreographed dances centred around Disney’s enchanting characters and films. This year, producers are taking the festivities a step further by incorporating a theatrical flair, spotlighting the magic of Disney’s Broadway legacy through live performances from prominent stage actors.

The excitement began during last week’s episode, where details about the Broadway-themed evening were revealed. Among the stars set to perform is Headley, who will commence the event with a powerful rendition of “Circle of Life,” alongside fellow performers Selloane Nkhela and the cast of “The Lion King.” Famous for her portrayal of Nala in the original Broadway production, Headley expressed her joy at showcasing this iconic piece. “I am singing something that I have never sung before. It’ll be a lot of fun to tackle it and represent the show,” she said.

Kyra Belle Johnson, currently playing Belle in the national tour of “Beauty and the Beast,” will also take the spotlight, delivering the musical’s opening number, “Belle,” with the DWTS professional dancers. The opening medley will introduce numbers such as “Seize the Day” from “Newsies,” and “The Greatest Show” from “The Greatest Showman,” with additional highlights from other Broadway productions interspersed throughout the evening.

Headley is not the sole Broadway talent partaking in the episode. Throughout the evening, she is scheduled to return for various additional performances, including “Easy as Life” from “Aida,” which will accompany dances by Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik. She will also perform “I See the Light” from “Tangled,” while Johnson will wow audiences with “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” from “Mary Poppins” during a special dance number featuring Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson.

Michael James Scott, renowned for his portrayal of the Genie in “Aladdin,” will join the festivities with a performance of “Under the Sea” from “The Little Mermaid”, while Rodney Ingram will lend his voice to “Be Our Guest” from “Beauty and the Beast” for Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy’s routine. Shepherd, now making headlines as the first female Genie in Broadway’s “Aladdin,” will also perform “Friend Like Me,” captivating the audience with her rendition.

Returning contestants, including Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov, as well as star couple Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas, will infuse their routines with the Disney spirit, bringing a variety of well-known Disney songs to life. Notably, Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa will bring a paso doble to the stage with “Satisfied” from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton,” demonstrating the show’s ability to bridge different genres and styles.

In an exciting twist, the episode will revive the fan-favourite team dances, dividing participants into two competing groups. Team Slaytopia, led by celebrity captain Tatyana Ali, will challenge Team Wildcats, whose leader is Connor Wood. This competitive aspect, along with the performances, promises an evening rich with entertainment as viewers witness the magic of Disney melded with the thrills of dance.

Headley reflected on her deep connection to “The Lion King,” which has seen great success since its debut in 1997. “It’s a rare air to be a part of that kind of history. It’s given me more than I could ever imagine,” she commented, highlighting the enduring legacy and influence of the original production, which continues to captivate audiences globally.

As anticipation builds for this unique themed episode, fans can look forward to a night filled with unforgettable performances and a celebration of Disney’s profound impact on Broadway. “Dancing with the Stars” will go live on November 2 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, with the episode also available for streaming on Hulu the following day.