Anika Noni Rose in ‘Princess and the Frog’

Tiana is certainly not the typical fairy-tale princess. Her daydreams are not of faraway kingdoms or castles in the clouds, but of personal success, in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ comedy musical “The Princess and the Frog.” Her voice, and essentially her soul, is provided by new actress Anika Noni Rose who is best known for her memorable performance in 2006’s Oscar-winning “Dreamgirls.”

Tiana is an attractive and independent African-American woman, hardworking and strong-willed, but still a loving and loyal friend and a compassionate soul. She treasures her mother and holds her father near and dear to her heart, and although she knows the way won’t be easy, she believes that she can achieve her ambitions if she works hard enough.

In her sensible pursuit of her life’s goals, however, Tiana doesn’t really appreciate what is happening on her way to them. She can never simply slow down and enjoy herself. She has no time for romance, and is certainly not about to waste her time mooning over men – let alone kissing any frogs.

Supervising animator Mark Henn, who is behind Disney heroines Ariel (“The Little Mermaid”), Belle (“Beauty and the Beast”) and Jasmine (“Aladdin”), found Tiana particularly appealing. “I think you can more easily identify with her, or want to cheer her on. Our animated leading ladies have evolved over the decades, from just being ‘princesses in peril’ like Snow White – characters to whom events happen, rather than figures of action motivating their own story. It was an easy character to fall in love with and get in her corner. Tiana has her own motivating desire, and decisions that drive her and make her interesting and sympathetic.”

For the voice of Tiana, the filmmakers called on Tony Award winner Anika Noni Rose, who fulfills a lifelong ambition with the role. “I can honestly say that this is a dream come true for me. Since I was a little kid, I wanted to work for Disney – and I didn’t need to be the princess. I would have been a tick or a flea!” she says. “I’m glad that I was able to be here at the right time for this to happen. It’s a blessing, an honor and a joy.”

Opening today (Feb. 3) across the Philippines, “The Princess and the Frog” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International.